HUB Cycling handed out awards to individuals and groups all throughout Metro Vancouver who are helping to increase and improve cycling, with a couple of Maple Ridge groups being recognized this year.
A total of 20 awards were distributed across several different categories on March 12, with Yennadon Elementary and Bikes for Farm Workers BC representing the Ridge Meadows community.
One of the Bike to School Week awards went to Yennadon Elementary, which was recognized for its performance in the annual program, which included more than 40 schools in Metro Vancouver.
This week-long event takes place at the beginning of June and encourages students to ride their bikes to and from school, with cyclists earning a variety of prizes.
In the most recent Bike to School Week program, Yennadon Elementary put up really strong participation numbers, earning them the HUB Cycling award for the school with the highest number of riders.
Yennadon Elementary Parent Advisory Council (PAC) president Craig Towers said he and the rest of the PAC members were incredibly grateful and excited about receiving the award from HUB Cycling.
“To be honoured for achieving the top school for number of riders in last year’s Bike to School Week event is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm, and unwavering support of our entire school community,” said Towers.
“Events like Bike to School Week not only contribute to reducing traffic congestion and parking challenges but also play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship among students and families.”
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The other local award given out was the People’s Choice Award in the business or organization category, which went to Bikes for Farm Workers BC.
Largely spearheaded by volunteers throughout Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, this organization strives to donate used bicycles to migrant farm workers throughout the Lower Mainland.
Delta farm workers receiving their bikes today ❤️ This is what it’s all about #donateyourbike pic.twitter.com/AgrcQ7gmrM
— Steve Nicklen (@SteveNicklen) March 18, 2024
Longtime volunteer and Maple Ridge resident Steve Nicklen said he was honoured to accept the award alongside Wayne Turner on behalf of Bikes for Farm Workers BC.
“We delivered over 250 bicycles free of charge to farm workers in 2023, and we are already on track to provide the same number, perhaps even more in 2024,” said Nicklen.
“This essential transportation allows migrant farmworkers to get to work, run errands, and socialize in the communities they work in. Receiving this award is a wonderful sentiment, but this project is really about the workers and giving back to those who toil on the farms for our benefit. It’s this compassion that keeps us rolling. Thank you to each and every person that has supported us in some way.”
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The full list of HUB Cycling award winners includes:
• Oxford Properties (Go By Bike Week Appreciation Award)
• Vancouver Coastal Health (Go By Bike Week Champion)
• Vancouver City Centre Bike Valet (Bike to Shop Champion)
• Hawthorne Elementary (Bike to School Week Top First-Time School)
• Yennadon Elementary (Bike to School Week Top School for Number of Riders)
• Christopher Reid (Volunteer Appreciation Award)
• Guildford Greenway - City of Coquitlam (Infrastructure Improvement Award)
• New Westminster Secondary Schooling Cycling Connector - City of New Westminster (Infrastructure Improvement Award)
• City of Surrey (Biggest Leap Award)
• TransLink (Biggest Leap Award)
• City of Richmond (Cycling Education Champion)
• Lucy Maloney (School Cycling Advocate)
• Gwen Litchfield (Volunteer Appreciation Award)
• Brad Barber (Volunteer Appreciation Award)
• Colleen MacDonald (Volunteer Appreciation Award)
• Jesse Li (Volunteer Appreciation Award)
• Kickstand (People’s Choice Award - Bike Shop)
• Maya Goldstein (People’s Choice Award - Individual)
• Bikes for Farm Workers BC (People’s Choice Award - Business or Organization)
• Joan Caravan (2023 Cycling Champion of the Year)