Positive Spin People – Part Two

For those of you keeping track, part one of the Positive Spin People story was posted on April 21st of this year.  On that day, I made mention of our 2014 annual award recipients and that I had only made half of the 16 presentations.

As with anything worthwhile, finishing the award presentations took time, but I’m happy to report that as of today, our 2014 annual awards have been completely distributed.

During the second half of these award presentations, I found myself equally in awe of the people behind what is being done around the state for bicycling good.  Yes, bicycling GOOD, the roll up your sleeves and get to work because there is so much to do for the sake of bicycling GOOD.

I have left every award presentation feeling the same way, that I have been in the presence of greatness and a better person for meeting our recipients, the very people leading the charge to build a bicycle-friendly Florida.

Let’s start in Jacksonville with a nod to our Club of the Year recipient.  The North Florida Bicycle Club launched an awareness campaign called “One Road” for the benefit of the Jacksonville community.  Traveling down the east coast, our Off-road Club of the Year, Club Scrub, successfully hosted a “Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day” and continues to build and maintain off-road trails at Jonathon Dickinson State Park.

North Florida Bicycle Club President Mark Atkins

Juliana Catalfumo and President Dorsey Tennant of Club Scrub

On the west coast, Dan Moser received his special recognition award on May 1st in Fort Myers during the monthly SWFL Critical Mass ride, a fitting way to start off National Bike Month.  Our citizen advocates Court Nederveld of Punta Gorda and Ryan Scofield of Bonita Springs were both honored on May 6th during their own City Council meetings.

Special Recognition recipient Dan Moser

2014 Citizen Advocate Court Nederveld

2014 Citizen Advocate Ryan Scofield

In June, Mickey Thomason was honored as Trail Manager of the Year two days before National Trail Day.  Officers and Chief of the Punta Gorda Police Department were proud to stand before the City Hall marquee with their award after the presentation.

Trail Manager of the Year Mickey Thomason

Supporting Agency of the Year Punta Gorda Police Department

Our final two recipients, Elected Official Champion Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and Volunteer of the Year Mickey Witte, were honored on August 28th in Miami for their support and sponsorship of the Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act.

Eleced Official Champion Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla

Volunteer of the Year Mickey Witte with newborn “Ironbaby” Carter Witte

Once again, I encourage everyone to read up on the FBA 2014 award recipients and past award recipients if only for the inspiration.  Good things have happened and continue to happen for bicycling in Florida every day!  We are so sure of this that even though nominations for our 2015 awards weren’t scheduled to open until October 1st, we are accepting nominations as of TODAY!  Visit our annual award page for more details.

Please keep in mind that BICYCLE GOOD doesn’t have to wait for annual recognition.  Our Positive Spin link continues to receive submissions about bicycling good that is going on right now in your community.  Do you know or have a story to tell?  TALK IT UP!  Share your Positive Spin story here.

Building a bicycle-friendly Florida isn’t just about the bicycle, it’s about people.

C’mon people, let’s talk it up!

Editor’s note:  The Florida Bicycle Annual Membership meeting will be on Saturday, October 17, 2015, in Oldsmar.  Details on our website home page.

Bike Florida and Florida Bicycle Association share a common cause in bicycle education for residents and visitors to the Sunshine “Bike-Ped” State.  Share the Road license plate proceeds benefit Bike Florida and Florida Bicycle Association to further these bicycle educational efforts.  What’s on your motor vehicle?  Get the Share the Road license plate!

Did you know Rejjee is the only nation-wide multi-product registry and crowd sourced Lost & Found that includes discount product replacement offers on bicycles?  Rejjee also supports Florida Bicycle Association and FBA supports Rejjee.

Do you have a bicycle story to tell?  Photos to share?  Be our guest and be our next guest blogger!  Send your story and photos to Becky@floridabicycle.net.  Speaking of stories, our quarterly Messenger newsletter is available online for your internet reading pleasure.  Visit the FBA website Home page or click here.

Not a member of FBA?  Really?!?!?  What are you waiting for?  You belong with us – Join FBA Today!