Board Member Michael Santero
Affordable housing and great biking are close to home
Board Member Michael Santero loves to travel (during non-COVID times), and not just for the typical reasons. His favorite part? “When I travel, I love seeing transit systems. I love seeing how people get around. To me, that’s how you bump into different neighborhoods, by exploring transit.”
Lucky for us, his passion for transportation doesn’t end when the suitcase gets unpacked. “I’ve done my commute by scooter, bike share, BART, and Amtrak. I love alternative transportation. Biking is one out of many great options for car-free travel.” When it comes to making transit accessible, Michael has his sights set close to home — literally. In addition to chairing the Bike East Bay advocacy committee, Michael helps to build and manage affordable housing in San Jose as the Director of Asset Management for First Community Housing.
“There’s a big overlap between available affordable housing and having quality transportation and bike infrastructure,” says Michael. “For example, there’s a big push to get people to bike and walk to school, but when housing is expensive, teachers and students have to commute long distances, and biking is no longer an option.” Enough affordable housing, available so that people can stay within biking and public transit distance, is key. Bike East Bay has worked in partnership with affordable housing groups to provide free education classes and advocate for better bike infrastructure around developments. Michael also promotes sustainable transportation options within the affordable housing units, offering bus and light rail passes for all tenants, ensuring plentiful bike storage options, and expanding free bike giveaways.
On the Bike East Bay board of directors, Michael has helped to coordinate tours of great bike infrastructure in the East Bay. No need to hop on a plane to see visionary bike lanes: they’re right here at home! Michael has worked with board members and local advocacy groups to lead rides in Alameda, Richmond, and Pleasant Hill. These tours, led by local advocates, help community stakeholders learn more about what innovations are possible in their cities. “We can see what works,” says Michael, “and we can hear from Bike East Bay advocacy staff about what it took to get the infrastructure on the ground.”
Michael is passionate about the big picture vision that lives close to home: affordable housing so everyone can live nearby fantastic biking and transportation options.
