With bittersweet feelings, I am writing this post to announce that it’s time to usher in new leadership for the Bicycle Coalition. It feels surreal to proactively leave an organization that has been such a huge part of my adult life and career. Nevertheless, the time has come for me to be doing something new and to hand the baton off to the next Executive Director for the Bicycle Coalition. I don’t have a next step yet, but am pursuing new opportunities and plan to leave sometime this year. In the meantime, I will continue to serve the Coalition as Executive Director.
My relationship with the Coalition is over fifteen years old. I first met Alex Doty and John Boyle in 2004 when the late Russell Meddin, my late husband Rob Stuart and I launched the Free Schuylkill River Park campaign in 2004 after CSX Railroad threatened to close off street level access to the extension of the Schuylkill River Trail, which was being built between the Art Museum and Locust Street. The relationships forged that campaign led to an invitation to me to join the BCGP as a board member in 2006, which led me to joining the staff as Policy Director in 2009, ultimately becoming the Executive Director in late 2015.
Russell Meddin (left), me and Alex Doty (second from right) at a 2004 press conference for Free the River Park
My work at the Coalition has been incredibly rewarding. Its mission to make bicycling a safe way to get around for everyone in the region is so critical for both the sake of our planet and the lives of everyone who sets out on a road or trail to get where they want to go. I thank the many members, supporters, staff and board members who have prioritized this mission during my tenure. You have motivated me everyday to work hard as part of this team and this movement to make every bicycle ride in Greater Philadelphia safe, to empower youth and adults to ride, and to foster a ridership that reflects the diversity of the region.
Over my tenure, I have had the honor of working with an incredible array of partners, colleagues and staff and board members as part of many teams dedicated to the Coalition’s mission. Together, I’m proud to say that we have made a big impact on the region. It’s been a privilege to be part of the effort to help Philadelphia and Camden win a $23 million federal grant in 2010, which ultimately launched a ten year period during which 125 miles of Circuit Trails were built throughout the nine counties; to witness the fulfillment of Mayor Kenney’s campaign promises that he made to our 2015 mobility coalition to build 30 miles of protected bike lanes and enact a Vision Zero policy; and to be part of the successful 2018 state-level campaign to secure automated speed enforcement on Roosevelt Boulevard, which has been a resounding success in saving lives; and lastly to help keep MLK Jr. Drive closed to cars during the pandemic. Over the years, I have been fortunate and honored to be part of Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia, the Circuit Trails Coalition, two Better Mobility Coalitions, the Vision Zero Alliance, AARP’s Livable Communities campaign and PennDOT’s Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
Leading the May 2021 “Celebrate MLK Drive Ride/Run/Walk/Roll”
The Bicycle Coalition is now looking for an Executive Director to oversee a budget of $1.6 million and manage a staff of 15 in translating the recently adopted 2023-2008 Strategic Roadmap from a vision to reality. With support from our Board of Directors and amazing staff, the Executive Director will guide the organization’s success — from operations, to fundraising, to events, to outreach and advocacy.
Do you know someone (or are you someone) who might be perfect for this role? If yes, please forward this post along to them – or apply for the position yourself. The full job description, application instructions, and salary are here.