(Denver, Aug. 1, 2017) – Colorado’s leading bicycle advocacy organization has launched a national search for a new executive director.

After 15 years, executive director Dan Grunig will step down in December. Grunig’s immediate plans include pursuing a personal goal of riding the nation’s best bike trails and touring bicycle-friendly communities.

“Bicycle Colorado is poised to advance important active transportation issues across the state. I’m convinced this organization will continue to be a major driver toward ensuring Colorado ultimately becomes the most bike friendly state in the nation,” Grunig said. “But after 15 years, it’s time for new leadership and for me to move on to new adventures.”

Under Grunig’s leadership the organization advanced efforts to improve safety for bicyclists across the state, carve out funding for bike infrastructure and provide bicycle education to more than 80,000 kids through its Safe Routes to School program. Additionally, the organization has worked in individual communities to successfully overturn bicycle bans as well as supporting cities and towns in developing bike friendly policies. Bicycle Colorado founded and developed the annual Colorado Bicycle Summit and Moving People Forward conference to connect the transportation community and bring innovations from around the world to Colorado.

“It’s no secret that Dan’s shoes will be tough to fill,” said Ella Lyons, president of the Bicycle Colorado Board of Directors. “His particular combination of thoughtful advocacy, friendly demeanor and passion will be hard to replace. The board is committed to continuing to build toward the goal of seeing Colorado become the most bike-friendly state in the nation.”

In 2015, Governor Hickenlooper announced a four-year initiative designed to make Colorado the #1 Bike State. The Colorado Pedals Project combines public and private funding to help Colorado achieve this goal. The Pedals Project and its partnership efforts are coordinated and tracked by Bicycle Colorado.

The Bicycle Colorado Board of Directors has initiated a nationwide search for the next leader of the organization, which today stands in exceptional organizational shape with a talented staff of 14 people, healthy financial reserves, a diverse funding stream and a track record of successful campaigns. Questions about the search and suggestions of potential candidates can be shared with our executive search firm, T. Malouf & Company, by sending to info@tmalouf.com. The executive director position description will be posted on the Bicycle Colorado website shortly.

The 25-year-old Bicycle Colorado is a nonprofit based in Denver. It employs advocacy, education and passion to make Colorado one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation. Key focus areas include encouraging and promoting bicycling, increasing safety, improving conditions and providing a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado.