Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) Commissioners

David Ralston

Commission Chair

Email Address: daoudra1@gmail.com

David works as a policy advisor for the Bay Area Air District, where he focuses on land-use planning that promotes public health and equity, environmental justice policy, and community engagement around the design and implementation of green infrastructure.

He previously worked as a strategic planner and urban economic analyst for the City of Oakland's Redevelopment Agency, where he helped advance key bicycle and pedestrian projects such as Fruitvale Alive, the Laurel-to-Mills access project, and the San Leandro/Lisjan Creek Greenway. 

David is passionate about collaborating with local community and neighborhood groups to help build a grassroots-led, interconnected citywide "green network" that reflects the culture and diversity of Oakland.

An avid bicyclist and hiker, David lives in District 2 and can also be found at Lake Merritt or relaxing at home with his family. 

Nick Whipps

Commission Vice-Chair

Email Address: nwhipps@oaklandca.gov

Nick lives in District 6 and joined the BPAC in January 2022. He is passionate about bicycle and pedestrian equity and safety issues, especially in Deep East Oakland.

Priyanka Altman

Commissioner

Email Address: priyankaaltman@gmail.com

Priyanka is an avid pedestrian and cyclist who joined the BPAC in 2024. Living car-free in Oakland, she is committed to making the city's streets safer and more enjoyable for all users.

When she's not meeting with the BPAC, Priyanka serves as a board member of Walk Oakland Bike Oakland, plays violin in the Oakland Civic Orchestra, and runs with the Oakland Track Club. You can often find her - rain or shine - strolling around Adam's Point and Lake Merritt with her dog, Molly. 

Kirsten Flagg

Commissioner

Kirsten has proudly called Oakland home since 2011. She's grateful to live in a city with strong social justice roots, vibrant and diverse communities, as well as tons of natural beauty - and she's excited to give back by joining the BPAC.

As a mother, cyclist, and healthcare provider, Kirsten is particularly passionate about the BPAC's work to ensure equitable access to bike and pedestrian friendly streets. 

Kirsten currently lives in East Oakland with her husband, kid, mom, dog, and seven chickens in East Oakland. She can be found biking to her work at a community clinic, getting dirty in her garden, or jogging around the neighborhood.

Grey Gardner

Commissioner

Email Address: greybpac@gmail.com

Grey is a District 2 Oakland resident living in the Eastlake area. Having commuted to work by bike for over twenty years, he is eager to see Oakland's roads become increasingly safer and more comfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians.

With more than a decade of experience as a public defender, Grey now works nationally on drug policy and criminal-justice reform issues.

Jimmy Jessup

Commissioner

Email Address: jwjessup@gmail.com

Jimmy grew up in Western Colorado and holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Rice University, as well as a master's degree in Urban Planning from Texas Southern University.

In March 2024, Jimmy joined the BPAC. His dedication to serving the needs of all transportation users has been shaped by his experiences living and working in numerous European countries and American regions.

Jimmy loves nothing more than a brisk morning jog or an exploratory cycle ride through the city; taking in the street activity as it begins to come to life. 

Alexander Perry

Commissioner

Email Address: alex.prry@gmail.com

Alex was born and raised in Alabama before relocating to West Oakland. After becoming disabled in 2023, he shifted his focus to advocacy work, drawing from his background as a labor and transit community organizer, as well as his experience being a founding member of the Tuscaloosa Pizza Crew Bicycle Club.

Alex is a firm believer that given its climate and topography, there is no reason Oakland can't be the most bicycle and pedestrian friendly city in the country. As a commissioner, he aims to push back against discriminatory policymaking and foster effective communication between grassroots organizers and city decision-makers. 

In his spare time, Alex volunteers at his local bike co-op, fixes vintage electronics, and spends quality time with his idiot cats. 

Patricia Schader

Commissioner

Patricia grew up in East Oakland and current resides in Deep East Oakland. 

When she first moved back to the neighborhood, the first thing she noticed was the lack of infrastructure. As an avid cyclist and runner, she found it frustrating that she had to drive elsewhere to ride her bike. However, she observed that other parts of Oakland had great bike lanes, walking paths, and wide sidewalks; spaces where children could safely enjoy biking and outdoor activities.  

Patricia joined the BPAC to advocate for equity and equality for underprivileged residents and at-risk children in East Oakland by pushing for improved infrastructure. 

Dianne Yee

Commissioner

Email Address: yee.bpac@gmail.com

Dianne is a transportation planner who grew up in the East Bay. She attended UC San Diego where she experienced how suburban land uses and limited transportation choices are unsustainable and inconvenient. She continued her studies at Portland State University where she earned her master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning. 

Afterward, Dianne returned to Oakland to serve her community, as the Bay Area is where she calls home.