INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (January 26, 2011) -INDYCOG announced the recipients of their annual "Bicycle Friendly" awards during their Membership Appreciation Party held at the Tomlinson Tap Room this past Tuesday, January 24, 2012. The INDYCOG "Bicycle Friendly" Award provides an opportunity for our members to thank businesses, organizations, and people who have made special efforts to make Indianapolis & Marion County more hospitable to people who ride bicycles, or who promote bicycling.
Mayor Greg Ballard was personally presented with the award for "Most Bicycle Friendly Elected Official" on Tuesday evening. Mayor Ballard was chosen to be the recipient of this award due to his tireless efforts promoting bicycling as a viable and safe mode of transportation and recreation; as well as implementing over 60 miles of on road bicycle facilities; and, being instrumental in repurposing the east wing of the City Market into Indianapolis' first indoor bike parking facility. Mayor Ballard and the City of Indianapolis have also had several major family oriented bicycle rides that have allowed thousands of Indianapolis' residents to participate in a fun, healthy and safe form of recreation and transportation.
Stuart Lowry, Director of Indy Parks, was awarded "Most Bicycle Friendly Public Official" for his hard work and persistence in assisting INDYCOG and other stakeholders on extending the hours of use for the Monon Trail. The Monon Trail is a key bicycle commuter corridor from destinations on the north side of Indianapolis. Without the nighttime use of the Monon, many bicyclists, walkers and runners would be forced to use the adjacent roadways which would increase their likely of being involved in accidents with motorized vehicles.
Randall Clark, owner of Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI), was presented the award for "Bicycle Friendly Business." Mr. Clark was chosen due to his efforts in supporting the bicycle advocacy community through his time, talent and generous donations. Mr. Clark was instrumental in ensuring that INDYCOG and Bicycle Indiana had offices in the Indy Bike Hub/YMCA and in supporting many of the events that both organizations have presented in 2011.
Oran Sands was presented with the "Volunteer of the Year" award for his hours of service volunteering at bicycle educational tables at various events around Indianapolis. He is the ride leader for our monthly Courteous Mass, Critical Manners Bicycle Ride, a polite alternative to the Critical Mass ride. This ride meets every 2nd Friday of the month at the American Legion Mall, across from the Central Public Library. He also hosts the monthly Full Moon bicycle rides and is heavily involved in promoting bicycle cultural in Central Indiana.
To learn more about INDYCOG or how you can get involved with the organization, please visit www.theindycog.com or contact Kevin Whited at (317) 663-3423 or kevin@theindycog.com.
