Bicycle Network: Our Organisation

New boss takes the wheel

23 August 2012. Bicycle Network Victoria has appointed Craig Richards as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Previously the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Richards will replace Harry Barber in the role on October 1.

Mr Richards has been at Bicycle Network for five years, joining as General Manager Marketing before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2010. He has also worked at the Carlton Football Club and Brisbane Broncos.

Mr Richards said he believed Australia should be filled with bike riders.

“Bike riding is the best way to get the exercise you need to stay healthy and it ticks three big boxes in being fun, convenient and relatively inexpensive,” Mr Richards said.

Mr Richards said Bicycle Network Victoria would focus on a number of key priorities to support existing and encourage new riders including:

• fixing roads and paths in existing communities;
• building new communities to encourage active travel; and
• making bike riding a seamless part of our everyday routine.

“Two significant and connected facts are at play here: 60 per cent of Australians don’t do enough exercise and for decades our roads were optimised for motor vehicles at the expense of bike riders and other road users.

“The strong and fearless happily ride amongst the trucks but that’s a small number of Australians. We need to make riding easy for the millions of Australians who are keen to ride but concerned about the threat from traffic. Better bike riding facilities are the key .”

While Mr Richards said he loved bike riding… “I’m no Cadel Evans.”

“Some might ask how can you be CEO of Bicycle Network when you’re not a gun rider? But here’s the thing: our organisation is for all riders. If you love bikes we’re for you,” Mr Richards said.

“We don’t care if you’re riding with a zip lock bag in your jersey pocket, a Fred Perry satchel slung over your shoulder or a milk crate held on with an occi strap; the type of rider you are is irrelevant.

“To be part of our organisation you just need to believe that bike riding makes people’s lives better. In fact, it’s better I’m not a champion rider. That way no-one will feel intimidated about joining in. And we need everyone with us as we tackle the challenge of getting Australia pedalling.”

“Bicycle Network is a passionate team of wonderful people taking on a huge challenge to make the world better; it doesn’t get better than that,” Mr Richards said.

Mr Richards paid tribute to outgoing Chief Executive Officer Harry Barber.

“Harry’s done an unbelievable job as Chief Executive Officer; his achievements are extraordinary. With sheer determination he took on all the doubters, built an amazing organisation and transformed Victoria into a bike riding state,” Mr Richards said.

Mr Barber will stay on at Bicycle Network Victoria as a strategic advisor.