The Board of We Ride Australia is very pleased to announce that Shane Byrne has been confirmed as its new Chair in a unanimous decision at its meeting on Wednesday 11th February.

Retiring Chair Pete Williams said in his statement to the Board,

“Serving as Chair since November 2020 has been a genuine privilege.

“This period has spanned extraordinary external conditions, including COVID, during which the cycling sector experienced both unprecedented growth as a key form of safe, healthy mobility during the pandemic.

“Throughout that volatility, WeRide has remained focused, credible, and increasingly influential – a reflection of the organisation’s maturity and resilience” Pete Williams said.

Incoming Chair, Shane Byrne, brings 30 plus years working in consumer goods production, consulting engineering and manufacturing. Most recently Shane was Executive Director of Research & Development with experience across ANZ, Japan, India, China and Thailand.

With a strong personal interest in sustainability, sport and active travel, Shane is ideally suited to leading the work of WeRide, the national independent voice for cycling.

Shane Byrne sees his priorities as facilitating WeRide’s long-term influence and ensuring the delivery excellence of WeRide’s current and future programs amidst continued growth of the organisation.

“I am passionate about the meaningful, practical outcomes WeRide can deliver, including getting more kids riding to school through the RideScore program,

“And continuing the evolution of WeRide from a national advocacy organisation to a respected and trusted authority is a great opportunity to continue to strengthen decades of highly professional capability in the organisation.

“We live in exciting times for people who ride bikes, and I want to ensure WeRide continues to lead in ensuring cycling is seen as a serious economic, health, and urban policy issue,” incoming Chair, Shane Byrne said.

The upcoming AGM at 6pm on Tuesday 3 March will provide an opportunity for the Members of WeRide to meet Shane and get an update on the organisation’s outcomes in 2025 and program for 2026.

All members and subscribers are invited to join the AGM online via the link that will be advertised soon in our communications and on the WeRide website, www.weride.org.au.

Shane Byrne bio

Incoming WeRide Chair Shane Byrne

  • Australian born and educated (BEng. Aero UNSW)
  • A lifetime of cycling including decades of participation and promotion of active travel.
  • 30 plus years working in consumer goods production, consulting engineering and manufacturing.
  • Retired in 2024 Executive Director of Research & Development at MARS Incorporated with experience within ANZ, Japan, India, China and Thailand.
  • Presently volunteer, committee and board dedicated across various sustainability, sports and active travel fields.

 

 

 

Media contact

  • Peter Bourke, Executive Officer, peter@weride.org.au, 0438 871 271