Proposal to Establish a full-time “Chief Bicycle Officer” Position within Ogden City Government

Written By Jordan Crider

Executive Summary

To support Ogden’s goal of becoming a premier bicycle-friendly city, this proposal recommends establishing a full-time Chief Bicycle Officer (CBO) position, colloquially known as the "Bicycle Czar." This role will serve as a central authority to coordinate, connect, and communicate all bicycle-related initiatives, programs, events, and activities across the city. With a focus on overseeing and evaluating the Ogden Bicycle Master Plan, the Chief Bicycle Officer will work across city departments, community groups, and the local business sector to foster a safe, vibrant, and accessible cycling environment for all Ogden residents.

Problem Statement and Value Proposition

Problem Statement

Since the Ogden Bicycle Master Plan was approved in 2016, there has been limited oversight, assessment, and reporting on its implementation. Without dedicated leadership, few updates, evaluations, or community communications have occurred, limiting the plan’s impact on safety, infrastructure, and community engagement with cycling. Without clear metrics, regular assessments, and necessary adjustments, Ogden risks missing out on the plan’s potential benefits to improve transportation safety, support active lifestyles, and reduce environmental impact. The city is currently in the process of updating its General Plan, and needs to consider how the Ogden Bicycle Master Plan fits within that larger General Plan.

Another significant challenge is the siloed nature of Ogden’s bicycle-related initiatives. Various city departments, committees, and community organizations contribute to cycling activities and infrastructure but often work independently rather than collaboratively. Key stakeholders include:

  • City and Governmental Entities: Engineering, Planning, Public Works, Public Ways and Parks, GIS, City Council Staff, Weber County R.A.M.P., Utah Department of Transportation (Region One), and the Wasatch Front Regional Council.

  • Community and Business Partners: Local manufacturers (e.g., ENVE Composites), distributors (Tektro/TRP, Hyperthreads), retailers, service providers (e.g., Hubsessed Wheel Building), non-profits (Ogden Bicycle Collective, GREENbike bike share, TNFU, Weber/Davis Mountain Biking, Ogden Valley Adaptive, WOBAC), and groups such as the Ogden Bike Park, 12th Street Dirt Jumps, Ogden Outdoors group, and the Weber State University Outdoor Program.

  • Event Hosts and Regional Media: Events such as the Tour of Utah, UTCX Utah Cyclocross Race, Utah High School Cycling League, National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), Ogden Marathon, Twilight Concert Series, Friends of Acoustic Series, community rides, and regional cycling publications like Cycling Utah.

Additionally, around 15 years ago, Ogden initiated a plan to attract bicycle-related businesses to the area, including parts manufacturers, bicycle manufacturers, distributors, and apparel companies, by offering attractive incentives and a bicycle friendly environment. This strategy initially succeeded, bringing several bicycle-related businesses to Ogden. However, over time, many of these businesses left for other locations, and Ogden has not introduced new strategies or incentives to attract or retain similar companies since. Without a focused role like the Chief Bicycle Officer to drive these efforts, Ogden’s potential to position itself as a hub for the bicycle industry has diminished.

Finally, Ogden’s current bronze status in the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) program reflects an under-realized opportunity to promote the city as a premier cycling destination. Originally aiming for platinum certification, Ogden’s progress toward this goal has stalled. Without a dedicated role to drive initiatives and increase BFC status, Ogden misses valuable opportunities for recognition, tourism, and access to grants supporting cycling and transportation improvements.

Value Proposition

Creating a Chief Bicycle Officer (CBO) position will address these challenges with multiple benefits:

  1. Effective Implementation and Oversight of the Bicycle Master Plan: The CBO will evaluate the Bicycle Master Plan’s progress, track success metrics, and recommend necessary updates to ensure it aligns with the city’s evolving goals.

  2. Centralized Communication and Coordination: Acting as the primary contact for all bicycle-related projects, the CBO will eliminate duplication of efforts, improve interdepartmental collaboration, and streamline initiatives across city departments, community organizations, and local businesses.

  3. Revitalization of Business Attraction and Retention Efforts: The CBO will renew efforts to attract and retain bicycle-related businesses, fostering a supportive environment for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers by leveraging Ogden’s unique infrastructure, active community, and potential for growth.

  4. Enhanced Community Engagement and Bicycle Culture: Through events, educational workshops, and consistent public outreach, the CBO will cultivate a stronger cycling culture in Ogden, encouraging both safety and accessibility for all community members.

  5. Pathway to Higher Bicycle Friendly Community Certification: The CBO will spearhead improvements aligned with the League of American Bicyclists’ criteria, positioning Ogden to progress from bronze toward platinum BFC status, enhancing Ogden’s image and opening doors to additional grants.

  6. Input to General Plan updates according to approved Bicycle Master Plan: From time to time, when the City is in process to update the Ogden City General Plan, the CBO would play an integral and important role in the integration of the approved Bicycle Master Plan into the General Plan going forward.

Role of the Chief Bicycle Officer in Supporting the General Plan Update

With Ogden currently refining its General Plan through the Plan Ogden process, the Chief Bicycle Officer would serve in a supportive role by providing insights that align cycling goals with broader city objectives. Key responsibilities in the context of the General Plan update include:

  1. Providing Input on Cycling Goals:

    • The CBO would collaborate with planning teams to ensure bicycle-friendly infrastructure is reflected in the General Plan’s objectives. This input would be especially valuable as Ogden seeks platinum-level BFC certification by the June 2025 deadline.

  1. Communicating Community Input and Vision:

    • Acting as a bridge, the CBO would emphasize the importance of public input on bicycle-related issues, helping create a General Plan that reflects community values and supports active transportation.

  1. Supporting Established Scenarios and Feedback Phases:

    • As the General Plan update follows a structured timeline, the CBO would engage with these phases to ensure scenarios incorporate active transportation considerations without disrupting the established planning process.

  1. Promoting Ogden’s Bicycle Vision During Public Engagement Events:

    • The CBO would engage with residents at workshops and public meetings to promote the cycling initiatives in Ogden, supporting the city’s goal of becoming a platinum BFC.

Objectives and Responsibilities

The Chief Bicycle Officer will:

  1. Connect and Coordinate:

    • Serve as the liaison between the City Council, Planning Department, Mayor’s Office, Public Works, Engineering, Parks, and GIS departments to synchronize bicycle infrastructure and policy initiatives.

    • Facilitate collaboration among city departments, the Ogden Trails Network Advisory Committee, and the Ogden Public School District on projects that intersect with bicycle safety, access, and education.

    • Build partnerships with community organizations, such as R.A.M.P, the Trails Foundation of Northern Utah, the Ogden Bicycle Collective, GREENbike, and local non-profits to amplify resources and maximize impact.

  1. Implementation and Oversight:

    • Monitor and report on the progress of the Bicycle Master Plan, ensuring its objectives are met and conducting regular evaluations of current and newly implemented projects.

    • Identify and address areas for improvement based on data, making Ogden’s cycling infrastructure and policies adaptive and relevant.

  1. Education, Outreach, and Advocacy:

    • Oversee citywide bicycle education and safety programs in collaboration with the Ogden Police Department, Public Works, and Public Schools.

    • Plan and promote bicycle-focused events, such as Bike-to-Work Week, community rides, and safety workshops to foster a bike-friendly culture.

    • Coordinate and encourage arriving-by-bike efforts for local events, concerts and activities with bike valet’s, secure parking, and safe routes to events

    • Serve as a public advocate for cycling, working to improve bicycle-related policies and increase community engagement.

  1. Support for Bicycle-Related Businesses and Economic Growth:

    • Build and maintain relationships with local bicycle businesses and advocate for Ogden as an attractive location for new cycling-related companies.

    • Collaborate with the Planning Department and Economic Development team to attract bicycle-related businesses to Ogden, positioning the city as a cycling hub.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the Chief Bicycle Officer role will have a background that emphasizes strong interpersonal and communication skills, community engagement, and the ability to inspire collaboration. This position is not about technical project management but about connecting people and driving a shared vision for cycling in Ogden. Key qualifications include:

  • Communication & Collaboration: Proven ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, community groups, volunteers, and local businesses.

  • Project Management: Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, with an emphasis on collaboration, deadline management, and attention to detail.

  • Customer Service: A strong commitment to public service and community well-being, with an approachable and solution-oriented attitude.

  • Web Content Creation: Skills in creating and managing digital content (e.g., social media posts, blog articles, newsletters) to promote bicycle-related events, safety information, and community updates.

  • Creativity & Brand Management: Experience with brand-building activities to foster a positive, welcoming image for Ogden’s cycling community, including community outreach and event promotion.

  • Writing & Public Speaking: Strong writing skills to develop communications and reports, as well as experience in public speaking to effectively represent the city’s bicycle initiatives at public meetings, community events, and media opportunities.

  • Bicycle Experience: A deep passion for active transportation, recreation, and cycling advocacy, along with knowledge of mountain biking and road riding to connect with Ogden’s diverse cycling community.

Reporting Structure and Accountability

The Chief Bicycle Officer will report to the Ogden City Council and provide quarterly updates to the Council, Mayor’s Office, and relevant departments. They will produce an annual report summarizing accomplishments, challenges, and areas for improvement, along with a roadmap for the following year’s initiatives.

Budget and Funding

The proposed annual salary for the Chief Bicycle Officer will range from $60,000 - $80,000, depending on qualifications, with additional benefits per Ogden City employment standards. Funding sources may include city transportation budgets, state or federal grants focused on sustainable transportation, and potential partnerships with local businesses or nonprofits.

Attachments and Supporting Documents

To strengthen the case for establishing a Chief Bicycle Officer position, the following documents provide context, data, and examples that highlight the need for dedicated leadership in implementing and expanding Ogden’s bicycle initiatives:

    • **Attachments and Supporting Documents

To strengthen the case for establishing a Chief Bicycle Officer position, the following documents provide context, data, and examples that highlight the need for dedicated leadership in implementing and expanding Ogden’s bicycle initiatives:

  1. Ogden Bicycle Master Plan (2016)

    • Summary: This document outlines the original goals and strategies for creating a safe, interconnected bicycle infrastructure across Ogden. While the plan set out a clear vision, progress has been limited due to a lack of centralized oversight. A Chief Bicycle Officer would be responsible for evaluating, updating, and reporting on the plan’s implementation.

    • Attachment: Full Ogden Bicycle Master Plan document or a summary highlighting key sections relevant to the Chief Bicycle Officer’s responsibilities.

  1. League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) Report

    • Summary: Ogden currently holds a bronze-level certification in the BFC program, which assesses how cities promote safe and accessible bicycling. This report highlights Ogden’s areas of achievement and opportunities for improvement. A Chief Bicycle Officer would focus on progressing Ogden from bronze to platinum status, which would enhance the city’s reputation and unlock additional grant opportunities.

    • Attachment: Ogden’s current BFC report (The League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly City Status for the City of Ogden, UT), along with a summary of the criteria for platinum status from the League of American Bicyclists’ BFC Master List.

  1. City’s Economic Development or Strategic Plan

    • Summary: Many city development plans emphasize the importance of attracting and retaining businesses that align with Ogden’s vision. A Chief Bicycle Officer would play a key role in revitalizing the city’s efforts to attract bicycle-related companies and creating a supportive environment for their long-term success.

    • Attachment: See attached City Wide Transportation Master Plan (2019). These relevant pages covers a wide variety of transportation elements, including transit service and systems, bicycles, pedestrian safety, street system network efficiencies, new technologies and innovations, and wayfinding signage.

  1. Case Studies of Chief Bicycle Officer Roles in Other Cities

    • Summary: Cities like New York, Chicago, and Portland have established similar bicycle-focused roles, with measurable benefits in safety, community engagement, and economic impact. For example, the City of Portland, OR has created the position of “Bicycle Coordinator” (currently held by Roger Geller at roger.geller@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7671), this underscores the potential positive outcomes Ogden could achieve with a dedicated Chief Bicycle Officer.

    • Attachment: https://bikeportland.org/2019/09/11/a-decade-in-pbot-shares-progress-report-on-2030-bike-plan-304557

Conclusion

By investing in a dedicated Chief Bicycle Officer, Ogden can strengthen the implementation and oversight of the Bicycle Master Plan, unify the city’s bicycle-related efforts, and renew its focus on attracting and retaining bicycle-related businesses. This role will be instrumental in fostering a collaborative, bike-friendly culture that enhances the quality of life for residents and advances Ogden’s reputation as a regional leader in cycling and active transportation.

Addendum

Time sensitive bicycle projects and events are listed below.

  • Tour of Utah: The Tour of Utah was a premier, world famous, UCI sanctioned, multi-stage U.S. Road Cycling race held annually until the year 2019. Formerly organized by the Larry H. Miller Group, there is now a new emerging group setting up to once again present the Tour of Utah race by the year 2026.

  • League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly City Deadline: The next opportunity to apply for Bicycle Friendly Community is June 25, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.

Jordan Crider https://www.intuitivemountainbiking.com