WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — Andy Clarke is stepping down as president of the League of American Bicyclists, after a dozen years in the position.
"It’s been 12 years," said Clarke. "The organization has come a long way, and I had been thinking for a little while that this would be an opportune moment to think about my next step. The League's got great programs in place, an awesome staff and a new generation of people coming through the ranks," he told BRAIN on Wednesday.
Clarke said he would take some time off to ride his bike and think about what he wants to do next.
"I can't imagine being very far away from (the bike world)," he said. "These are amazing people to work with, whether in the industry or the advocacy or campaign side, it's an amazing group of people."
Clarke has worked on bicycle transportation and advocacy issues in the U.S. since he immigrated from the U.K. to become the League's director of government relations in 1988. After serving in that position two years, he then led the Bicycle Federation of America and then ran the Rails to Trails Conservancy. He also worked on a contract for the Federal Highway Administration for several years. He rejoined LAB in 2003, first as director of state and local advocacy and then as president.
The League said its board is working with a staff transition team to establish a succession plan and will make an announcement with more details shortly.
Watch for more on this story in the August 1 issue of Bicycle Retailer and Industry News.
