Bike SLO County leader enters plea in child molestation case
CalCoastNews
May 15, 2026
It’s heartbreaking to share this news, especially for those of us who know Bike SLO County as a force for good in our community. According to CalCoastNews, the organization’s former executive director, Richard Ellison, pleaded no contest this week to a charge of molesting his 6-year-old step-granddaughter in a hot tub last year. He now faces up to a year in county jail. For a group that has championed safe streets and family-friendly rides from San Luis Obispo to the coast, this betrayal cuts deep—and it’s a stark reminder that even trusted leaders can cause profound harm.
As neighbors, our first thoughts should be with the child and her family. While the legal process moves forward, this case also underscores the importance of vigilance in every organization that works with youth. Bike SLO County has done so much to connect us, but this news asks us to hold space for accountability and healing. Let’s support the survivors, and let’s keep our community safe—on and off the bike paths.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from CalCoastNews.
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May 15, 2026
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