Monday, December 4 marked the first day on the job for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s new executive director, Chris Gale, writes Thomas Fitzgerald for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Gale, a Mexican-American, is the first person of color to lead the 51-year-old organization. 

In his new role, his goal is to expand the coalition’s growing emphasis on safety initiatives and increase access to cycling in underserved communities.

“I’m thinking about … how we can ensure safety is for everybody and ensure that folks in marginalized communities understand that protected bicycle lanes are just as important for them as they are in Center City,” said Gale. 

Gale has been a Philadelphia resident since 2012, moving to the area to pursue a master’s degree in public administration at Villanova University.

Throughout his career, his concentration has been on children and family issues with an emphasis on working with people in poverty.

In previous roles, he worked closely with the coalition. Gale is responsible for building the Lil’ Philly Safety Village in Hunting Park, where young people can learn to stay safe in and around traffic.

Given his childhood memories involving riding his bicycle, he is driven to open up those kinds of experiences to more individuals. 

Read more about Chris Gale and the bicycle coalition’s mission at The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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