NEW ORLEANS (May 17, 2024) – Blue Krewe, the local nonprofit that operates and manages New Orleans’ community-run bikeshare program Blue Bikes, announces a leadership transition with the departure of Founder and CEO Geoff Coats.

Coats, who played a pivotal role in bringing bikeshare to New Orleans, is stepping down after three years at the helm of Blue Krewe. He first championed the original Blue Bikes launch in 2017. After the first version of Blue Bikes took a pause at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Coats then spearheaded the bikeshare’s successful relaunch under a non-profit operational model in 2021.

Blue Krewe is incredibly grateful to Geoff for his dedication and leadership in making bikeshare a thriving reality for New Orleans. His commitment to partnership, data-driven strategy, and innovation has been instrumental in Blue Krewe’s success.

Blue Krewe Poised for Continued Growth

The Board of Directors has been engaged in strategic planning and is actively seeking a new Executive Director. A local and national search will commence later this month, aiming to onboard a new leader by fall 2024.

In the interim, Blue Krewe’s strong operating team will ensure a smooth transition under the leadership of Interim Co-Executive Directors Django Szilagi and Patrick Urbine.

Blue Bikes’ Impressive Track Record

Thanks to Geoff’s leadership, Blue Bikes has experienced tremendous growth. With over 700,000 trips recorded since relaunch – over 70% of these trips by locals in 2023 – Blue Bikes has become a vital part of the city’s transportation network, promoting affordability, sustainability, and healthy living.

“Since 2017 I’ve had the best job in the city – running Blue Bikes! And that job got even better in 2021 when we created the nonprofit Blue Krewe to manage and operate the system; transforming Blue Bikes into a locally owned community asset. Building a thriving bikeshare program in New Orleans has been a true team effort. I’m grateful to everyone who’s helped make Blue Krewe a success, especially the riders who choose a healthy, sustainable way to get around. I am confident Blue Krewe will continue to be a valuable asset to the city and look forward to seeing the innovations and improvements the new leadership will bring.”