2019 RVA Bike Month Awards
By: Brantley Tyndall, Bike Walk RVA Director of Outreach
Another spring has come and gone, and for the 6th year, RVA Bike Month has grown the opportunities to ride in all corners of the Richmond Region for just about anyone. RVA Bike Month keeps growing, in part because of our support from Bon Secours, and totally because of our community’s wonderful and enthusiastic volunteer event leaders! With over 50 events in Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield ranging from a dozen neighbors riding to get ice cream to several hundred riders in organized events, over 5,000 smiling faces participated in 2019. We couldn’t’ be more thrilled.
For the second year, we concluded RVA Bike Month with an awards ceremony to recognize and celebrate just some of the amazing folks who help to make our riding community special. (Here’s 2018’s event).
Committed Bike Commuter – Rebecca Stewart
For slowly building her courage to bike commuting and now riding from downtown Richmond to work at the Chesterfield County Government Center!
Best RVA Bike Month Volunteer – Judy Marsten
For tireless event direction for the 2nd Annual Ashland Ticket to Ride put on by Bike Walk Hanover.
Best #rvabikemonth Photo – Chris Long
For this awesome photo of a civilized bike ride on Bike to Work Day on a car-free Manchester Bridge.
Bike-Friendliest Business – Stone Brewing
For supporting riding events and clubs, making their brewery accessible and fun for bike riders, and supporting Richmond’s trail system.
Young Rider Award – Parker Brewer
For being the coolest young shredder! One week after the awards, Parker rode 50 miles for his 5th birthday to raise money for his school.
Best Biking Street/Road – Twin Hickory Road Buffered Bike Lanes in Henrico County
For the newest buffered bike lanes in the Richmond region that connect homes to schools, commercial corridors, and connecting to another set of new bike lanes on Holcom Ridge Road! Accepting the award were Three Chopt Supervisor Tommy Branin and Henrico Director of Public Works Steve Yob.
Best RVA Bike Month Event – Tim Kelly’s 3rd Annual Treasure Hunt
For having the hardest and most interesting clues for his third annual scavenger hunt and the homemade cake as the prize for winning!
Honorable Mention – Kendell Ryan and Bell Joy Ride
For four years of inspiring hundreds of ladies to ride mountain bikes, explore nature, and build community throughout the year. We’ll miss you in Boulder!
Advocate of the Year – Susan Ann Glass
For her dedicated service, promotion, and networking in the greater Richmond bike movement, serving as State Coordinator for Virginia at the National Bike Summit, and for her positivity and energy everywhere she rides.
And last but not least, we debuted our recap and promotional video for this year’s RVA Bike Month. Take a look; we think you’ll enjoy it!