Fairfax, California — December 16, 2024 — The Marin Museum of Bicycling is thrilled to announce the appointment of Aaron Allen as its first Executive Director, marking a new chapter for the institution as it prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025. The Marin Museum of Bicycling is dedicated to illuminating cycling's past, present and future and has been a volunteer-run organization since its founding. The museum has garnered international acclaim for its exhibits and curatorial expertise, and as the home of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Its exhibits showcase the evolution of the bicycle from the 19th century to the modern era.
Aaron Allen brings an exceptional breadth of experience from across the cycling industry, having worked with leading U.S. retailers, founded and managed two successful bike-related businesses, and earned recognition for his innovative contributions to the cycling world. As the Museum's first full-time employee, Aaron is poised to leverage his passion for bicycles, extensive industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial spirit to further elevate Marin Museum of Bicycling's mission of preserving and sharing the rich history and culture of cycling.
A seasoned industry veteran, Aaron began his career in the late 1990s at City Cycle in San Francisco, a renowned custom bike retailer known for its advocacy efforts and community engagement. He later served as General Manager at Studio Velo in Mill Valley, founded Bespoke Cycles in San Francisco, and co-founded Ambedo, a distinctive retail, travel, and consulting business based in Oregon. Throughout his career, Aaron has built strong relationships with cycling brands, nonprofits, advocacy groups, philanthropists, and enthusiasts worldwide. His broad perspective of the cycling industry, from retail and wholesale to manufacturing, uniquely positions him to help shape the Museum's future. Aaron's leadership will be key as Marin Museum of Bicycling carries forward with ambitious plans for growth, new exhibits, and increased community engagement.
"I am honored to join the Marin Museum of Bicycling at this pivotal moment," said Aaron Allen. "The Museum has a unique place in the history of cycling, and I am excited to work alongside the team to continue its growth as a cultural hub, a resource for the cycling community and a destination for visitors from around the world."
As Marin Museum of Bicycling approaches its 10-year milestone, the addition of Aaron Allen as Executive Director signals a future of innovation and enhanced programming, further solidifying the Museum's place as a leading institution in the cycling world.
About Marin Museum of Bicycling: The Marin Museum of Bicycling is a bicycle history museum and cultural center in Fairfax, California. The Museum was founded in 2015 by a team of dedicated, lifelong bicycle advocates and innovators: Joe Breeze, Otis Guy, Marc Vendetti, Julia Violich and Keith Hastings. The museum is open Thursday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm, and receives thousands of visitors annually, from the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world.
