Introducing the SF Bicycle Coalition’s New Executive Director!

We are excited to announce that after an exhaustive nationwide search, our member-elected Board of Directors has selected the next Executive Director to lead the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition! We are thrilled that well-respected and experienced bicycle advocate Noah Budnick will be leading our growing nonprofit into its next chapter of success in shaping a more bikeable, livable San Francisco.

“Noah comes to San Francisco as a leader and team builder in the movement for more bikeable and livable cities,” says Lawrence Li, SF Bicycle Coalition Board President. “He is a well-regarded and proven political and communications expert who inspires, builds coalitions and wins on-street improvements that create safer streets for all of us.”

Budnick comes to the SF Bicycle Coalition with more than 15 years experience in bicycle advocacy. As the long-time Deputy Director and Chief Policy Officer of Transportation Alternatives, Budnick won crucial street campaigns, including creating a safer speed limit throughout New York City; the first protected bikeways in the U.S. on Manhattan’s 8th and 9th avenues; and Bus Rapid Transit throughout the city. Budnick also served on Mayor Bill de Blasio’s transition team, making Vision Zero and street safety a top priority for the incoming mayor. Budnick is a national leader in bicycle advocacy, and serves as the Alliance for Biking and Walking Board Chair.

“It’s a true honor to become the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition’s Executive Director and have the opportunity to build on its momentum, long history, and active membership. The people and movement surrounding it inspire me,” says Budnick. “There is incredible energy across the country to transform cities into healthy, livable and bikeable places, and I’m so excited to work, and ride bikes, with the talented SF Bicycle Coalition and partners to put San Francisco on the forefront of this transformation.”

Budnick joins the SF Bicycle Coalition at a particularly exciting time, as bicycling is growing significantly alongside increasing public and political support. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition played a critical role in helping pass the recent $500 million SF transportation safety bond, as well as in defeating the anti-bike Proposition L. In the coming year, San Franciscans will see construction start on major citywide improvements for biking, including on Potrero Avenue, Masonic Avenue, 2nd Street, the Wiggle and Polk Street. Budnick is also well positioned to help San Francisco advance its critical Vision Zero efforts to reduce all traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero by 2024.

Noah will join the SF Bicycle Coalition in early February, taking over for long-time leader, Leah Shahum, who is stepping down as Executive Director after 17 years with the SF Bicycle Coalition. Under her leadership, the number of people biking in San Francisco has skyrocketed (97% from 2006-2013), protected bikeways have been added across the city, and bicycling has become a core issue in creating a more livable city. She leaves the SF Bicycle Coalition to pursue a fellowship studying Vision Zero initiatives in Europe.

“San Francisco is so fortunate to have Noah’s tremendous experience and passion for great cities and smart transportation heading our way,” says Shahum. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with Noah for many years, and I am impressed with his leadership and ability to bring people together to get things done. I’m excited about and confident in Noah’s ability to lead the SF Bicycle Coalition into its next great chapter, along with our strong staff, Board and membership.”

We look forward to introducing Noah to our members and partners in February. Stay tuned for great opportunities to meet our organization’s terrific new leader!

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