Boulder, Colo. (July 17, 2013)— After four productive years, Bruno Maier, Sr. Vice President of the bicycling advocacy organization Bikes Belong and national bicycling movement PeopleForBikes, has announced his resignation and plans to redirect his career.
Maier will step down on August 15.

During his tenure at Bikes Belong and PeopleForBikes, Maier played a central role in doubling the size of the organization and developing brand and program clarity.

“Bruno has been an exceptional leader and he has helped to transform our organization,” said President of Bikes Belong and PeopleForBikes, Tim Blumenthal. “His contributions have clarified our vision and set the table for the next phase of accomplishments. Bruno’s next employer will benefit greatly from his leadership skills and strategic thinking. If I could hire him again, I would.” 

The Bikes Belong Coalition and the Bikes Belong Foundation together stand as the nation’s largest non-profit bicycling advocacy organization, with a combined annual budget of $7 million. Bikes Belong also spearheads the efforts of PeopleForBikes, an individual-facing organization that is striving to unite millions of Americans to improve the future of biking.

Maier hopes to return to the private sector where he started his career in the bike business 21 years ago. Prior to joining Bikes Belong, Maier held positions with Huffy Bicycle Company, Brunswick Bicycles, and Cycling Sports Group / Pacific Cycle (Cannondale, GT Bicycles, Schwinn, Mongoose). He said the difficult decision to resign from Bikes Belong was made based on his deep passion for the strategic demands of the private sector, including product, sales, merchandising, suppliers, customers and competition.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished during my time at Bikes Belong,” said Maier. “It is arguably one of the best jobs in the industry, but it is time to pass the torch. I don’t believe there is a better organization to serve the industry and the bike advocacy movement in the United States. I continue to believe that the best way for us to grow bicycling is to support Bikes Belong and PeopleForBikes.. I encourage more suppliers, distributors, and retailers to get involved.”

“I have 100-percent faith in the team we have left in place,” said Maier. “The staff at Bikes Belong, PeopleForBikes and the Green Lane Project are second to none, and I know they will continue to lead the country on its transformation into a better place for bicycles. I want to thank Tim, the staff and the Board of Directors for the opportunity, support, and commitment to bicycling.”

About Bikes Belong:The Bikes Belong Coalition was formed in 1999 as the national coalition of bicycle retailers and suppliers working to put more people on bikes more often. In an effort to maximize their influence, Bikes Belong concentrates their efforts in four areas, including: federal policy & funding, community grants, promoting bicycling, and national partnerships. Bikes Belong also spearheads the efforts of PeopleForBikes, an individual-facing organization that is striving to unite one million voices to improve the future of biking, as well as the Green Lane Project, which focuses on building protected and inviting bike facilities in major urban areas across the U.S.

About PeopleForBikes:PeopleForBikes is a movement to unite millions of people to transform America through bicycling. They are currently leading the Green Lane Project, which is an effort that focuses on building physically protected and inviting bike facilities in communities across the U.S. Join the movement to improve the future of bicycling at www.peopleforbikes.org.

Media Contact:
Lauren Fallert / Verde PR / lfallert@verdepr.com / 970-259-3555 x3

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