McTzviel Alejandro Oyerinde’s passion for cycling grew out of his youth in the El Paso – Juarez area. From the very beginning, McTzviel felt the unity and freedom that bicycles, public transportation, and city parks bring to a community. Now at the age of just 24, he is finding ways to more deeply immerse himself and share his passion for cycling with his community. Ride along and see how he is spreading the joy of cycling each and every day.

McTzviel was born in El Paso, TX and spent his youthful years living with his grandmother in Ciudad, Juarez. He learned to ride in the Parque Central in Juarez and vividly remembers the sounds of the park ducks and geese mixed with the aroma of churros and elotes being sold by street vendors. As he remembers, “It was a simple time, full of sticky fingers and scraped knees,” but the sights, sounds and this first taste of independence had left a lasting mark as he continued to navigate the urban landscape with just his bike and public transportation. He says, “Looking back at it now, it’s wild to think about the unsafe roads I pedaled across back then.” The hazards included frequent I-10 crossings, crowded streets, uneven sidewalks and drivers who barely noticed him. But in the chaos, he learned resilience.

In 2018, McTzviel moved to Austin, TX to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. The landscape changed, but his passion for cycling grew even stronger. Without a car he turned to his trusty (and maybe a little rusty) yellow Hummer bike. Remembering that resilience he learned from his youth, he was determined to make it work. He found the Orange Bike Project, UT’s student-run shop which helped him to bring his bike back to life and to learn the necessary skills to maintain it. What started as a transportation necessity turned into a passion for both the mechanics of bikes and the freedom they bring. He was saving money on car payments and better yet, his daily rides delivered vitalizing fresh air, cool breezes and warm sun. He was thriving in his car-free lifestyle.

When looking at McTzviel’s assortment of bicycles, the first thing that stands out is their practical utility. His primary bike is a Trek XC Track with a customized electric bike kit, which he earned through the Yellow Bike Project in Austin. Outside of his daily driver, he prefers riding his 1980s Falcon road bike for more social rides or when the focus is on the journey more than the destination. Always along for the ride are his “essential” utilitarian panniers. They’ve elevated his ability to transport groceries, tools and other daily necessities. In his words, “They're essentially mobile storage units that have made bike commuting much more practical.”

One of McTzviel’s biggest challenges has been finding bike helmets that accommodate his high-volume curly hair, as most aren’t designed with all hair types in mind and can cause significant damage and friction. With his engineering brain, McTzviel created a helmet with a satin lining, which he describes as a “game changer” that combines safety and convenience. In a step to making cycling more inclusive for people of all backgrounds, he hopes to turn it into a product he can sell.

The Austin cycling community has played a pivotal role in McTzviel’s growth and passion for cycling. He has been actively involved with organizations such as the Orange Bike Project, Yellow Bike Project, Ride Bikes Austin, Bat City Biking, Critical Mass Austin and the Ghisallo Cycling Initiative. These groups have provided him with access to bikes and taught him the essential skills to keep them running smoothly. They have also been a valuable resource in discovering new ways to explore the city, engage with the community, and build confidence in his riding abilities. It goes without saying, but McTzviel’s best advice for cyclists is to find and join social bike rides. As he puts it, “You'll discover a supportive community that can help you in countless ways, teach you about your city, and build your confidence in finding safe routes for independent cycling.”

McTzviel graduated with his degree in Aerospace engineering last May and is taking a gap year to immerse himself in bicycle advocacy. He is currently a bike mechanic at the Electric Bike shop in Austin to expand his knowledge of bicycle maintenance and repair. He is still heavily involved in the Orange Bike project and continues to give back to what has given him so much. He says, “The program has helped so many students like me and I want to ensure it continues serving future generations.”

He doesn’t know what the future holds for him quite yet, but he does know that he is very passionate about advocating for comprehensive urban infrastructure. He hopes to continue working in the transportation sector whether it involves bikes, trains, airplanes or cars. In his mind, improving transportation systems “can transform lives in ways we might not always see but will always feel.”

McTzviel’s youthful exuberance for bicycles and transportation is energizing. We are sure he is going to make a positive impact on his community and the people around him through the power of the bicycle. Congratulations McTzviel, you are now a Planet Bike Super Commuter!