Bikes Belong, the U.S. bicycle industry coalition dedicated to getting more Americans riding bikes more often, named Ivette Rivera as its vice president of government relations. Rivera, who will be based in D.C., begins immediately.

She will focus on the bicycling funding and policy components of the federal transportation reauthorization bill and will work closely with Congress, the Administration and Bikes Belong's key partner organizations under the America Bikes coalition umbrella. In addition, Rivera will further develop alliances with transportation, road building, business, tourism and health care interests-all of whom gain from federal investments that make bicycling safer and easier.

Rivera previously served as the executive director of legislative affairs for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA). She worked at NADA in a variety of legislative leadership roles for more than 20 years.

“Ivette has tremendous Capitol Hill contacts across the board,” said Bikes Belong President Tim Blumenthal. “She thoroughly understands transportation policy and funding issues and will provide great leadership as we work to improve bicycling in ways that benefit all Americans.”

Rivera said, “With bicycling more popular than ever, I am eager to work with the Bikes Belong Coalition to demonstrate the need for a national strategy to make roads safe for bicycle riders. I look forward to helping policymakers recognize the health and economic benefits of investing in bicycle infrastructure.”

Rivera earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Colorado, and a master's in government from Johns Hopkins University. She is an avid runner who enjoys biking with her family.