Dave Janis says Farewell to the Bicycle Alliance

After nine years of service with the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, Policy Director Dave Janis has decided to move on.  He bids farewell at the end of this month when the legislative session draws to a close.

Dave first joined the Bicycle Alliance as a contractor in 2002, creating a couple of small neighborhood walking and biking maps for the City of Seattle.  He was eventually hired to manage the organization’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

“Traveling around the state to conduct Safe Routes to School trainings and building community partnerships has been very motivating and inspiring to me,” reflected Dave.

Dave is very proud of his involvement in making the Bicycle Alliance a statewide leader in SRTS, and in garnering national recognition for some of the innovative approaches to program implementation.  He sat on the Safe Routes to School National Partnership steering committee and made many conference and workshop presentations.

In his role as Policy Director, Dave was especially pleased with the passage of the distracted driving bill, which elevated texting and using a handheld cell phone to a primary offense.  Working with a diverse group of partners to pass the bill was challenging and exciting.

One of Dave’s most memorable highlights while working with the Bicycle Alliance was meeting musician David Byrne. An avid urban cyclist, Byrne did a multi-city tour to promote his book Bicycle Diaries and Seattle was one his stops.  Dave was one of several local bike advocates invited to join the musician on stage for a discussion about urban cycling.

“We’re going to miss Dave,” acknowledged Executive Director Barb Culp. “We’ll miss his dedication, his wonderful laugh, his delight in the many things that tickled his funny bone, and his love of talking to people.”

Over his years with the Bicycle Alliance, Dave filled many roles with thoughtfulness and steadfast professionalism, she added.  He consistently represented the organization at Pro Walk Pro Bike and other prominent events.

Dave’s immediate plans include a visit to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, a trip to Ohio to celebrate his father’s 101st birthday, then preparing for the arrival of his first grandchild.  He’s looking forward to riding his bike more and intends to stay involved with the Bicycle Alliance and bike advocacy.