A Bicycle Ambassador (noun) is a bicycling advocate, or member of team of advocates, tasked with promoting bicycling in a community. Such advocates are traditionally hired by the city government and networked extensively with other municipal offices whose activities effect cycling. Early programs began in Toronto in the late nineteen nineties. Other cities picked it up over the following decade, Chicago being the largest. Portland Oregon, San Francisco California, Seattle, Washington, Arlington, Virginia also have programs. Philadelphia and Washington DC began programs most recently. Some programs are entirely youth focused, while others become a de facto part of the city Department of Transportation or other government agency.