June 22, 1955 - March 30, 2026
Tim Blumenthal, a pioneering voice in American cycling journalism, broadcasting, and advocacy, died on March 30, 2026, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 70.
Tim was born June 22nd,1955, in New York, NY, to John Irving Blumenthal and Mary Newkirk Blumenthal. He grew up in Rye, NY, and attended Milton School and Rye High School. He graduated from Colgate University in 1977.
Tim began his career as a sports journalist, serving as an editor at both Velo News and Bicycling Magazine, where he helped introduce cycling to a wider audience. In 1993, he became the Executive Director of the International Mountain Bicycling Association, and relocated it to Boulder, Colorado, where he continued in that role until 2004.
Tim’s expertise and knack for story-telling lead to his work in TV broadcasting, serving as a writer, consultant, and commentator for NBC Sports, and covering cycling at seven Olympic Games.
He later turned his focus to advocacy, serving for more than a decade as President and CEO of People For Bikes, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving bicycling infrastructure, policy and participation. Taking the helm in 2004, he helped transform the organization (then named Bikes Belong) into one of the most influential voices for biking in the nation, expanding its reach to more than a million supporters and championing safer streets and broader access to riding. Tim truly believed, and would often say, "When people ride bikes, great things happen."
Tim will be forever remembered for his love of travel, mountains, ski area WebCams, weather, wine from Sancerre, college sports, and as a leader of epic family and group adventures. He was a master story teller, whether to an audience of one, or one hundred. One of his great (and many-times realized) ambitions was to swim in both the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean on the same day, though he’d be just as happy in a local lake or pond. Tim loved quoting his favorite movies and never found a map he didn’t study meticulously. He was commonly referred to as the “Nicest man in the world”.
Tim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lise Blumenthal of Cornwall, VT; his two children, Ryan Blumenthal of San Francisco, and Jana Lustig of Los Angeles; son-in-law Daniel Lustig, and three grandchildren; brothers Tom Blumenthal and wife Amy Andrews of Riverside, CT, and Andy Blumenthal of Frisco, CO; and his aunt, Jane Gilman of Los Angeles. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Newkirk Blumenthal, and father John Irving Blumenthal, both of Rye New York.
In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to People for Bikes, or call an old friend and share your favorite Tim story.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.