Norm Johnson: A Superstar Salem Bike Safety Volunteer

Norm Johnson stands out as a volunteer for a lot of reasons. He is tall. He is retired from Counter Intelligence in the Military Defense Service. He enjoys fencing, biking, and throwing the discus. His other volunteer activities include bike park patrols for Parks and Rec. Most of all, Norm stands out because he has been volunteering for the BTA’s Bike Safety Education program in Salem for ten years, and he volunteers EVERY DAY during Bike Safety Education season.

Most volunteers help out on the last day of the program for the “community ride”, a fun ride in the neighborhood. But Norm dedicates a full 10 hours every week to helping out BTA instructor Robert Fox during all the bike safety programs in Salem. He coaches students, he sets up playground and low traffic intersection drills, he helps students make safe choices during drills, he adjusts helmets, he fixes bikes, and much more.

Last week I had the opportunity to speak to Norm about his involvement with the BTA’s bike safety program. “I’m here because I want to be here. I want to do something with merit,” Norm commented after 30 smiling students return to their classroom following 2 hours of rainy bike safety. “It’s not just a bike rodeo, it’s teaching students how to make decisions. It is part of the maturing process.”

When asked about ideas for improving the program, no hesitiation: “Get parents more involved!” After a few more questions Norm’s deadpan sense of humor bubbled to the surface. “My favorite part of volunteering is lunchtime, when I can read my book. I especially enjoy teacher appreciation day, when there is food in the teacher’s lounge.” He smiles. “The best part is the community ride.”

Norm would like to give a big shout out to Santiam Bicycle, a local bike shop in Salem. Santiam Bicycle provides storage space for the bike fleet and tools, and offers replacement parts at a discount. So here you go, Norm. THANK YOU SANTIAM BICYCLE IN SALEM!

And thank you, Norm, for all your help teaching thousands of young cyclists in Salem for the past 10 years and counting!