America Bikes selects Caron Whitaker to serve as D.C.-based cycling advocate and organizer for federal transportation bill campaign
Missoula, Montana - America Bikes, a coalition of national cycling and trail advocacy non-profits, has just announced that Caron Whitaker is the new Campaign Director for the organization. America Bikes works to secure improved funding and policy in support of bicycling in the federal transportation program, which is due to be renewed by September 30, 2009.
Whitaker will coordinate the efforts of America Bikes over the next several years, as the federal transportation legislation takes form. America Bikes was influential in shaping the current bill, known as SAFETEA-LU, helping to secure $4.5 billion for cycling and walking programs and to launch a new federal initiative called Safe Routes to School.
Whitaker brings extensive grassroots organizing and policy development experience to her new role. Most recently, she served as Director of Community Engagement for the National Wildlife Federation. She also has a background in land use and community planning. She holds a Master’s Degree in environmental management from Duke University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Williams College. She is an avid bicycle commuter and recreational rider.
“We are delighted to have Caron on our team,” said Randy Neufeld, Chair of the Board of America Bikes and a senior policy advisor for the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, one of America’s largest cycling advocacy groups. “She brings an excellent balance of policy and organizing skills. Caron will help the cycling community reach even greater heights on Capitol Hill and nationally,” said Neufeld.
The organizational members of America Bikes (www.americabikes.org) are Adventure Cycling Association, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, Bikes Belong, International Mountain Bicycling Association, League of American Bicyclists, National Center for Bicycling & Walking, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and the Thunderhead Alliance. Significant funding for America Bikes is generously provided by Bikes Belong (www.bikesbelong.org), an advocacy and grant-making organization sponsored by the U.S. bicycle industry with the goal of putting more people on bicycles more often.
source: Jim Sayer, Adventure Cycling
