Introduce yourself!
Hi, I’m Jack Ketchum. I’m originally from north Phoenix, Scottsdale area, but I’ve been living in Tempe for the past ten years. I moved here to attend ASU and fell in love with the area. Tempe’s bikeable infrastructure and its more urban feel really stood out compared to the suburban environment I grew up in. Over time, I’ve become deeply involved in advocating for better streets and biking infrastructure in the community.
What was your ‘Urbanism by chance’ moment?
My “Urbanism by chance” moment happened after the pandemic when I started noticing how cities are built and questioning how we move around them. One big influence was reading about Culdesac Tempe, a car-free community being built here. That made me ask myself, “Could I go car-free?” It sent me down a rabbit hole of podcasts and resources, like “Not Just Bikes” and “The War on Cars,” which really opened my eyes to better ways we could build cities. It made me realize how much car culture has shaped our urban landscape and inspired me to work toward changing that.
Bike Tempe
You are currently the president of the Tempe Bicycle Action Group. How did you initially get involved with the group?
I’d been biking around Tempe ever since I came to ASU, and I always noticed those little “TBAG” stickers (Tempe Bicycle Action Group). After the pandemic, I became more aware of urbanism and wanted to get involved in advocacy. I started attending city council meetings to learn how things worked and eventually joined TBAG’s board meetings. They’re open to the public, and after going a few times, I just kept coming back. Now it’s been almost three years since I first got involved!
How has the organization been able to advocate for safer streets to bike on? Can you share any examples of successes and struggles?
Advocating for safer streets has been a mix of successes and struggles. Tempe Bicycle Action Group has a history dating back to 2007, and over the years, members have made real impacts, like converting old highway-like streets into more bike-friendly spaces with bike lanes. For example, Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard used to be state highways but now accommodate cyclists.
A recent success we’re proud of was during the local election cycle. We hosted a “candidate forum” focused on transportation, where we invited city council candidates to engage with the biking community. We also organized “Election Cycles,” group rides where candidates could meet bike advocates. That built relationships with decision-makers and encouraged pro-biking policies. But, as you can imagine, there are always challenges—attending city council meetings often feels like pushing against resistance to change.
How does “bike racks for business” work, and how can other bike groups or communities learn from it?
“Bike Racks for Business” is a program where we help local businesses install bike racks at cost. We started this years ago, and recently, we even repurposed surplus bike racks from ASU. Businesses can reach out, and we help them figure out the best rack style and placement. Sometimes we even powder-coat the racks to match their needs.
If other communities want to replicate this, I’d say start small: source bike racks, connect with local businesses, and find volunteers willing to help. Grants could also make it easier, as we’ve considered applying for one ourselves to cover costs completely. It’s a simple but impactful way to make biking more accessible.
Explain what bike valet is and how Bike Tempe offers it for events.
Bike valet is like a coat check, but for bikes! At big events like festivals at Tempe Beach Park, we set up a secure area where attendees can leave their bikes. We give them a ticket, watch over their bikes, and match the ticket to their bike when they come back. It’s free and takes the stress out of finding a safe place to park.
Our busiest event is Innings Fest, where we’ve parked up to 200 bikes in a single day. It’s rewarding to see how much easier we can make it for people to bike to these events.
How does bike valet build community?
Bike valet creates a sense of belonging for cyclists. When people see there’s an option to bike to events, it encourages them to try it and shows they’re supported. For volunteers, it’s a great way to connect with others, share stories, and see some really cool bikes. It’s all about fostering a culture where biking is celebrated and appreciated.
Rapid Fire
Favorite Bike?
Definitely my Brompton folding bike, it’s electric! I love how compact and portable it is. It’s what I use to get to the office during the cooler months. Plus, it’s always a conversation starter when people see it fold up.
Favorite Biking Route?
I love biking along the Greenbelt and connecting to the canals. My wife and I usually ride from Tempe Town Lake, head north through Scottsdale, and then loop back through Papago Park. It’s off-street, scenic, and so relaxing.
Favorite Bike Valet event?
It’s a tie between Innings Fest and the Second Sundays events in downtown Tempe. Innings Fest is hectic but impactful since we park hundreds of bikes. On the other hand, Second Sundays are smaller and more laid-back, which gives me more opportunities to talk to people and promote biking.
Urbanism
How did you go from having a passion and love for cars to shifting your focus toward creating more walkable streets and biking?
Growing up in suburban Phoenix, cars were central to life. I was excited to get my driver’s permit at 16, and my first car, a 1983 Jeep CJ7, was a dream manual windows, removable doors, and all. I even went to car shows with friends and loved the culture.
But over time, I started thinking differently. I realized how car dependency limits freedom and how much better life feels when you can get around by bike or on foot. The pandemic heightened this awareness, and I began to see how much more connected and sustainable a walkable, bikeable lifestyle could be.
What makes a good walkable street to you?
A good walkable street is one that feels alive, it has interesting things going on, like shops, trees, and other people walking. For example, walking down Mill Avenue in Tempe feels engaging because there’s so much activity. On the other hand, walking along a suburban arterial road with fast cars and setbacks is exhausting. Human-scale design, greenery, and vibrant businesses make all the difference.
From your perspective as a neighborhood president, how can neighborhoods play a role in encouraging better urbanism in our community?
As the neighborhood chair for my association in Tempe, I’ve seen how important it is to build connections with neighbors. It starts with small conversations about traffic calming or making streets more pleasant for walking. Most people don’t want fast cars speeding through their neighborhoods, so it’s an easy starting point.
One initiative I’m proud of is a project to paint murals in the bike lanes along Hardy Drive. It’s helped neighbors see the potential for improvement and encouraged conversations about making the area safer and more inviting.
What are some things, both good and bad, happening in your city related to urbanism?
Tempe’s 2050 General Plan is a big step forward. It outlines long-term goals for increased density and better transportation policies. However, it faced significant pushback, and some areas that could’ve been zoned for mixed-use development stayed commercial. It’s a reminder of how resistant people can be to change, even when it benefits the broader community.
On the downside, the failed Coyotes Arena project highlighted the challenges of balancing big development plans with community concerns. While it could’ve revitalized a contaminated area near Tempe Town Lake, there was significant skepticism about the developer and its impact.
How can open streets influence people to become more active in urbanism? (Explain open streets for those who are unfamiliar)
Open streets are events where streets are temporarily closed to cars and opened to people—pedestrians, cyclists, families. The concept started in Bogota, Colombia, in the 1970s as “Ciclovía” and has since spread worldwide. These events let people experience streets differently and see their potential beyond being car-centric spaces.
Tempe Bicycle Action Group is hosting its first Open Streets event on April 13th, inspired by similar events in Tucson. It’s an exciting way to engage the community and reimagine how we use our public spaces.
A Snapshot of the Jack
How has photography influenced your views on cities?
Photography has taught me to see the world differently. I started with landscapes and nature photography but later became interested in documenting urban environments. Movements like “New Topographics” inspired me to look critically at the banal aspects of cities, like sprawling parking lots and suburban developments. Through photography, I’ve realized how much the built environment shapes our daily lives and what we might want to improve.
How do you feel about the future of technology in our cities?
I’m optimistic about technology’s potential to improve cities. Things like advanced 311 systems make it easier to report issues and stay informed.
Do you look back at your photography and see places that have since been developed? Do you feel these changes have been good or bad?
Yes, I do. For instance, I’ve taken photos of construction sites in my grandparents’ suburban neighborhood in Kansas City. Those sites are now rows of single-family homes. Sprawl often replaces natural spaces, but at the same time, I understand the need for housing. It highlights the importance of compact, sustainable development to reduce unnecessary sprawl.
Where do you see yourself playing a role in your city in the next five years?
I see myself continuing to advocate for better biking infrastructure and more walkable streets in Tempe. Whether through Tempe Bicycle Action Group or my neighborhood association, I hope to push for projects that make our city more accessible and connected. I’d also love to help expand programs like Open Streets and initiatives like Bike Racks for Business.
Conclusion
Does Bike Tempe have any exciting events coming this year?
Yes! The biggest one we’re excited about is Tempe’s first Open Streets event on April 13th. It’s been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled to bring this vision to life. We’re also continuing with our regular programs like bike valet at events and working on more community rides.
Is there anything I may have missed that you would like to bring up?
One thing I’d emphasize is how much of a difference small actions can make. Whether it’s attending a city council meeting, volunteering for bike valet, or advocating for better infrastructure, every little bit counts. We’re all part of the change we want to see!
If there’s anything you’re currently working on, feel free to share it with us here! How can our listeners support your work or get involved?
Right now, we’re focused on expanding bike infrastructure and engaging the community through events like Open Streets. Listeners can support us by volunteering, attending our events, or spreading the word about biking and urbanism. If you’re in Tempe, come to one of our board meetings or reach out to learn how you can help!
