After more than ten years with Hamilton Bike Share, our dedicated and passionate Executive Director Chelsea Cox is transitioning out of her role in September. As one of the original founding members of the organization, Chelsea has been a guiding force in every stage of the launch, growth, and success of Hamilton’s bike share service. Thanks to her tremendous contributions the system has become an integral part of Hamilton’s transportation system today.

 

Under Chelsea’s leadership, our not-for-profit organization has grown from a small start-up into a strong and stable micromobility operator recognized internationally as an industry leader. First as Community Manager, Chelsea was the public face of the original launch which was at times contentious and political, but ultimately a celebratory win for the city. She successfully created Canada’s first bike share equity program, and today the Everyone Rides Initiative stands as an example that inspires cities across North America. Later, as Executive Director, Chelsea led the organization through times of turbulence and change, bringing the system back from the brink after Uber took over - and then abandoned - operations in 2020. The system’s most recent win came through her efforts with McMaster students, staff, administrators and the McMaster Students Union to support a universal pass for students slated to launch in September of this year.

 

One major contributor to all of these successes was her constant and unflappable dedication to creating a workplace that embodies equity and belonging through tangible measures including being an early signatory to Hamilton’s living wage network and enshrining decent work practices into the organization’s policies.

 

“It has been a true honour to be part of this bike share journey with our community! Our success was only possible because of the incredible dedication of our staff, board of directors, partners, and riders,” said Cox. “The community’s contributions and support of bike share is so inspiring and I am deeply grateful to have been a part of making a measurable impact in the city I love.”

 

As Hamilton Bike Share thrives we look forward to what is next. Our amazing management team and Board of Directors is equipped to manage a smooth leadership transition, and the organization is positioned to continue delivering strong and reliable service to our growing community of riders.

 

Chelsea will continue to be involved as an adviser and supporter of Hamilton Bike Share, and we are thrilled for her next role in diplomacy with the US Consulate General. Please join us in extending heartfelt thanks to Chelsea for her untiring work with Hamilton Bike Share to help us achieve our mission “to enhance the quality of urban life by improving equitable access to bicycles in Hamilton.”

Thanks for reading our newsletter! Stay tuned for future editions highlighting community happenings, features from the Everyone Rides Initiative, and updates about improvements to our system.