Former Teacher Leads Cambridge’s Bluebikes and Bike Education Programs: Profile on Community Development's Tenzin Choephel

As the Active Transportation Coordinator for the Community Development Department, Tenzin Choephel’s roles span everything from Bluebikes operations, bicycle education for Cambridge youth, grant writing, and much more.

A “huge advocate for transportation equity,” Choephel is proud that his work reaches so many people and appreciates how hard Cambridge works as a city to create access to transportation opportunities.

“Bluebikes is such an affordable option, especially with the income eligible memberships that we offer,” Choephel said. “When we put out a new Bluebikes station, there are people lined up to use the station once it’s installed. It almost gives you chills because it shows people really care about this. People reach out to us and tell us ‘It’s amazing that there’s a station right by my apartment now,’ Or ‘I don’t have to drive every day.’”

Prior to joining the City of Cambridge, Choephel was a technology teacher in Boston. He has always been excited about working with students and appreciated the impact teachers made on his life. Outside of the classroom, Choephel enjoyed biking around the greater Cambridge area.  

When a job posting for Active Transportation Coordinator opened up in Cambridge, Choephel viewed it as a natural fit for his skills and interest. He went on to join the team in December 2022.

“Two of the things I love most are biking and education,” he said.  

The City of Cambridge is proud to offer bicycle education workshops throughout the year, free to those who work or live in Cambridge. All classes are paid for by the City of Cambridge and every participant receives one free helmet each year.

Choephel is the City lead for the Safe Routes to School on-bike training program, which provides youth education in all Cambridge public elementary and middle schools: 2nd grade pedestrian training, 4th grade classroom bicycle training, and 6th grade on-road bicycle training. The pedestrian lessons teach the importance of safe walking behaviors and the basic elements of pedestrian infrastructure. The bicycle safety lesson includes how to correctly fit a helmet, rules of the road, safely navigating intersections and roadway obstructions, and basic bicycle maintenance.

Blending his past as a teacher with his current responsibilities, Tenzin particularly enjoys helping children who are newer riders.  

“I've taught so many students how to ride a bike,” said Choephel. “Some of the sweetest moments I've ever encountered in my work involve students who know how to bike and their friends don't. They're cheering them on from the sidelines and want their friends to succeed, so they can all bike to the park together. When it clicks, it’s awesome.”

If you have just moved here to Cambridge, want to become a cyclist, learn more about bike safety, need a helmet, or want to talk Bluebikes or bicycling, Tenzin looks forward to connecting with you. Email him anytime at tchoephel@cambridgema.gov.