SE Valley Times

Tempe, AZ - The City of Tempe has announced the winners of the 2024 Bike Hero Award, recognizing two organizations for their contributions to the local cycling community. Councilmember Berdetta Hodge recently visited students at McClintock High School Bike Club, one of this year's award recipients.

Founded in 2023 by teachers Sarah Silverman and Jason Hill, the McClintock High School Bike Club meets every Friday to engage students in activities that promote bicycle safety, maintenance, and community service. The club focuses on repairing and building bicycles as a reliable mode of transportation for those in need. Donated bikes are refurbished and given to the Welcome to America Project to assist refugees.

The club also participates in events like bike scavenger hunts and Tempe Pedalpalooza while promoting safe cycling practices. They host safety education activities for peers, advocating for cycling as a viable transportation option.

The second recipient is Broadmor Elementary School Bike Bus, led by community members Kendra Flory and Hannah Moulton Belec with support from neighborhood parents. This program promotes bicycle awareness and safety for students traveling to school. Occurring once a month, it attracts parents and kids who enjoy a safe ride to school.

The Bike Bus partners with the Tempe Bicycle Action Group to host bike rodeos and other community events, emphasizing bicycle safety and infrastructure as part of Tempe's sustainable transportation system.

Mayor Corey Woods and the Tempe City Council honored both organizations at the Regular City Council Meeting on June 27.

Each year, the Tempe Bike Hero Award recognizes individuals and organizations that increase awareness of bicycling as a viable mode of transportation. Winners are selected by the Tempe Transportation Commission, a 15-member advisory board appointed by the Mayor.

Past winners include Mark McWhirter (2023), Erin Boyd (2022), John Dollar and Melissa Mahon (2021), Julian Dresang (2020), Dr. Trisalyn Nelson (2019), JC Porter (2018), Broadmor Elementary Bikecats (2017), Catherine Brubaker and Bike Saviours (2016), Erick and Rochelle Geryol (2015), Ryan and Jennifer Guzy (2014), Maja Wessels (2013), Patricia Berning (2012), Eric Iwersen (2011), Bicycle Cellar (2010), Sue Fassett (2009) and Tempe Bicycle Action Group (2008).

For media inquiries:

Mary Kate Nacke

Public Information Officer

marykate_nacke@tempe.gov

480-521-5002