Vanessa loves pursuing creative ways of self-expression and finding ways to connect with joy and her inner child. In that search for childlike joy, Vanessa finally learned how to ride a bike in 2020, and she loves it!

As a communications and marketing strategist, her passion lies in merging movement, psychology, and the power of community to help people and companies leverage their authenticity by sharing powerful stories and living their values. She’s excited to bring her hospitality, event, and social media magic to Bike New York, and her motto is “Choose Happiness – It is never too late to try anything that brings a smile to our faces!”

I like working for Bike New York because:

Self-development, yoga, Harry Potter, and learning to ride a bike as an adult.

Dream vacation:

I just got my first bike, a Jamis Citizen 2, and my favorite post-bike treat is on the other side of the Hudson in Jersey City: Cheese Coxinhas (Brazilian Croquettes) from Smorgasburg and Coffee from Clutch Moto.

Devon joined Bike New York as the Director of Events in 2019, but her love of events goes way back to her college years when she was involved with UDance, a philanthropic dance marathon at the University of Delaware. Since then, Devon has been a leader in creating turnkey experiences for non-profits, big brands, and athletic organizations. Prior to her current role, Devon worked for an experiential sports marketing agency where she spearheaded large-scale events for partners such as American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, Ben & Jerry’s, and the U.S. Golf Association.

Hometown:

Long Island, NY

Favorite New York restaurant:

Taverna Kyclades in Astoria, Queens

I like working for Bike New York because:

Creating events that take thousands of people to new places on their bikes — like the FDR Drive and the Verrazzano Bridge!

Ask me about:

My family’s famous recipe for rice balls.

Chantal is a native New Yorker and a League Cycling Instructor with a passion for promoting the bicycle as a vehicle for independence and sustainability. She is committed to promoting equity, building community, and empowering individuals through her position as Education Operations Manager and her work with the Gear Femmes program.

After graduating from Oberlin College with a degree in Environmental Studies, Chantal spent a number of years in Boston, where she earned her Master’s in Teaching in Art Education at Tufts University and fell in love with cycling. She began her work with Bike New York as a volunteer, and has since held several roles, from working with youth at Recycle-A-Bicycle to Volunteer and Event Production Manager.

Hometown:

New York, NY

Favorite New York restaurant:

Foxface in the East Village! It’s not so much a restaurant as a takeout window featuring creative, unusual, and delicious sandwiches.

I like working for Bike New York because:

Favorite street to ride on:

I love biking around Randall’s Island. It’s such an oasis! In my more adrenaline-fueled moments I get a thrill riding down Broadway through Times Square, especially at night with all the marquees lit up.

Aldo’s history with Bike New Year goes back to 2016, when he first joined the team as a freelancer to help produce the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. He has over 10 years of experience as an event professional, with a passion for event production. As an event consultant, Aldo has helped produce events for nonprofits, live performances, award ceremonies, multi-day sales meetings, and more.

Hometown:

Bayside, NY

Favorite New York restaurant:

Peruvian cuisine is my favorite. It would have to be between Pio Pio and Jora restaurant in Long Island City.

I like working for Bike New York because:

I like being part of a company that promotes better quality of life through cycling and is helping the city transition to a more sustainable future through our educational programs and annual events.

Bike I wish for:

I’m happy with my Trek Emonda road bike. My favorite streets to ride on are Vernon Blvd and Kent Ave. I enjoy the route and the view of the NYC skyline.

Born and raised in New York City, Hank’s primary mode of transportation around the city has been a bicycle since well before he could drive a car. He has worked in the bike industry and in bike share and fleet management on both the East and West Coast, and still manages to ride a bike every chance he gets, whether for fun or transportation.

Hometown:

New York City, NY

Favorite New York restaurant:

Papaya King

I like working for Bike New York because:

I love to promote cycling throughout NYC

Dream vacation:

Milford Track, New Zealand

Ask me about:

Proper bike fit

Last good book read:

Cooked by Michael Pollan

Something people are surprised to learn about me:

I’m left-handed, but can do most things right-handed

Bike I wish for:

My first touring bike. It was a custom build, and no bike since then has fit me better. Sadly it went to bike heaven after many thousands of miles.

Suzette moved to New York from the Dominican Republic in the early 2000’s. Upon graduating from Prep for Prep’s leadership and educational program in 2012, she attended an independent boarding school in Massachusetts. Soon after she received her Bachelors of Science from Cornell University in 2020. 

She values biking as an accessible mode of transportation and wishes to continue supporting her community through her work at Bike New York.

Hometown:

Santiago, Dominican Republic

Favorite New York restaurant:

Gyu Kaku

Dream vacation destination:

Japan

Last good book read:

All About Love by Bell Hooks

Nicknames:

Suzy

Favorite post-ride treat:

Ice cream!

Alex moved to New York for a Master’s in Music from NYU. While attending school, he began teaching with Bike New York as an after-school instructor. His journey with Bike New York has led him through the Education and Outreach programs all the way to Recycle-A-Bicycle. There, he enjoys teaching a more mechanically-inclined curriculum and bringing new life to old bikes, and still plays music from time to time.

Hometown:

Omaha, NE

I like working for Bike New York because:

Dream vacation destination:

New Zealand

Last good book read:

Ask me about:

Blaseball. It’s bizarre. Everyone should get on board.

Favorite post-ride treat:

A burrito and a margarita

Shannon is an urban planner and storyteller with a nearly 20-year career in strategic communications, government policy, learning and evaluation, and advocacy and a deep interest in transportation, housing, public space, sustainability, and issues of equity.

Before earning her master’s degree in urban planning, the core of Shannon’s professional experience was in content strategy and copywriting, with specialties in PR, digital marketing, branding, and messaging, particularly around complex urban issues. Prior to joining Bike New York, she worked for philanthropic collaborative Living Cities, overseeing its knowledge and impact efforts.

Hometown:

Houston, TX

Favorite New York restaurant:

Ras Plant Based in Crown Heights. Stellar vegan Ethiopian food with a great vibe in my neighborhood!

Why I like working for Bike New York:

Bike New York’s events are so joyful and inclusive; they’re a fantastic cross-section of the New York area. And as far as our bike education programming goes, I love that we’re providing adults and kids with the freedom and independence that comes with learning how to bike — confidently and safely.

Dream vacation destination:

Japan

Something people would be surprised to learn about me:

I’m very into science and space, I wanted to be an astrophysicist when I was a kid, and I went to Space Camp in junior high.

Ask me about:

Alfred Beach’s Pneumatic Railway, the first subway in New York City.