Girmawi — Megan O'Connell

The Educator

Girmawi James work with the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative to teach inner-city youth how to bike commute safely in Austin. Hover over the photos to read about Girmawi.

Girmawi James works with the Ghisallo Foundation, teaching inner-city youth how to safely ride bikes around the city of Austin. He thinks the city needs to improve cycling education for cyclists and drivers so that both residents and tourists can ge… — Girmawi James works with the Ghisallo Foundation, teaching inner-city youth how to safely ride bikes around the city of Austin. He thinks the city needs to improve cycling education for cyclists and drivers so that both residents and tourists can get around safely on bikes. Metz Elementary School, November 28, 2016.

Girmawi is an avid cyclist around Austin and in addition to working with the Ghisallo Foundation, he rides pedicabs downtown. He said he finds the relationship between cyclists and drivers in the city to be very poor, which is disturbing considering… — Girmawi is an avid cyclist around Austin and in addition to working with the Ghisallo Foundation, he rides pedicabs downtown. He said he finds the relationship between cyclists and drivers in the city to be very poor, which is disturbing considering that most drivers in Austin are or know cyclists. Metz Elementary School, November 28, 2016.

These kids do not have their own bikes, but can earn one through the foundation's earn-a-bike program. Girmawi thinks bike commuting to school could be a viable option for youth in the city if they receive education about bike commuting through orga… — These kids do not have their own bikes, but can earn one through the foundation's earn-a-bike program. Girmawi thinks bike commuting to school could be a viable option for youth in the city if they receive education about bike commuting through organizations like the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative and know how to handle the road. Metz Elementary School, November 28, 2016.

Girmawi works with the kids on a broad set of skills, such as balance, hand signalling, and looking over their shoulders before they are allowed to go on road rides. He thinks that Austin in bike-friendly, but it does take a lot of awareness when on… — Girmawi works with the kids on a broad set of skills, such as balance, hand signalling, and looking over their shoulders before they are allowed to go on road rides. He thinks that Austin in bike-friendly, but it does take a lot of awareness when on the road with cars, so these kids need to be extra prepared. Metz Elementary School, November 28, 2016.