Active Transportation Alliance executive director Rob Sadowsky announced last week that he would become head of the Oregon Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

Sadowsky, who has been outspoken on road safety and the importance of making the city more bike and pedestrian-friendly, will leave Active Trans in June. Melody Geraci, Active Trans' program director, will serve as interim director until a permanent director is hired.

During Sadowsky's nine-year tenure at the Alliance, its budget has grown from just over $1 million to over $3 million and from a staff of 10 to 30. The organization advocates for pedestrians, bicyclists and public transit.

Sadowsky said he loves Chicago, where he has lived for 20 years, but "it has been a dream of mine to return to the West Coast with its diverse ecology of mountains and the wild Pacific Ocean."