Mike Olson and Trek Superstore: A Strong Supporter of BikeSD

The world’s number one Trek dealer is located right here in San Diego and the owner made a very generous donation of $3,990.00 to us to support our advocacy efforts.

Mike Olson operates five Trek bicycle stores in San Diego and one in Albuquerque, NM. When we make strides in advocacy, our bike shop businesses thrive and succeed. More people on safe bike infrastructure equals more sales of bicycles. Below is a short profile of Olson and his vision for a better San Diego.

Mike Olson handing a very generous check to the BikeSD treasurer, Lisi Arana.
Mike Olson handing a very generous check to BikeSD’s Treasurer, Lisi Arana.

What was your motivation behind opening a Trek store and why did you open it in the neighborhoods you did?
I worked in bike shops while I was in college. I eventually managed a store, then became a bike company sales rep, then was part owner of a bike shop in Oceanside called Supergo that was later sold to Performance. I then borrowed money from Trek to start the Trek Superstores. In a little over 10 years we have grown to 6 locations and the worlds largest Trek dealer.

What is your ideal or target customer?
People that want to ride, but might be intimidated or confused by typical bike shops.

You supported our efforts with a very generous donation. Why is it important for you to do so?
I believe the bike is a simple solution to a lot of complicated problems. Obesity, climate change, congestion, pollution, and transportation can all be greatly improved with more people riding more bikes more often. That also should be a good thing for our business.

Do you foresee San Diego being the world’s best city for bicycling? Describe what that looks like to you?

San Diego has a huge advantage. Great weather for year round riding. It would cost very little for San Diego to be America’s Best Bike City. I want to see kids riding safely to school instead being driven in SUVs. Safe and connected bike routes that encourage people to ride and use their bikes for transportation. Bike parking and bike friendly policies at places of work.

What are some of the challenges you foresee that need to be overcome so we can become the world’s best city for bicycling?
The conception many people still have is that bikes are toys that don’t belong on the street. We need to win the hearts and minds of these people by showing them bikes are an improvement to quality of living in many ways.

 

Name a favorite experience you had with a customer that made you feel that getting into this business was totally worth it.
We have many stories every year of people whose lives have been improved through bike riding. The ones I remember the most are the people who lost 50 to 100 pounds and were able to go off medications they have been taking. Maybe the bike can solve health insurance problems too.

Thank you Mike and Trek for being such a strong supporter of our efforts. If you are in the market for a bicycle or need some additional supplies to make your ride that much nicer, please stop by a Trek store in San Diego. Trek shops are located at the following venues:

San Diego
4240 Kearny Mesa Road
San Diego, CA
(858) 974-8735

La Mesa
8495 Fletcher Parkway
La Mesa, CA
(619) 668-8787

1617 Capalina Road Unit B
San Marcos, CA
(760) 599-9735

901 Lane Avenue
Chula Vista, CA
(619) 216-9123

Solana Beach
211 N. Hwy 101
Solana Beach, CA
(858) 432-2703