About BikeABQ
MISSION
The mission of BikeABQ is to make bicycling in Albuquerque a safe, enjoyable, and convenient mobility option for all.
VISION
The vision of BikeABQ is a vibrant and inclusive Albuquerque bicycling culture with the infrastructure and resources to empower everyone to ride safely, conveniently and joyfully for any purpose.
Remembering Gail Ryba
Sadly, Gail passed away on May 7, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 47. Gail devoted her life to advancing bicycling as both a means of transportation and recreation. She envisioned a city where bicycles were respected as important, practical vehicles for daily life. Although her passing was a great loss, her legacy continues to guide the work of BikeABQ.
Over time, the group grew in membership and impact, eventually adopting the name BikeABQ and becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
BikeABQ Today
Today, BikeABQ carries forward Gail’s vision with an active 11-member board of directors and a strong commitment to advocacy, education, and community outreach. The organization works closely with public officials and city staff to ensure that the needs and concerns of cyclists are represented in local decision-making.
BikeABQ continues to bring together Albuquerque’s diverse bicycling community—commuters, recreational riders, and families alike—toward a shared goal: to improve bicycling and enhance the quality of life in Albuquerque.
Milestones and Achievements
Under Gail’s leadership, Albuquerque saw significant strides in bicycling infrastructure and culture. Gail excelled at securing and directing funding for key bike projects, helping the city create safer, more connected routes. In collaboration with Mayor Jim Baca, Gail launched Bike to Work Day – this annual event each May continues to celebrate and encourage bicycle commuting.
Gail’s advocacy extended statewide as well. She founded the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico, became a League Cycling Instructor, and in 2009 was honored with the League of American Bicyclists’ Phyllis Harmon Volunteer of the Year Award. Her leadership was recognized by Governor Bill Richardson, who proclaimed March 4 as “Ride Your Bicycle in Honor of Gail Ryba Day.”
A NEW BikeABQ WEBSITE IS COMING SOON
The Founding of BikeABQ
BikeABQ was officially founded in 1999 by Gail Ryba, a dedicated advocate for bicycling transportation in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. Before establishing the organization, Gail co-founded the Sandia Commuters Club at Sandia National Laboratories. In 1998, recognizing the need for broader community advocacy, she brought together fellow “co-conspirators” to launch what was named GASP (Greater Albuquerque Spokes People) with only three board members and a simple mission: to promote bicycling for transportation in Albuquerque.
Over time, the group grew in membership and impact, eventually adopting the name BikeABQ and becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
HISTORY
VISION
The vision of BikeABQ is a vibrant and inclusive Albuquerque bicycling culture with the infrastructure and resources to empower everyone to ride safely, conveniently and joyfully for any purpose.
The mission of BikeABQ is to make bicycling in Albuquerque a safe, enjoyable, and convenient mobility option for all.
MISSION
HISTORY
Milestones and Achievements
Under Gail’s leadership, Albuquerque saw significant strides in bicycling infrastructure and culture. Gail excelled at securing and directing funding for key bike projects, helping the city create safer, more connected routes. In collaboration with Mayor Jim Baca, Gail launched Bike to Work Day – this annual event each May continues to celebrate and encourage bicycle commuting.
Gail’s advocacy extended statewide as well. She founded the Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico, became a League Cycling Instructor, and in 2009 was honored with the League of American Bicyclists’ Phyllis Harmon Volunteer of the Year Award. Her leadership was recognized by Governor Bill Richardson, who proclaimed March 4 as “Ride Your Bicycle in Honor of Gail Ryba Day.”
BikeABQ Today
Today, BikeABQ carries forward Gail’s vision with an active 11-member board of directors and a strong commitment to advocacy, education, and community outreach. The organization works closely with public officials and city staff to ensure that the needs and concerns of cyclists are represented in local decision-making.
BikeABQ continues to bring together Albuquerque’s diverse bicycling community—commuters, recreational riders, and families alike—toward a shared goal: to improve bicycling and enhance the quality of life in Albuquerque.
The Founding of BikeABQ
BikeABQ was officially founded in 1999 by Gail Ryba, a dedicated advocate for bicycling transportation in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. Before establishing the organization, Gail co-founded the Sandia Commuters Club at Sandia National Laboratories. In 1998, recognizing the need for broader community advocacy, she brought together fellow “co-conspirators” to launch what was named GASP (Greater Albuquerque Spokes People) with only three board members and a simple mission: to promote bicycling for transportation in Albuquerque.
Over time, the group grew in membership and impact, eventually adopting the name BikeABQ and becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Remembering Gail Ryba
Sadly, Gail passed away on May 7, 2010, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 47. Gail devoted her life to advancing bicycling as both a means of transportation and recreation. She envisioned a city where bicycles were respected as important, practical vehicles for daily life. Although her passing was a great loss, her legacy continues to guide the work of BikeABQ.