Bike/Walk Central Florida was proud to host its first annual Wheel of Achievement Awards on June 15th at Winter Park’s Center for Health & Wellbeing. The awards recognize the exemplary efforts by various people, businesses, and communities that move the needle in support of those who walk, bike, or roll throughout Central Florida.
The event kicked off with breakfast and networking amongst the award winners, bike-friendly businesses within the community, the BWCF board and staff and additional event attendees.
Dr. Kelly Brock, City of Casselberry’s Public Works & Utilities Department Director was the keynote speaker and delivered an informative and educational presentation called Gaining Momentum: Pictures of Human Powered Progress. The presentation took the audience on a journey of his story as a resident and changemaker who has played a critical role in transforming the City of Casselberry into an area that prioritizes sidewalks, bike lanes, and public spaces by advocating for safer street design and better policy. He highlighted the progress that has taken place in our community infrastructure over the past 16 years and the leading efforts that were behind them. Following the presentation, Dr. Brock hosted a lively Q&A session with the audience to further the conversation on how to make Central Florida more bikeable, walkable, and rollable.
After lunch, the BWCF staff hosted the awards ceremony, recognizing and honoring the various winners.
“Those recognized at our Wheel of Achievement Awards truly go above and beyond in committing to making changes in their community that make it safer for all of those who bike and walk,” said Emily Hanna, CEO of Bike/Walk Central Florida. “Along with our partners, we remain dedicated to enhancing walkability, bike-friendliness, safety, and accessibility across Central Florida.”
The winners of the first Wheel of Achievement Awards were:
- Special Achievement Award: City of Orlando, Corrine Drive Safety Improvements, for special achievements in support of making communities more walkable, bikeable, and rollable.
- Outstanding Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Project or Effort Award: For projects or efforts providing significant positive impact to safety for all users of the bicycle and pedestrian network.
- Single-Point: Seminole County and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., Cross Seminole Trail Overpass/Pedestrian Connection as US 17-92
- Honorable Mention: Florida Department of Transportation, 13th Street from Florida Avenue to Michigan Avenue
- Small Corridor: City of Casselberry, North Oxford Road Complete Street Improvements Project
- Outstanding Bicycle & Pedestrian Advocacy Award: Cristina Cruz, Orange County Traffic Engineering, for advocacy and education efforts put forth by an individual community member or individual working within a government agency or private organization.
Bike/Walk Central Florida also highlighted the Fall 2022 recipients of the Bicycle Friendly BusinessSM designation from the League of American Cyclists, who were recognized for their efforts to encourage a more welcoming atmosphere for bicycling employees, customers, and the community. BWCF, awarded the Platinum level, has made it a strategic goal to encourage and empower others to apply for and receive Bicycle Friendly BusinessSM designations.
The event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and donors. A big thank you to the venue sponsor, Center for Health & Wellbeing, community sponsor, Orlando Health, and Neighborhood Ambassadors: Gresham Smith; Fishback Dominick; Fehr & Peers; HDR, Inc.; Kittleson & Associates; Laura Turner Planning Services; Kimley-Horn & Associates; Brian and Myrna Canin.
To view photos from the event, please click here.
To learn more about future events and programs, join Bike/Walk Central Florida’s email list here.
