At the 7th Annual Lucinda Means Bicycle Advocacy Day recently held at the State Capitol, League of Michigan Bicyclists recognized six Michigan bicyclists and one organization for exemplary work the last year to improve cycling across the state. The winners were all peer-nominated and all embody the mission of LMB – to promote bicycling and the safety of bicyclists on the roadways in Michigan.
Michael Unsworth, of MSU Libraries, was one of the six cyclists recognized.
He and the other winners are listed as follows:
Bicycle Advocate: Michael Unsworth (Lansing)
Michael works in various capacities to advocate for transportation policy that positively impacts non-motorized users. He recently launched "Operation Soft Serve," a social media campaign to encourage local ice cream parlors to install bicycle parking.
Bicycle Educator: Kathy Vonk (Ann Arbor)
Kathy is an Ann Arbor Police Officer and co-owner of LouKa Tactical Training, where she routinely educates Michigan police officers on the Michigan Vehicle Code as it applies to bicyclists.
LMB Volunteer Award: Anne Balenger (Alpena)
Anne has served as a LMB Tour Director for four years after founding the Sunrise Tour Adventure in Rogers City. She was instrumental in not only organizing the event, but also working with local government and business officials to support the bicycle tour.
Community Support for Bicycling: Greater Grand Rapids Bicycling Coalition
GGRBC has held several successful campaigns and events in Grand Rapids to make the region more bicycle friendly, including two GR Bike Summits in 2009 and 2011. In addition to helping pass a Complete Streets Resolution in 2011, GGRBC also applied and received Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community recognition for the City by the League of American Bicyclists.
Distinguished Service to LMB: Bill Duemling (Clinton Township)
For 15 years Bill has hosted LMB's website and was webmaster for a majority of that time. Upon his retirement, LMB is pleased to honor him for his service for the last decade and a half.
Ralph Finneren Encouragement Award: Steve Kinley (Lake Orion)
Steve is the founder of Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association, who organizes numerous youth races each year. He has helped over a dozen high schools start mountain biking programs.
Bob Gibbs Passion for Pedaling Award: Bob Gibbs, inaugural winner (Lansing)
Bob (94) has been cycling for 80 plus years, including commuting by bike before it was even popular. His passion has inspired countless people take up cycling again, or for the first time for that matter.
For more information and photos of the ceremony, visit www.LMB.org.
###