Over the years, more than 40,000 TriEye riders have joined our mission.
As the inventor and founder of TriEye, it’s humbling to see how our eyewear has helped cyclists and rowers around the world feel safer and more aware — both on the road and on the water.
Today, we’d like to introduce you to one of our very first customers, Kristi Drake from Billings, Montana. She has been with us since 2018 — and her story perfectly captures what TriEye is all about.
Meet Kristi Drake
Kristi (and technically her partner!) was one of the first people ever to buy a pair of TriEye glasses. Since then, she’s bought six more.
“I gave up my car about five years ago,” Kristi says. “Now I ride my bike almost every day — to meetings, errands, everything. On weekends I ride for fun. I even take my 97-year-old mom for rides in the cargo bike.”
For Kristi, TriEye has become essential gear.
“I feel naked when I don’t have my TriEyes,” she laughs. “I always keep a pair ready for travel or a quick get-up-and-go ride.”
From City Streets to Mountain Trails
Even when she’s not cycling, Kristi keeps her TriEyes close.
“I want to make sure there are no grizzlies coming up behind me,” she says with a smile. “TriEye and bear spray are standard equipment.”
Fighting for Safer Cycling
Kristi isn’t just an everyday rider — she’s also helping shape the future of cycling in her community. She serves as the Executive Director of Billings TrailNet, a nonprofit dedicated to building and improving multiuse trails across Billings, Montana.
“In the U.S., a lot of trails are funded by federal government grants, which require matching funds from the communities that apply for them. Our organization has raised almost $4 million in the past 15 years to help our community of 120,000 build more than 55 miles (88 km) of trails.”
Then she adds something we love:
“We have a great trail system I would love to share with any of your readers! If they come to Montana, I invite them to contact me and I will take them on a bike tour.”
The Political Ride
Pushing for safer bike lanes and trail access isn’t always easy. As Kristi puts it:
“When funding priorities change, things can disappear. We’ve even seen transportation departments pull back grants that were already announced for recreational trails and bicycle lanes.”
But she doesn’t give up. Instead, she keeps meeting with local authorities, rallying supporters, and finding creative ways to make cycling safer for everyone.
Why This Matters to Us
For us at TriEye, this is bigger than eyewear.
Every pair on your face is one more rider — or rower — with better awareness.
One more weekend ride that feels safer.
One more daughter taking her 97-year-old mother for a spin.
One more community working toward safer roads.
To Kristi, and to every rider pushing for change — we see you, we appreciate you, and we’re proud to be part of your story.
🌎 Learn about Billings TrailNet
💬 Share Your Story
We love hearing from riders around the world. If TriEye has made a difference for you — whether in safety, training, or confidence — we’d love to feature your experience.
