America Bikes, the coalition of national bicycling and trail advocacy groups, has hired Caron Whitaker as campaign director. America Bikes works to increase federal funding and policy support of bicycling in the transportation bill, which is up for renewal in September 2009.
Bikes Belong is a founding member of America Bikes and has been the primary financial supporter since 2002.
Whitaker will coordinate the efforts of America Bikes over the next several years, as the federal transportation legislation progresses. America Bikes was influential in shaping the current bill, known as SAFETEA-LU, helping to secure $4.5 billion for bicycling and walking programs, including the first national Safe Routes to School program.
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 masters degree in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelors 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 Americas 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.
Whitaker will coordinate the efforts of America Bikes over the next several years, as the federal transportation legislation progresses. America Bikes was influential in shaping the current bill, known as SAFETEA-LU, helping to secure $4.5 billion for bicycling and walking programs, including the first national Safe Routes to School program.
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 masters degree in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelors 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 Americas 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.
