Bike Baton Rouge Announces New President

Bike Baton Rouge, the Capital City’s most active bicycling and pedestrian advocacy group, has a new president. 

Lynley Farris is the first woman to helm the 17-year-old organization. She takes over after several years working in community development and digital media with the Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, Mid City Studio, and STUN Design. 

Farris had been an active volunteer and supporter of Bike Baton Rouge before joining its Board of Directors and being voted president. In her new role, she hopes to take the organization to the next level and bring the possibilities for biking in Baton Rouge closer to reality.

Originally from Missouri, Farris came to Baton Rouge as a part of AmeriCorps during which she ran the Mid City cultural district. This also allowed her to work with Mid City Studio where she continued to work after her year of service to help establish the studio as a nonprofit. 

“Biking has been a huge part of my life,” Farris said. Her family took nightly summer bike rides when she was growing up, what they called “Farrises on Parade.” In her teen years, an aunt introduced her to mountain biking and triathlon. This led her to discovering a sense of freedom, independence, and self-discipline that she still relishes. 

“Being on a bike seat, you can see and experience things just a bit differently, and I’m really into that,” said Farris. “I hope more people will take the chance to learn what I mean and Bike Baton Rouge can be an instrumental part in helping develop the conditions and culture that promotes the benefits of seeing the Baton Rouge community in a slightly different way.”