Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) Commissioners

Chair Nick Whipps

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Nick Whipps

Commission Chair

Email Address: whipps.nicholas@gmail.com

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.

Vice Chair Jimmy Jessup

Jimmy Jessup

Commission Vice Chair

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.

Commissioner Tonya Love

Tonya Love

Commissioner

Email Address: tdlove5@gmail.com

Tonya is a mission-driven public health and policy professional with over 15 years of experience advancing equity through government, nonprofit, and grassroots channels. She began her first term on Oakland’s BPAC in January 2026.

Tonya served as Chief of Staff for Oakland City Councilmember Carroll Fife, where one of her focuses was to increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. From managing teams and legislative agendas in the Oakland City Council and California State Assembly, to building health education programs for Black families and community-based organizations, she brings a deep commitment to creating systems that prioritize wellness, justice, and access.

Commissioner Jesse Olsen

Jesse Olsen

Commissioner

Jesse is an Oakland native and District 5 resident who joined the BPAC in January 2026. He is an avid cyclist who bikes in the greater East Bay most days, and bikes every week. When not biking, he helps to run Biketopia, a non-profit bicycle co-op that seeks to teach bike repair skills, with locations in both Berkeley and Emeryville. Jesse has served on the Emeryville BPAC since 2023, and is currently the Chair. He also is a regular ride leader and bike DJ for East Bay Bike Party, known as "the lamp guy". He holds a master's degree in Aquatic Ecology from Virginia Tech, and a bachelor's degree in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries science from SUNY-ESF.

Commissioner Alexander Perry

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.

Commissioner Shayda Rager

Shayda Rager

Commissioner

Email Address: shaydarager@gmail.com

Shayda is a District 2 homeowner and seasoned transportation planner who joined the BPAC in January 2026. Whether it's walking her dog around Lake Merritt or utilizing the 19th Street bike valet for her commute, the gems of Oakland drive Shayda's dedication to high-quality street infrastructure that maximizes neighborhood connectivity. She also brings over a decade of experience from the SFMTA where she has been instrumental on various bicycle and pedestrian quick-build and capital projects as well as curb management plans.

Shayda holds a master’s degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s in Geography/Environmental Studies from UCLA. As a Persian-American woman with a project management background, she aims to champion safe, practical, equitable, and sustainable transportation solutions for all of Oakland.

Commissioner David Ralston

David Ralston

Commissioner

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.

Commissioner Denise Schmidt

Denise Schmidt

Commissioner

Email Address: denise.bpac@gmail.com

Denise is an avid e-biker and retired librarian, who joined the BPAC in 2026. She previously worked at the San Francisco Public Library for 25 years, relying on BART to reach the West Bay. Today, she can be spotted on her bike, where she runs errands and cruises along Skyline Boulevard to enjoy the beautiful views.

Denise first arrived in the Bay Area in 1982 to attend UC Berkeley. She then received her Master's in Library Science from University of Washington, before moving to Oakland's District 4 in 1999.