Industry to honour those who support cycling

I'm happy that the Bicycle Trade Association of Canada has launched an awards program to recognize those who contribute to Canada's cycling community, but I think there could have been five awards, instead of four.

The awards, announced earlier this month, are to recognize groups that demonstrate innovation and commitment in promoting cycling in their sphere: Independent Bicycle Retailer; Municipal/Regional Government; Contribution by a Political Leader; and Initiative by Local Cycling Association.

Nominations close on July 1. Nominations must be in writing. Details are here.

I think there is a missing category: Cycling Champion.

In many communities, improvements to the cycling environment start because of one person. It could be a vocal councillor or cycling advisory committee exec member. It could be an outspoken transportation advocate, or a university researcher, or a public interest research group member. When I talk to planners or school board officials, they often reference back to the need for that "champion" to take the idea of, say, a bicycle caravan to school every Wednesday, and go with it.

Those people are the real heroes.

I e-chatted with Bill Yetman, exec director of BTAC, about the potential for this new category. He replied that this is the first year, and these four are the inaugural awards. He says there is already discussion about an award something along these lines. Watch for it next year.

 

Comments

[Shamus]

I can think of two that deserve the award.#1-Don Pavey & Don Rope for the Cambridge Tour de Grand. #2-The Braun Family, their bicycle store & former touring club are responsible for alot of people in region getting into cycling. Thank you all for everything you do for cycling in Waterloo Region and across Ontario.

[Jean]

Great suggestion.

In fact, I am a bit surprised that the association didn't think of that in the first place?? Usually an cycling advocacy group propels forward because of 1-2 people who do this for....FREE. Hrs. and hrs., years and years of tireless volunteer work with the public, municipal bureaucracy.

It's not the same as cycling for 160 km. in a day and leading the pack, though some of these folks are the same individuals at different times of their lives.