Despite challenges brought by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Metro Vancouver’s cycling community’s resilience has been recognized by the eighth annual HUB Cycling awards.
On Monday, the not-for-profit organization celebrated organizations and individuals making biking better across Metro Vancouver. The presentation of the awards was watched by more than 115 people who tuned in virtually over Facebook.
Award winners were selected based on their effort and investment in bike education incentives, on-site bike amenities, bike-related research, and media and advocacy initiatives. Organizations partaking in the development of infrastructure improvements and participation in bike to work/school or shop campaigns were also up for awards.
Arno Schortinghuis, the late past president of the BC Cycling Coalition received a posthumous lifetime achievement award under the “Unsung Heroes of the Cycling Movement” category. Schortinghuis, who “travelled the world on two wheels,” died three years ago on Nov. 30, a day after he had an accident while riding home from a meeting about cycling. After his death in 2018, Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (B.E.S.T.) described Schortinghuisas as a "local cycling legend" who "was a champion for increased sustainable transportation options.”
In a HUB Cycling first, a People’s Choice Award category was created to give people an opportunity to recognize especially influential individuals and organizations in the bicycling scene. Vancouver's The Bicycle Valet took home the award for best organization or business.
The award of Bike to Shop Champion, an award aimed to encourage people to explore their local businesses and areas by bike, was given to the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association.
“Bike to School Week Awards” were also handed out to two Vancouver elementary schools. The award for the top school with the most riders went to Ecole Jules Quesnel Elementary while the top school with the most trips award went to Lord Tennyson Elementary.
With files from Naoibh O’Connor/Vancouver Courier
