We had a lively, fun, and informative time at the 2018 Blinkie Awards & Members' Party last week, and we hope you did, too. If you weren't able to attend, here's what you missed. Hope you'll make it out next time!
This was the 10th annual Blinkie Awards - created as a way to thank and acknowledge the many people, organizations, and agencies working together to transform Atlanta into a more livable city by making biking equitable, safe, and appealing.
And the Blinkie Awards go to...
Bike-Friendly Agency: Atlanta Public Schools Office of Partnerships and Development, presented by Stephen Spring, our bike education coordinator
APS' Office of Partnerships and Development was recognized for their hard work with ABC to create a pilot 2nd grader bike safety program at the Benteen, Thomasville Heights, Dunbar, and Kindezi/Gideons schools. This program aims to expand to reach every 2nd grader in Atlanta Public Schools each year. In the pilot phase, in addition to the Office of Partnerships and Development, four teachers and the school community liaisons have been especially key to the effort. We were delighted to recognize the team effort with a Blinkie Award. From the looks of their posts, they were excited, too!
Tonight was simply amazing! Thank you again @atlantabike for honoring our district! @DrEmilyAMassey @APSPartnerships @docdrewlovett @apsupdate @CarstarphenMJ @Atldepsupt pic.twitter.com/MDqag72hkd
— RLCaldwell (@APCALDWELL_) February 9, 2018
#blinkieawards Thanks a Million for providing the opportunity to expose 👫 the enjoyment of 🚲riding @atlantabike @APSPartnerships @docdrewlovett @apsupdate @APSBenteen @APCALDWELL_ @CarstarphenMJ pic.twitter.com/oqPed3yjGH
— Benteen PE (@Benteen_PE) February 9, 2018
Bike-Friendly Partner: Relay Bike Share, presented by LaMiiko Moore, our program coordinator
We at ABC have been working to bring bike share to Atlanta since 2011, when we received a grant from the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation to conduct a feasibility study. Since piloting in Downtown Atlanta in 2016, Relay Bike Share has partnered with us to ensure our city’s bike share system is inclusive, equitable, and appealing to all of Atlanta.
In collaboration with the City of Atlanta, our partnership resulted in the Atlanta Bike Champions program, first on the Westside, and now in NPU-V (It was nice to see so many current and first-cohort Champs in the room!) This collaboration also led to the hiring of an Inclusion Program Manager at Relay this year, to launch a cash payment system. Relay has made it a priority to support our programming by with bikes for classes, the Rolling Town Hall, and Atlanta Streets Alive.
They have shared data, supported our communications and marketing, and worked with us to overcome challenges. And let’s not forget the operations! Bike share works in Atlanta due to the efforts of the staff who re-balance and maintain the bikes, including those at the virtual hub outside our office on Wylie Street.
As we continue to work towards a city where biking is integrated into the culture, daily life, and infrastructure, bike share will continue to play a key role in expanding access to bikes. Thank you Relay, our 2017 Bike-Friendly Partner!
Blinkie Award- Bike Friendly Partner thanks @Atlantabike. #BikeATL #ExpectBikes pic.twitter.com/AmUL9yrqJs
— Relay Bike Share (@RelayBikeShare) February 12, 2018
Cadence Volunteer: Stephanie Hudson, presented by Stephen Spring, our bike education coordinator
We're fortunate to have so many wonderful volunteers, but even among all that excellence, Stephanie stands out. Her patience, relationship-building, ability to create a safe environment for learners to share their experiences and become empowered riders, and willingness to go above and beyond to get certified as an instructor are all reasons why she was selected as the 2018 Cadence Volunteer. Thank you Stephanie for your dedication (and for joining the Governing Board of 2018!)
Local Bike Shop (People's Choice): Aztec Cycles / Clutch Bicycle Shop, presented by events manager Heather Luyk
What a fun contest this was. After the first round of voting resulted in a tie, we opened it back up so a few stragglers could vote. The result was a first-time win for Aztec Cycles / Clutch Bicycle Shop, a new shop that just opened in the Westview neighborhood. We couldn't be happier for all the lovely people involved in the shop - pedal on, y'all!
Bike Friendly Neighborhood (People's Choice): the West End, presented by events manager Heather Luyk
The West End seems to have it all - a unique history, beautiful homes, talented and engaged residents, a vibrant local business scene, all just a couple of miles from downtown. And now they have a Blinkie Award! We're so pleased to recognize all the goodness that is the #WestEndBestEnd and hope for continued connections to safe mobility, including biking, in the years to come.
Other highlights of the night included
- Comments from Atlanta City Councilmembers Andre Dickens, Amir Farokhi, and Matt Westmoreland
- Volunteer sign up station where members signed up to get involved
- Priorities Poster where we gathered feedback on our plans for 2018
Thanks @atlantabike for an invite to your 2018 Blinkie Awards! Super cool South Downtown venue and a great crowd. (Photo bomb @amirrf) pic.twitter.com/nCK6K1azqi
— Matt Westmoreland (@WestmorelandATL) February 9, 2018
We were joined in celebrating the Blinkies by our outstanding sponsors at BikeLaw Georgia, Bruce Hagen and Ken Rosskopf!
We also want to thank Newport for providing the space and helping make the evening possible, as well as our food and beverage sponsors including Montane Spring Water, Doc Chey's Noodle House, Six Feet Under, Carver Neighborhood Market, Revolution Donuts, King of Pops, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, 4 Rivers Smokehouse, and Sweet Cheats.
Thanks as well to our sparkling Host Committee!
Kevin O’Gara and Niklas Vollmer, Two Wheel Tuesdays
Nedra Deadwyler, Georgia Bikes & Civil Bikes
Julie Wells, Relay Bike Share
Becky Katz, City of Atlanta
Franklin Johnson, BRAG
Charles Long, super rider
Jeffrey Wisard, Atlanta Cycling Festival