WHEREAS, Before assuming his current role as Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP), Chris Gale served as the Chief Programs Officer for North10 Philadelphia, where he developed a comprehensive vision for programs and services at the Lenfest Center, placing a strong emphasis on community input and empowerment, and working diligently to improve the lives of residents across the Greater Philadelphia region; and
WHEREAS, Chris Gale holds a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University and a bachelor’s degree in public administration/nonprofit management from Grand Valley State University; and
WHEREAS, Gale is the first person of color to serve as Executive Director of the BCGP, and he is actively reshaping the narrative around cycling by promoting diversity and inclusivity within the biking community; and
WHEREAS, As a staunch advocate for inclusivity, Gale has worked tirelessly to ensure that the bicycle community remains welcoming to individuals from all walks of life, not just avid cyclists; and
WHEREAS, Upon his appointment, Gale committed to making his legacy one in which the BCGP membership and advocacy better reflects the City’s rich diversity and where a safer, more extensive network of Streets would be developed to support cyclists of all backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, He spearheaded the “Bike Explorers” program, a pilot initiative designed to increase bicycle safety education and foundational riding skills among young riders. This program helped students build confidence and competence in core cycling skills while learning how to ride safely and responsibly; and
WHEREAS, Gale played a pivotal role in the “Get Out the Bike Lane” bill, a crucial initiative for improving cycling safety along Spruce and Pine Streets; and
WHEREAS, He also facilitated a trip for City Council Members to Hoboken, New Jersey, to observe Hoboken’s Vision Zero program, and the goal of applying these strategies to Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Since taking on his role in 2023, Gale has contributed to the development and advocacy of nearly two dozen legislative bills aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and ensuring the safety of cyclists throughout Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, This legislative body proudly recognizes the significant contributions of Chris Gale to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and looks forward to the continued impact of his leadership in making Philadelphia a safer and more inclusive City for cyclists; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes
Chris Gale, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, for his work exemplary work and advocacy in ensuring the safety and inclusivity of cyclists throughout Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Chris Gale as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End