Our Team
Staff
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ken is most proud of the tremendous impact that Bike New York’s education and safety program, the largest and most diverse of its kind, has had on its more than 25,000 students annually. Prior to joining Bike New York, Ken spent his entire career working for the City of New York and previously serving as the City’s Sports Commissioner, a position he held for 12 years. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Commissioner/Chief Financial Officer for the Taxi & Limousine Commission; Assistant Commissioner of Finance for the Department of Youth & Community Development; and Senior Project Manager for the Economic Development Corporation. Ken began his career as an urban planner for the Department of Housing Preservation & Development, where he was the project manager of Metro Tech, a $1 billion commercial, academic and technology center that was responsible for revitalizing downtown Brooklyn. He received undergraduate degrees from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Whitman School of Management and a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation. Ken currently serves on a variety of boards including Achilles International; the National Sports Marketing Network; United Jewish Appeal’s Sports for Youth Committee; September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance; and the League of American Bicyclists where he is currently the Vice Chairman. He previously served on the board of directors of Benihana of Tokyo.
Hometown:
Oceanside, NY
Favorite restaurant and what to order:
The Zen calm of HanGawi, a vegetarian Korean restaurant in Murray Hill, is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s also where I met my wife on the best blind date ever. The rice bowls are all delicious, but make sure to try the organic wheat-free kale pancakes as an appetizer. (It tastes a lot better than it sounds.)
I like working for Bike New York because:
I love that we empower people to lead healthier, more productive lives through bicycling, and I feel blessed to be able to work with such a talented, committed and big-hearted group of people. My favorite part of the job is getting out to our classes and teaching kids and adults to ride—being by their side during that amazing moment when they’re riding for the first time is pure joy!
Personal Motto:
Dream big, work hard, stay focused and, most importantly, surround yourself with good people.
Dream vacation destination:
A ride through the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Last good book read:
I love historical fiction, especially about old New York. Reading The Alienist by Caleb Carr felt as if a time machine brought me back to 1896.
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
Growing up I was an avid skateboarder and I now ride with my daughters.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Short rides: ice cream. Long rides: an ice cold beer.
Director of Education
Rich has been the Director of Education since starting at Bike New York in 2004. He has a masters and doctorate from University of Notre Dame, and his bike industry experience includes working for Metro Bicycles and teaching middle school kids for Recycle-A-Bicycle. In addition to being a League Cycling Instructor (LCI), he’s an LCI coach for the League of American Bicyclists. He has a brilliant, wonderful teenage daughter and three cats who are nice, but not so brilliant.
Hometown:
Lincoln, Nebraska
I like working for Bike New York because:
The people here are really fun to work with, and we have great programs that make an immediate difference in peoples’ lives.
Nicknames:
Dr. Mosholu, Professor Hipwader
Ask me about:
American History, World War II, 20th Century global history
Personal motto:
Never send plastic to do a job that requires metal.
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I was studying to be a Catholic priest at one time.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Any very cold beer.
Director of Human Resources
Jamie moved to Brooklyn from the Caribbean island of Trinidad in 1990. In 2005, she graduated from Baruch College with a bachelor’s degree in Music Management. She also worked for an independent record label while earning her degree, in addition to a stint in publishing with Nielsen Company. She began her non-profit career at the Armory Foundation in 2005 and joined Bike New York in October 2010.
Hometown:
Brooklyn, but born in Trinidad and Tobago
Favorite New York restaurant:
I’m a foodie! I can’t just pick one. If I must choose, I will go with Sugarcane Restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Any dish that involves callaloo is amazing!
Nicknames:
Mimi, Jam, Jem Jem
Ask me about:
Caribbean culture, shoes (mostly heels), manicures, pedicures and food
Dream vacation destination:
Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I’m obsessed with Lionel Richie; I saw him live for the first time this past June. I think I was the youngest person in the crowd.
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
A Brompton Folding Bike. It can fit in my closet next to the shoes.
Chief Operating Officer
Prior to joining Bike New York, Andy was the Senior Vice President of Sports Marketing at NYC & Company, where he played an integral role in attracting the 2014 Super Bowl to the New York City region. Previously, he served for 11 years as Deputy Commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission.
Andy’s extensive career in the sports industry has included positions with the Israel Basketball Association, the University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of Connecticut, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara and has a Master of Science in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Andy created and taught a graduate course entitled Sports and Events Tourism at NYU’s Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management, and is a board member of Carnegie Sports and Entertainment, LLC, and currently serves on the board of the Armory Foundation and United Jewish Appeal’s Sports for Youth Committee.
Hometown:
Delmar, NY
Favorite New York restaurant:
SriPraPhai in Woodside, Queens. Best Thai food in the city. I love the Larb Gai as an appetizer along with the Som Tum (Green Papaya salad). Tom Yung Goong soup is fantastic! The curries are great and you can’t go wrong with the steamed or fried whole fish with sweet chili sauce or a garlic, chili and lime sauce. Close second is Taverna Kyclades in Astoria. Grilled Octopus is amazing! Excellent grilled fish, lamb chops, salads, and traditional dips like Skordalia, Tzatziki, and Taramosalata.
I like working for Bike New York because:
We have an amazing team of smart, passionate, dedicated professionals that make every day a great day and we’re helping change the culture of the City which will make it a safer and more livable place.
Dream vacation destination:
Machu Picchu, Patagonia, or Bhutan
Last good book read:
The Power Broker, by Robert Caro
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I backpacked through Asia for 7 months.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Ice Cream Sundae
Shop Manager
Hometown:
New York, NY
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Glaser’s Bake Shop on 1st Ave. between 87th and 88th Street. Get the Black and White cookies if they haven’t sold out.
I like working for Bike New York because:
I have turned a hobby into a job. Recycle-A-Bicycle’s volunteer program taught me everything I know about bikes, and developing that into a full time job has allowed me to put what I have learned into practice. I can now give back helping others to learn the same techniques and skills so they can experience the same enjoyment and ease of biking and bike mechanics.
Dream vacation destination:
Belgium, a great culturally rich country…but also waffles, fries, and beer. Need I say more?
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
Downhill on the Queensboro, Williamsburg, or Manhattan Bridge for the great views and the feeling of going downhill.
Favorite post-ride treat:
A cold, hoppy IPA
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
A great touring bike, something to commute, haul things, and go on long rides. Currently, I’m looking to build an All-City Space Horse.
Ralph Jean, Coordinator, Community Outreach & Membership Program
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Favorite New York restaurant:
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – original tomato pie with mozzarella
Hobbies:
Cycling, basketball, and video games
Nickname:
TJ
Personal motto:
“Repetitio est mater studiorum” (Repetition is the mother of learning)
Dream vacation destination:
Bora Bora
Favorite post-ride treat:
Anything chocolate
Bike Fleet Manager
Jared joined Bike New York as their Bike Fleet Manager after instructing for their Summer Camp and Afterschool programs. Before that he wasn’t a New Yorker at all, coming from a stint in Chicago at a postgraduate Design-Build program (Archeworks) after his time at the University of Alabama where he honed the myriad talents he now brings to the bike fleet.
Hometown:
Killen, AL
I like working for Bike New York because:
Human power is divine power.
Personal motto:
Makin’ it work!
Last good book read:
The Dungeon’s and Dragons Player’s Handbook (5th ed.)
People are surprised:
That I’m from Alabama.
Favorite post-ride treat:
FRO-YOOOOOOOOO!
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
The Mochet Velocar that caused UCI to get all uptight when a second-category athlete broke speed records with it. Recumbents are the better bike!
Director of Communications
Jon Orcutt has 30 years of experience shaping sustainable transportation policies. Before joining Bike New York in 2019, he was the Communications and Advocacy Director at TransitCenter, a foundation setting a national agenda for rebuilding mass transit in American cities.
Jon was Director of Policy at the NYC Department of Transportation from 2007 to 2014. He oversaw development of a new strategic plan for NYCDOT and was a leader of the team that initiated major street design innovations on New York City streets. Jon managed creation of the Citi Bike bike share system and coordinated development of Mayor de Blasio’s Vision Zero traffic safety policy.
Jon has also worked as a consultant to governments, organizations and companies on city transportation strategies, traffic safety, bike share systems, and bicycle transportation policies. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.
Hometown:
Initially Boulder, CO, but mainly Lexington, MA
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Adelina’s in Greenpoint – go for any of the pasta mains and one of the red cask wines.
I like working for Bike New York because:
It makes eminent sense for someone who has made a career of making NYC bike-friendly.
Hobbies:
I’m not at all well-rounded! Bike racing. Though also hiking, canoeing, backcountry skiing far from cities.
Ask me about:
NYC politics, fixing bikes, riding bikes, transportation developments in other cities.
Personal motto:
Ask forgiveness, not permission.
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I have no educational background in planning or transportation.
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
The Pulaski Bridge bike path, i.e. the first NYC bridge lane fully repurposed and protected from car traffic.
Communications and Marketing Strategist
Colleen joins the Bike New York team following roles in communications design and community development for the arts and nonprofits. Her love of cycling can be traced all the way back to childhood memories of summer mornings spent watching the Tour de France with her family.
Hometown:
Seaside Park, NJ
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Jersey transplants like me are notoriously particular when it comes to diners, but Daisy’s in Park Slope rivals even the best of the Garden State’s 24-hour greasy spoons. The Greek Breakfast Wrap is my quintessential veg-friendly comfort food.
Hobbies:
Making, supporting, and enjoying music, visual art, theater, and dance.
Ask me about:
Coffee, typography, or ornithology.
Dream vacation destination:
Ferrying out to Sark in the Channel Islands with a group of friends and camping during a meteor shower.
Last good book read:
The Left Hand of Darkness – Ursula K. Le Guin
When I’m not working at Bike New York, you’ll most likely find me:
Wandering through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden while internally managing an unending creative “to do” list.
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
Watching the seasons change from behind the handlebars in Prospect Park is one of my absolute favorite things about living in Brooklyn. There’s no better place to catch bits of summer concerts and neighborhood cookouts while pedaling alongside visitors ranging from pedestrian to equestrian.
Communications Coordinator
Laura grew up biking through the scenic parks and waterfront of Eastern Queens. She often rode with her Dad on the weekends, visited her grandparents by bike, and explored her neighborhood after school. She rode her first of many Five Boro Bike Tours when she was 14 and was thrilled to see so much of her city on her own power. She discovered her passion for bike advocacy when she joined the movement for a safer Queens Boulevard in 2017. When the lane was installed, her bike became her primary mode of transportation. Now she rides around and advocates for more protected bike lanes in Queens and around the city. She helped organize the first Women’s Ride on Queens Boulevard to highlight the gender gap in cycling and encourage others to try out her favorite bike lane. She loves her friends, community, and the adventures she’s found through biking.
Hometown:
Queens, New York
I like working for Bike New York because:
I love riding my bike. Advocating for more safe places to ride is literally my dream job. I’m thrilled to devote my time and energy to helping more New Yorkers experience the joy and freedom I feel when I bike. I’m also passionate about encouraging New York City to adopt policies and build the infrastructure we need to address climate change.
Dream vacation destination:
Anywhere, as long as it involves a lot of bike riding!
When I’m not working at Bike New York, you’ll most likely find me:
Biking around the city, at rallies for safer streets and better public transit, Rockaway Beach, or bar trivia.
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
Queens Boulevard, no question. The new protected bike lane from Woodside to Rego Park (and soon through Forest Hills) is fantastic! It’s convenient, beautiful, and a blast to ride on. The street used to be the “Boulevard of Death,” but the redesign and the new bike lanes prove that any street can be transformed. This inspires me to advocate for more protected bike lanes throughout the city.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Chocolate milk, hands down!
Favorite post-ride treat:
I’m loyal to the Jamis. I received this bike for my 18th birthday. It’s my primary mode of transportation and part of my very soul. I’ve had so many wonderful adventures on this bike and I just tuned it up for more. (I’m also excited for Citi Bike’s eventual expansion to my neighborhood because it’ll make one-way or multi-modal trips easier. This will help me bike even more!)
Director, Recycle-A-Bicycle
Hometown:
Bridgeport, NY, just outside of Syracuse (from ages 9-17)
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Superfine in Dumbo. It’s our favorite hangout after Volunteer Night at the Recycle-A-Bicycle shop. We order beer and large plates of crispy french fries.
I like working for Bike New York because:
We help people of all ages discover the empowerment and freedom of building bikes and riding them. I love the look on a young person’s face when the bike they have been working on passes safety inspection and it earn’s them the right to take it home!
Last good book read:
Unbowed by Wangari Muta Maathai
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I was an exchange student to Brazil , worked in Mozambique, and speak Portuguese.
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
Kent Street greenway in Brooklyn. It used to be so wide cars would race by each other and frighten me. Now it’s the hipster highway, and parents are comfortable biking with their kids!
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
built at Recycle-A-Bicycle. It’s not uncommon for me to fall in love with a donated bike, at least once a month!
Director, Community Outreach and Membership Program
Sharon returned to Bike New York after having served as volunteer coordinator for rest areas and water stops for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Previously she assisted with community outreach for CIVITAS’ Reimagining the Waterfront design competition.
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Spring Street Natural: Medallions of Seitan Piccata and there’s excellent live jazz Thursday nights. Ahhh, life is good.
I like working for Bike New York because:
Everyone here has such diverse and amazing backgrounds. Hey, I fit right in!
Personal motto:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” -Albert Einstein
Dream vacation destination:
A silent meditation retreat at a monastery in Thailand. It would be nice (or a challenge) to be quiet for a short, defined period of time. Of course with my cellphone close by!
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I love HGTV.
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
An Electra Royal 8i in ocean blue. Beautiful.
Mechanic & Earn-A-Bike Instructor
Born and raised in Brooklyn NY, Eric has always been into taking things apart. He got his first tool belt at three and I never looked back. He’s worked in automotive mechanics, carpentry, roofing, and even as a electrical apprentice. He ended up going to college for business; “I just always liked the way attache case and double-breasted suits looked,” he says.
Hometown:
Brooklyn NewYork
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Dinosuar BBQ. Baked beans.
Hobbies:
RC cars, sneakers and flight simulators
Nickname:
Boosie
Personal motto:
Preparation and timing =Luck
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
Had my first tool belt at the age of three, and I collect die cast cars.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Water
Youth Programs Manager
Nitasha remembers the red tricycle she got while learning to ride a bike in India. She remembers the trembling nervousness she felt after finally removing the training wheels off of her pink bike in Sacramento. And she remembers the joy of rediscovering her love for biking on her blue road bike in Seattle, and the liberation that accompanied from getting around on two wheels. Before moving to New York to pursue a master’s in public health from Columbia University, she worked at a pedestrian-advocacy organization in Seattle encouraging active transportation throughout the state of Washington. She has also worked on increasing health and wellness efforts within schools in Washington State and New York City. She enjoys combining her health background and her passion for biking to promote a culture of safe biking among New York City children.
Hometown:
I’ve lived in a few places that give me hometown feels: India, Sacramento, Moses Lake, and Seattle.
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Cocoron. Their Mera Mera Dip Soba is fun to eat and the flavors will explode in your mouth!
Dream vacation destination:
New Zealand’s South Island.
When I’m not working at Bike New York, you’ll most likely find me:
Hiking, traveling, reading, cooking (and eating), picking up a new hobby, or planning my next escape from the city.
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I’ve gotten my legal name changed not just once, but twice (talk about an identity crisis, right?!).
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway. You get beautiful, sweeping views of Manhattan with the calmness and serenity of Brooklyn.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Dried mangoes. Or ice cream.
Customer Service Manager
Hometown:
Ottawa, Canada
I like working for Bike New York because:
I love the idea of teaching people how to ride (biking is one of the best feelings in the world, and for a kid it’s like having wings and wheels, all at the same time). Plus, I love the energy of the Tour; it’s better than espresso.
Hobbies:
Reading, cooking, gardening, finding new places to get lost and then back again.
Personal motto:
If you must hurt someone else in order to win, you have won nothing.
Last good book read:
The Martian.
Something people are surprised to learn about me:
I have synesthesia (I can see and feel music, hear flavors, etc.).
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
Shore Parkway Greenway Trail (not really a street), because it goes almost all the way to Nathan’s Famous in Coney Island
Registration and Customer Service Manager
Kathy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Psychology. In 2007 she won AFA’s national competition in Prose Interpretation and began acting, writing and performing. She also worked freelance events and was introduced to Bike New York where, in 2013, she started her full time position as customer service manager.
Hometown:
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nickname:
“Katherole” for a brief time, but I’m holding out for more options.
Ask me about:
My cat. Her full name is Notorious C.A.T. aka kitty smalls aka Carol Wallace, but you can call her Carol. She is amazing.
Dream vacation destination:
Anywhere near water, preferably the ocean—but I’d settle for a great waterfall.
Last good book read:
Sorry We’re Close by J. Tarin Towers
When I’m not working, you’ll most likely find me:
Writing
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
Turquoise, collapsible and impossible to steal.
Public Programs Manager
Sameer’s journey with Bike New York began as a participant in the Twin Lights Ride 2014 and the TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2015. “I saw so many Bike New York volunteers everywhere and it seemed like such a fun and fulfilling experience.” Soon after, he became an avid volunteer for our Learn to Ride and Bicycle Basics classes, eventually becoming a Volunteer Ambassador for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour in 2016. Additionally, he was an instructor for our Youth Program for a year, teaching children around New York City how to ride bikes safely. What he loves most about teaching and volunteering is watching people’s belief in themselves grow. “Many of them arrive hesitant and unsure of themselves, but by the end of the class or program they are transformed and empowered.” He as well feels transformed and empowered by his time at Bike New York and is ready to use his experience and implement his ideas to improve the Volunteer Department in his new role as Education Volunteer Manager.
Hometown:
Cincinnati, Ohio (I’m mostly a Californian though)
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Wangs! And not just because my girlfriend owns the place. It’s southern soul food with east Asian flavors. People love the wings but my personal fav is the fried chicken. And the corn on the cob. And the cornbread with salted scallion butter!
I like working for Bike New York because:
We make a positive difference in the world. Also, because for once I’m not the only employee at my job biking to work!
Hobbies:
Hangin’ with my lady, writing songs for and playing shows with my band TOLANI (shameless plug: tolani.squarespace.com), dog sitting, calisthenics, frisbee, people watching.
Dream vacation destination: The Son Doong cave in Vietnam. It’s the biggest cave in the world and was only very recently discovered so the human footprint is minimal.
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
W 141st St in Hamilton Heights. It runs alongside the Hamilton Grange National Memorial and City College of New York campus. It’s just a long stretch of pure incline. I love hills (I’m a masochist).
Favorite post-ride treat:
Honeycrisp apples and peanut butter. Good sugar, good fat, and most importantly, good taste.
Bike to School Coordinator/Community Outreach Coordinator
Pio moved to NYC in 2012 from the suburbs of San Jose, CA to attend NYU and was quickly mesmerized by the city’s energy. He joined the NYU Bike Share as a volunteer becoming the lead mechanic and coordinator, where he got in contact with Recycle-A-Bicycle. After graduation, he spent the summer in Europe developing a proposal with NYC high school teachers and bicycle mechanics for a Bike School. In early 2017, he joined Bike New York as a Community Outreach Coordinator. He then went on to obtain his LCI, becoming an After-School program and Learn to Ride instructor.
Hometown:
San Jose, CA
Favorite New York restaurant and what to order:
Peanut Noodles at Fuzhou Shui Jiao
Dream vacation destination:
Mountain tops of Taiwan where the tea blooms.
Last good book read:
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Favorite street to ride on in New York and why:
5th Ave from Central Park N to Madison Square. Deep moments of Zen.
Favorite post-ride treat:
Mango smoothie and mushroom fried rice.
If I could have any bike in the world, it’d be:
Icelandic Green 1993 Cannondale Track