board of directors
Bikeology Guild of Canada is 100% volunteer-powered thanks to our working board of directors.
Meet our Board Members
Heather Young-Leslie (she/her)
President
A bicycle user since age 10, I became a fietsster/urban cyclist in 2011. That year a serious injury made walking any distance difficult, but I found that pedalling my bike worked like physio and riding allowed me to get to work, socialize with my friends, and reduce my environmental impact.
I became an all season bicycle commuter when Stantec sponsored Edmonton's initial downtown bike grid, and the city plowed it all winter. The thrill of winterbiking, especially the sound of tires on fresh snow, was so unexpected! I became an advocate for women's urban cycling partly in response to the ignorance of drivers and legislators who seemed to believe — contrary to the actual legislation — that all streets were soley the domain of cars.
I have stayed a fietsster because of the major cost savings, ease of transportation, reduced environmental impact, wonderful community, and most of all the absolute freedom that my bicycle provides.
Sarah Rebryna (she/they)
Vice President/Website Manager
Born and raised in Edmonton, I've been riding on two wheels since I was five years old. I’ve been a year-round cyclist for about a decade now. A lot of people still think this is shocking, but it really isn’t. In fact, it’s quite practical. I choose to cycle-commute because it is the healthier choice for my body and the environment; and I can reach my destinations quicker by bike than by taking transit (yes, really!).
I’m obsessed with all things cats! =^!^= I have two tuxedo boys, and they are my life. My other interests include: going on fun bike rides with friends and participating in various cycling events (Ride of the Fancy Women, critical masses, bike drag races, etc.); vector-based graphic design and website building; plants; various crafts/sewing; and mostly staying at home because I’m an introvert.
Social activism, focused on the environment and human rights, has been my driving force for as long as I can remember. As such, I am excited to be one of the founding members of the Bikeology Guild of Canada. Edmonton has an amazing cycling community and I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Serena Tang (she/her)
Secretary
Isla (Tanaka) Lewis (she/her)
Treasurer
I have been an avid Edmonton fietsster/urban cyclist since the 1980s, when I began riding from home in the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood to McNally High School. Those fall and spring commutes were partly inspired by local environmental activist Tooker Gomberg, and included the beautiful Mill Creek Ravine and not-so-beautiful 98th Avenue hill. I continued to cycle: to the U of A, first as a student then as a staff member; and with my two children, on a bike seat and in a trailer, then on a trail-behind bike, and finally with them pedalling under their own power. I must say, bike lanes have changed cycling in this city for the better!
I didn’t start cycling in the winter until later, when I was Edmonton’s Winter City Planner. I decided that I had to practise what I preached, so I bought studded tires in 2016 and haven’t looked back since! I’m also a board member of the Winter Cycling Federation, helping to promote and support winter cycling internationally.
Some of my favourite cycling activities include riding to meet friends, taking our corgi to the park in the trailer (though I’m not sure she’s always thrilled with the ride!), and bringing our Christmas tree home in the trailer for our annual #treebybike excursion.
Sandra Gaherty (she/her)
Director-at-Large
Having moved to Edmonton from Scotland in 2010, I started bike commuting in 2011 after the birth of my second son, as a way to fit in some exercise and fresh air around my work as an engineer and parenting. When a coworker said ‘you’ll never keep it up in winter’ I was determined to prove him wrong. And the rest is history… sort of!
Having 2 young kids really motivated me to find ways to avoid driving places. Watching the documentary ‘Motherload’ 12 years later with my son (thanks letsbikethereyeg!) got the emotions going!
When I separated from my kids’ dad 11 years ago I decided to try a car free lifestyle. I have not looked back.
I was never a cyclist, just a mum who wants a more active healthy lifestyle for myself and my kids.
I love Edmonton’s biking community! People say ‘no one bikes in winter’ or ‘no one bikes in Edmonton’ but we do! We are here and we are growing! Originally from Edinburgh, I do wonder if we are lucky here because it is flat? But then…. the river valley! Yegbikers are fun, resilient, and joyful because we know the truth. Bike commuting is the best part of our day!
I am so excited to be a Director of Bikeology. As a past board member of Paths for People, and current Vice President of The Tomorrow Foundation, I look forward to working with all these great Edmonton orgs doing great things.
Chandra McQuarrie
Director-at-Large
Board Member History
2025-26
Karly Coleman, Secretary
Sarah Rebryna, Treasurer
Isla (Tanaka) Lewis, Director
Sandra Gaherty, Director