When Blue Shield of California employees Norm Cohen and Colbert Tse participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training cycling program last year, the two did not know they shared a workplace until they connected at the post-ride potluck.
Today they have become well-known for cycling and giving back, supported by Blue Shield’s employee volunteerism and giving program. Cohen and Tse have both worked at Blue Shield for about four years, in Clinical Quality Management and Commercial, Product and Digital Marketing, respectively. While their areas of responsibility may not always cross paths, their desire to help the community while cycling has bonded them.
“I’m someone who’s always enjoyed cycling, from growing up as a kid to becoming a bicycle commuter,” said Tse. “I recognized there were opportunities to use my love of cycling to raise awareness for organizations and issues facing so many people across the state and nation.”
“For me, I started cycling again right at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Cohen. “It sparked something I hadn’t felt since I was a teenager. Promoting worthy causes while using the power of cycling felt like a natural fit.”
Together and individually, Cohen and Tse have participated in several events across California.
Tour de Tush
Earlier this year, Cohen and Tse participated in Tour de Tush, a month-long, virtual bike ride to raise awareness and funds for the Colon Cancer Coalition. The two recruited more than 30 employees to participate, raising more than $5,000 and logging nearly 11,400 miles. Because of their efforts, Blue Shield was the top team in both fundraising and miles. “We recruited not just regular cyclists, but also people with Peloton bikes at home,” said Cohen. “It was such an amazing experience that was made even better with the number of employees we were able to get involved.”
Bike to Wherever Day
In honor of National Bike Month in May and Bike East Bay’s “Bike to Wherever Day” in Oakland, Cohen and Tse saw an opportunity to generate more awareness of sustainability. “As a member of Bike East Bay, I thought it would be great to bring this initiative to Blue Shield,” said Cohen. “It seemed like a good way to reinforce that cycling as a mode of greener and healthy transportation is truly accessible to everyone.”
In coordination with Bike East Bay, Cohen and Tse organized an energizer station at Blue Shield’s Oakland office, welcoming more than 100 cyclists and pedestrians, including many non-employees. Volunteers handed out water bottles, reusable straws, tote bags and energy bars. “For us, this was a great way to be more active in our community, encourage people to join Blue Shield in going green, and meet some of the Oakland residents near our office,” said Tse. “We even met some first-time riders who had never cycled to work before. It was nice to see how eye-opening this event was for them.” [Watch a recap reel of the event here.]
Ride to End Alzheimer’s and Great Cycle Challenge
Last month, the duo participated in a one-day, virtual ride as part of the Ride to End Alzheimer’s initiative. Thanks to the two colleagues’ recruiting and fundraising efforts, Blue Shield was one of the top fundraising corporate teams for the ride, with nearly $4,000 raised. Tse and Cohen will team up once again in September to participate in the annual Great Cycle Challenge to support the Children’s Cancer Research Fund. Nearly 30 colleagues will join them on the ride.
The two are continuing to spread the word, including through the Cycling Enthusiasts employee community at Blue Shield for lovers of bikes, Pelotons and spin bikes. To date, the group has added more than 50 employees as members. “Cycling is great for exercise, mental health and connections with people,” said Tse. “Although cycling can seem scary, there’s a network out there to support you. The cycling community is filled with some nice folks who want to help others. And if you can do so by giving back to the world, it’s even better.”
Resources
- Visit Bike East Bay for resources on cycling in the Bay Area.
- Need support building healthier habits? Blue Shield of California members can explore Wellvolution, a digital platform available at no cost to most members, offering personalized programs focused on nutrition, weight management and lifestyle changes.
- To learn more about Blue Shield’s mission-driven culture of employee volunteerism and giving and commitment to environmental sustainability, visit citizenship.blueshieldca.com
