A Richmond resident named Maria and known widely as “Downhill Diva” has been named the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) 2026 Bike Champion of the Year for Contra Costa County.
Each year, the MTC recognizes one champion from each of the nine Bay Area counties for going above and beyond to inspire others to ride. The agency describes Maria as a “force of nature” in the East Bay cycling scene. Last year alone, she led or helped manage over 70 group rides.
She organizes and leads rides for several groups, including Bikes Burgers Brews, Red Bike and Green Oakland, East Bay Bike Party, and Major Taylor Bay Area Cycling Club. She also serves as a marshal for various rides on Thursday nights, first Fridays, and weekends.
Maria started cycling 16 years ago to improve her health. When she began, she noticed that the cycling community often felt exclusive and did not always reflect her own background. This motivated her to become a certified League Cycling Instructor and create spaces where people of all races, body sizes, and experience levels feel welcome.
In Richmond, Maria serves on the board of Bad Business Model Bikes, an organization that provides refurbished bicycles to low-income residents. She also works with the Richmond Outdoors Coalition to support outdoor programs for local youth and families. Her nickname, “Downhill Diva,” comes from her speed during long-distance events like the Cinderella Classicin the Tri Valley. She is also a veteran endurance rider, having completed the 545-mile AIDS/LifeCycle ride six times and the Climate Ride three times.
Maria will be officially recognized at an MTC meeting on Wednesday, May 27. Her award helps kick off Bike Month in May, which includes the Bay Area Bike Challenge and “Bike to Work Day” on May 14.
Maria says her goal is simple: “If people remember how they feel–joy, freedom and safety–then you’ve done your job.”