About the Awards
Minnesota is one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the country! Even though we have the hard work of hundreds of individuals and organizations to thank for this, each year BikeMN strives to recognize a few particular people who have gone the extra mile to make Minnesota a place where bicycling is easy, safe, and fun for everyone.
BikeMN and partners are striving to engage and empower advocates within both urban and rural communities with health, racial, socioeconomic, and safety disparities via these awards. Youth, women, people with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, immigrants and people of color are encouraged to nominate themselves or individuals/organizations that make Minnesota a better place to bike, walk and roll.
We currently are recognizing outstanding groups and people in these award areas:
- Educator of the year (individual)
- Educator of the year (school or organization)
- Advocate of the year (group or individual)
- Bicycle/Walk/Roll Friendly Community Champion (individual, group or committee)
- Bicycle/Walk/Roll Friendly Business Champion (individual, group or committee)
- Lifetime Service Award
If you or your business is interested in sponsoring the awards please click here.
2025 BikeMN Community Award Winners
Lifetime Service Award Winner:
Calvin Jones of Park Tool
Educator of the Year (individual):
Laura (Pacha) Galaviz
Educator of the Year (organization):
Southwest Regional Development Commission
Advocate of the Year:
Laura Groenjes Mitchell
Bicycle Friendly Community Champion:
Eugene Standingcloud of Oshkiimaajitahdah
Community Business Champion – Angry Catfish
Community Business Champion – Angry Catfish
From the nomination:
After Alex Pretti was murdered by ICE in Minneapolis, Angry Catfish organized a memorial bike ride in his memory. The bike ride drew thousands of bikers in the metro and inspired multiple rides across the country..
Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop is more than just a bike shop, it is an important platform for community support particularly in the past year. The shop leverages its partnerships with community groups throughout South Minneapolis and the city more broadly to give back to and lift up the communities that support its business. During the 2025 fall federal government shutdown, Angry Catfish worked with Bonesaw Cycling Collective to organize early Cranksgiving Ride to help provide food for a local foodbank needing additional support due to SNAP benefits not being issued. Several months later, and perhaps most notably, in response to the murder of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and the height of the federal occupation of the Twin Cities and the state, Angry Catfish mobilized thousands of people who ride bikes and care about their communities to ride in memory of our murdered neighbors and in opposition to the federal occupation. In a single week, staff mobilized volunteers to lead the ride in collaboration with friends and family of Alex Pretti, and turned a memorial ride into a worldwide action in solidarity for Minnesota and communities across the U.S. being terrorized by federal agents. In total over 150 rides all over the world helped shine a spotlight on the injustices occurring in Minnesota and helped amplify the movement to resist the federal occupation. In addition to organizing a massive ride, staff concurrently organized another huge supply drive, serving as a drop-off point for groceries and other household supplies to distribute to community members in need. The outpouring of support filled their garage with items bound for organizations able to distribute these items to where it is needed most. The shop is a supportive neighbor, lending aid to their neighbor business Flag Foods and Burritos El Patron through organizing direct monetary mutual aid to help pay their rent, and provide additional observation to protect staff in these businesses potentially targeted by federal agents. These are but a few instances in the past months where I feel Angry Catfish as epitomized that being a bike shop is not just about selling bikes to customers, but about caring about the people in one’s community and living these values through acts of service that go above and beyond retail and bike maintenance. The shop is an institution within the community that is well recognized for its presence and contributions to supporting its neighbors and in my mind deserving of the Advocate of the Year Award. A particular shoutout to Josh, Jarrod, Nick, Elena, Chancellor, and Sarah for their dedication and involvement in the above described actions – though I know the entire team at Angry Catfish is behind the magic that they bring.
Angry Catfish has increased their number of FTW classes and has been an important community staple during the federal occupation. Additionally, the ride that they organized drew an unprecedented number of bike riders to reclaim our city and celebrate the life of fellow bike rider, Alex Pretty. The ride inspired other organizers across the country to facilitate rides, making the ride accessible and inclusive to many different types of folks across the country.
As a shop that largely caters to a more specialized and expensive bike tastes, Angry Catfish integrates equity into its work by using the privilege is has in the form of monetary contributions and well-established networks within the biking industry to support members of the community in need through mutual aid work.
Lifetime Service Award Calvin Jones
There are people in the cycling world who show up for the love of it, teaching with the goal of passing on knowledge and selflessly working to keep more people on bicycles. Calvin Jones is one of those people. Calvin, who recently retired, spent 29 years as the Director of Education at Park Tool Company, helping to make the work of bike maintenance and repair less intimidating and more joyful for professional and home mechanics around the world. As the author of Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair, he created a trustworthy companion in the shop, garage, or occasional kitchen table, the kind of book that gets greasy and dog-eared because it’s actually used. He actually did write the book on bike repair! The four editions have become a testament to Calvin’s gift for explaining the complicated with clarity, patience, and frequent updates. That same spirit carried over into his instructional video work, where he helped build what has become one of the most watched and trusted libraries of bike repair content in the world. Whether you’re a first-time rider fumbling through a flat tire or a seasoned mechanic brushing up on a bottom bracket, chances are Calvin’s calm, steady voice and iconic moustache have been there to walk you through it. Millions of riders having followed along as Calvin guides them through hundreds of repairs and maintenance tips.
But perhaps what speaks loudest about Calvin’s character is what he does away from the cameras and the keyboards – coaching high school mountain bike riders and mechanics in Stillwater, helping out at Minnesota Free Bikes 4 Kids, and as a current board member of Project Bike Tech, an in-school national program that teaches high schoolers modern day mechanic skills. He shows up for kids. He teaches them that struggle is part of the trail, that a bike is a machine you can understand and care for, and that the community you build on two wheels can carry you a long way. Calvin Jones has given this community something rare: a lifetime of generous, patient teaching. He deserves this honor not just for what he’s built, but for how he built it – with kindness, humility, and a whole lot of love for the ride. With respect, Eric Hawkins President, CEO and Chief Mechanic Park Tool Company.
Other nominees: The Bike Cave, Carol Andrews, PE
Educator of the Year (Individual): Laura (Pacha) Galaviz
From the nomination:
Pacha was trained as an LCI by BikeMN in 2021/22 and since then has been doing a lot of work to engage community through bicycle education. She teaches Learn to Ride classes to youth and adults across the state with patience and care. She is BikeMN’s go-to recommendation for folks looking for learn to ride instruction.
Other nominees: Mary Edmunds and Southwest Regional Development Commission
Educator of the Year (Organization): Southwest Regional Development Commission
From the nomination:
The SRDC covers nine counties in SW MN including: Cottonwood, Jackson, Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, and Rock. The SRDC actively promotes bicycle-friendly communities in SW Minnesota by developing active living and trail plans, facilitating Safe Routes to School projects, and offering grant writing and technical assistance. They support local infrastructure, including trails and sidewalks, to create healthier, more accessible communities in partnership with the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). They are instrumental in our region developing Safe Routes to School Plans, Active Living Plans, and support the construction of trails, sidewalks, and bike paths to connect places where folks live, work, and play. Their impact has been seen not only in the nine counties they serve, but also the 80 Cities, 162 Townships, 32 School Districts, one Tribal Nation, and over 117,000 residents that call SW MN home.
Other nominees: Red Lake Schools, The Bike Cave
Advocate of the Year (Individual or Organization): Laura Mitchell
From the nomination:
Laura is the founder and head librarian of the Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library and league certified cycling instructor. She is the out-going board chair for Our Streets (having just completed a 3 year term) and is a tireless champion for safe streets initiatives and community building work. She has an extensive platform on social media with over 12,000 followers and uses it with conscious intention to lift people up rather than shame or blame. Her approach to advocacy for cycling and walking encompasses the entire community in that she sees the bigger picture of how the built environment affects all aspects of life. She’s involved in the policy, advocacy, and innovation aspects of making cycling safer and more accessible to all. Laura uses her position of authority and privilege whenever possible to center equity, accessibility, inclusion and fun in everything she does. As the Our Streets board chair, she oversaw the transition of the Executive Director position and worked to ensure that it was an equitable hiring process. As the founder of the Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library, she made sure that all abilities cycles were included in the library so that differently abled people could benefit from what the library offers. Outside of her bicycle advocacy work, she’s been a fierce champion for protecting her neighbors in several different ways during Operation Metro Surge.
Other nominees: Eugene Standingcloud – Red Lake Community Member, Lyndale Elementary PTO, Cindy Winters – GMBWA, BikeMN Advocacy Chair and BikeMN Board Member, Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop, Patrick Schwinn of Grease Rag, and Brandon Bruyette of the Minnesota Cycling Federation.
Bicycle Friendly Community Champion (Individual or Organization): Eugene Standingcloud
From the nomination:
Eugene Standingcloud was an incredible advocate for our Greater MN E-bike program in Red Lake, Minnesota; due to his leadership at Oshkiimaajitahdah, many staff and program participants were able to utilize e-bikes in 2025, many for the first time! Eugene is deeply invested in equity and justice work, working tirelessly on behalf of tribal and community members.
Other nominees: Kato Bike Fall Fest Planning Committee, Southwest Regional Development Commission, Paul Claus of We Bike Rochester, Cindy Winters – GMBWA, BikeMN Advocacy Chair and BikeMN Board Member, Patrick Schwinn of Grease Rag, and Laura Groenjes Mitchell.
2024 BikeMN Community Award Winners
Lifetime Service Award Winner:
Jo Anne Judge-Dietz
Educator of the Year (individual):
Bryan Kallevig at Congdon Elementary’s Bike to School Day
Educator of the Year (organization):
Congdon Elementary
Bike to School Day at Congdon Elementary School. Photo from Fox 21
Advocate of the Year:
Willmar Bikes!
Bicycle Friendly Community Champion:
Rider participating in Limitless Cycling programming.
Lifetime Service Award Jo Anne Judge-Dietz
Other nominees included Ethan Fawley, Rick Anderson, Terry Esau, Billy Binder and Frank Hornstein.
From the Nomination:
Jo Anne Judge-Dietz should receive the Lifetime Service Award as the culmination of her career in Public Health supporting Safe Route to School and Active Transportation for the last 15 years until her recent retirement this summer.
Jo Anne’s contributions to the state are too numerous to list, however here is a ‘top ten’ highlights of her lifetime of leadership for biking and walking include:
1. Helping launch the first bike fleet in Minnesota in 2010 and helping adapt a Walk and Bike Education Curriculum from Florida. This pilot became the foundation for Minnesota’s Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum and helped activate our state partners to prioritize the development of a statewide curriculum to mimic Jo Anne’s success with the Rochester Public Schools System.
2. Jo Anne has been instrumental in partnering with Bike MN to host WBF training classes, Bicycle Friendly Community Workshops (x3), Traffic Safety 101 classes, LCI seminars, and community biking classes.
3. Jo Anne was a founding member and longtime supporter of Pata De Pero which is Rochester’s Bike Refurbishment program focused on youth in need but also supports access to adult bikes. While volunteers have changed over the past decade, Jo Anne helped keep the program sustain for over a decade and support numerous new bicyclists in the Rochester Community.
4. Jo Anne was involved in helping to Rochester, Byron, Stewartville and Eyota adopt Complete Streets Policies and subsequent implementation.
5. With Jo Anne’s help, the Rochester community now has multiple bike fleets including an adaptive fleet with Park and Rec, strider bike fleets, fat tire bike fleet, and several traditional bike fleets. This forward thinking to launch bike fleets to better address equity has helped Rochester residents have access to more bikes and education opportunities.
6. Jo Anne partnered with the Rochester Police Department to help start a local Bike Cops for Kids program and helped secure a Bike Maintenance Trailer that is used for community outreach, events, and at Bike Rodeos in the community.
7. Jo Anne advocated for and help launch the first Traffic Garden in Minnesota known as the Rochester Bicycle Playground. The project and process have been used to replicate this model in nearly a dozen other locations in the last decade.
8. Jo Anne has likely been the longest serving leader of Walk and Bike to School Days in Minnesota since 2009. She championed these events to be strategic in making the case for Safe Routes to School, garnering earned media to promote safety to the community, and strategically invited elected officials, School Board members, Mayors, Superintendent and key City staff to be at these events to help build support for safety improvements around the schools.
9. Jo Anne helped secure SRTS Coordinator grants for Rochester Public Schools which has helped rapidly advance Safe Routes to School strategies to further support walking, biking and rolling as a form of school transportation.
10. Jo Anne was involved with support numerous Safe Routes to School Plans in Rochester, Byron, Eyota and Stewartville. Her leadership helped transition the plans into implementation and make these schools safer to walk, bike or roll to. Her legacy will forever be tied to her many accomplishments that communities are striving to replicate across the state. Without her tireless efforts and leadership, Minnesota and Rochester would not be the Bike-Friendly places we know and love.
Jo Anne has been a leader in connecting equity into the work of Safe Routes to School and Active Transportation. A few highlights of her equity work include: • She prioritized and focused her technical assistance with schools that had the highest free and reduce lunch needs. • She launched the first adaptive bike fleet in connection with Rochester Parks and Rec Department to help broaden the use of the fleet beyond the school system. • She helped launch some of the first strider bike fleets to support kids who may not have access to bicycles or caregiver knowledge and support to learn to ride a bike. • She helped launch and sustain a bike refurbishment program for youth of color and adults with low wealth to access bikes for transportation. • She helped connect youth living in low income neighborhoods have access to traffic gardens and bicycle rodeos to learn safety skills and encourage more bike riding. There are more examples as her work always had an equity focus to support those in need with transportation inequities and build more bike friendly communities for those without consistent access to transportation.
Educator of the Year (Individual): Bryan Kallevig
Other nominees included Cristina Montoya, Wendy Haake, and Zach Jones.
From the Nomination:
On behalf of the Congdon Park Elementary School PTA (ISD 709) and Duluth’s SRTS coordinator, I would like to recognize our gym teacher, Bryan Kallevig, for the BikeMN award. His outstanding commitment to the physical health and safety of our students is well-deserving of this award. Over the past four years, he has worked tirelessly to incorporate the Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum into gym classes for kindergarten through fifth grade, focusing on pedestrian safety in the fall and bike skills and bike safety in the spring. This has made a lasting impact on our students, fostering a culture of safe biking and physical fitness. He was able to secure a bike fleet for our school through the Minnesota Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Grant, as well as being a national expert to help jump-start the implementation of the new bike curriculum. Bryan is also instrumental in organizing the bike safety course at the annual Congdon Park Elementary bike rodeo, held every May since 2019 with over 200 attendees. The bike rodeo has enriched the educational experience of our students, allowing them to learn hands-on bike safety skills in a course Bryan designed in the school parking lot. Bryan also coordinates with the local mountain biking group to provide an agility course in the field for more advanced skills. These skills and love for biking help foster our students’ ability to be active in their daily lives and will be foundational skills they will carry into their adult lives. He emphasizes not only safe biking but also inspires kids to stay active and healthy. He’s a champion in the district for bringing this Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum to not just one grade but incorporating it into grades K-5, which is unprecedented. He has gone above and beyond and is a role model for our students, and we are so grateful for all that he does for the community and students. Bryan worked closely with the adaptive physical education teachers at the ISD 709 district level and was able to secure adaptive bikes for students who needed them during the school day. Each student has unique needs, and he worked closely to ensure that all students at the school were able to participate, not just those who are able-bodied. The bike fleet also includes bikes of various sizes, including a balance bike for older kids who are not comfortable riding. He also helps with the Walk to School Day events, encouraging physical activity and ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to participate, not just those who live nearby. He helped the principal and PTA organize a bus drop-off and walk four blocks from school, whereby all students who rode one of the six school buses also had the opportunity to walk to school.
Here are some specific examples of his work in promoting equity: Securing adaptive bikes: He worked with the district to obtain adaptive bikes for students with disabilities, ensuring they could participate in biking activities. Incorporating diverse needs: He considered the diverse needs of all students when designing bike safety courses and physical activity programs. Organizing inclusive events: He helped organize events like Walk to School Day, ensuring that all students, regardless of their living situation, could participate. Collaborating with staff: He worked closely with adaptive physical education teachers to create inclusive opportunities. By focusing on equity, Bryan Kallevig has made a significant impact on the lives of all students at Congdon Park Elementary School.
Educator of the Year (School or Organization): Congdon Park Elementary
Other nominees included Wendy Haake, Huellas Latinas, and Longfellow Elementary.
From the Nomination:
Congdon Park Elementary School in Duluth, MN has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to promoting active transportation and community safety over a decade. By actively participating in the Safe Routes to School program and implementing the Walk!Bike!Fun! curriculum, the school has fostered a culture of walking and biking. Principal Kathi Kusch Marshall, as well as her predecessor Deborah Rickard, passion and advocacy for Safe Routes to School and sustainable community efforts has been instrumental in the school’s success. With strong support from the PTA and dedicated teachers like Mr. Bryan Kallevig and Ms. Meghan Sperl, the school has prioritized student safety and encouraged active transportation. In 2023, the school integrated the ‘Walk!Bike!Fun!’ curriculum into all grades and maintains a bike fleet, making active transportation a core part of daily life. As a result, 25% of students now walk or bike to school daily, promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars. Congdon Park’s successful acquisition of Minnesota Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School grants in 2006, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022 has enabled them to implement infrastructure improvements and organize bike-related events. The school’s unique bike rodeo, in partnership with COGGS and Duluth DEVO, offers students a comprehensive learning experience, including an agility course, street simulation, and free helmets and helmet fittings. The school’s commitment to active transportation extends beyond its campus. Congdon Park has been a leader in advocating for safer routes on busy Superior Street, working with local coalitions to implement a 20 mph school zone and additional safety features. By annually participating in Fall Walk & Roll to School Day, Winter Walk to School Day, and Spring Bike to School Day since 2015, Congdon Park has solidified its position as a model for active transportation in Minnesota. The school’s 2019 Golden Snow Boot Award for the Minnesota Safe Routes to School Winter Walk to School Day further recognizes its exceptional commitment to winter walking and biking. The PE teacher, Mr. Bryan Kallevig, creatively utilizes the district’s adaptive bikes, matching each child’s unique needs to ensure full participation in bike-related activities and the joy of riding alongside their peers. Congdon Park Elementary School’s holistic approach to active transportation serves as an inspiration for schools across the state. By prioritizing safety, providing opportunities for all students, and advocating for community improvements, the school has created a lasting legacy of healthy, sustainable, and active lifestyles.
Congdon Park Elementary has prioritized equity in its active transportation initiatives, ensuring that all students have equal access to opportunities and benefits. Accessibility for All Students: The school provides a fleet of bikes, ensuring that every student, regardless of their family’s financial situation, has the opportunity to participate in biking activities. The PE teacher utilizes adaptive bikes to accommodate students with diverse needs, enabling them to fully engage in bike-related activities. Comprehensive Curriculum: The Walk! Bike! Fun! the curriculum is integrated into all grade levels, providing consistent education on bike and pedestrian safety for all students. Inclusive Community Events: Bike rodeo events are designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all families and community members. Partnerships with local organizations like COGGS and Duluth DEVO enhance the bike rodeo experience, offering a variety of activities and resources for all participants. Free helmet fittings ensure that every child has a properly fitted helmet for safe biking. Infrastructure Planning: Grants are used to improve safety infrastructure in high-risk areas around the school, benefiting all students and community members. Leadership Commitment: School leaders, including the principal and teachers, actively promote an inclusive environment that encourages all students to walk and bike to school. The annual walk to school day includes a bus walk and drop, where all students participate, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for safety. Through these efforts, Congdon Park Elementary is creating a more equitable and inclusive school community where all students can benefit from the advantages of active transportation.
Advocate of the Year (Individual or Organization): Willmar Bikes
Other nominees included Erik Thompson, Laura Groenjes-Mitchell, Jordan Leick, Espen Fredrick, Tina Moen, Sarah Stewart, Joe Kreitzer, Liz Bolsoni, Chris Nelson, and Access Hopkins.
From the Nomination:
Over the past several years, the Willmar Bikes! coalition has been making an impact on over 20,000 residents in Willmar, MN. The coalition is strong, consisting various coalition members including bike enthusiasts and representatives from Carris Health, City of Willmar Public Works and Parks & Recreation departments, Kandiyohi County Public Health and Public Works departments, Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Willmar Public Schools Community Education. The strength of the Willmar Bikes group lies in the collaborations and ownership by various groups. Willmar Bikes enjoys strong support from the city, county, CVB, Community Education, SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership), bike retailers and several bike enthusiasts. Willmar Bikes & Kandiyohi County have had successful long range planning strategies. Their coalition is currently focusing on improving the connectivity and infrastructure of our bike route network, offering bike events and engagement opportunities, and providing rider support and encouragement. Next year, in 2025, they will be focusing on more construction of trail connections in Willmar and the Glacial Ridge Bike trail, a new shelter with restroom facilities being added to the Glacial Lakes trail head in Willmar.
SHIP technical assistance and partner grants have supported the Kandiyohi County Bike & Pedestrian Plan, the Willmar Bike Share program, trail wayfinding signage, bike fix-it stations, bike racks and Bike MN workshops. SHIP has also supported community bike rodeos, youth bike helmet programs and the Mayor’s Annual Bike Ride. SHIP staff have provided a health equity lens during planning processes and have a regular seat at the Willmar Bikes monthly meetings. Willmar Bikes has been instrumental in bringing a bike share and bike fleet to the community. A unique equity project that focuses on their elderly population is the the launch of the Cycling Without Age program has been a great way to get them to care facilities outside and engaged even if they aren’t doing the pedaling themselves anymore.
Bicycle Friendly Community Champion (Individual or Organization): Limitless Cycling
Other nominees included Huellas Latinas, Glen Kajewski, Seaarra Heatherington, Pedal Power and Zeitgeist.
From the Nomination:
Limitless Cycling is a nonprofit on a mission to make the joy of outdoor cycling accessible to everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. They proudly bring adaptive bicycles and Action Trackchairs to senior living facilities, parks, trails, and community centers across the St. Croix River Valley. Through their fully piloted, motor-assisted equipment, they provide transformative outdoor experiences to individuals who can no longer enjoy them independently. At Limitless Cycling, they believe that the outdoors should be accessible to all. Thier diverse fleet of adaptive bicycles and trackchairs, including models like the Van Raam Fun2Go trikes and Chat Adaptive Trishaws, ensures that everyone—from grandparents to individuals with disabilities—can experience the freedom and joy of cycling. Each ride fosters social connection, lifts spirits, and breaks down barriers for community members who would otherwise face limitations in accessing outdoor recreation. From exploring scenic trails to reconnecting individuals with the places they love, Limitless Cycling is redefining what it means to engage with the outdoors in Minnesota. The powerful, all-terrain capabilities of their Action Trackchairs even allow them to extend our reach to natural areas traditionally inaccessible to wheelchair users. This innovation not only enriches individual lives but also raises awareness about the importance of accessibility for all in outdoor spaces. Limitless Cycling exemplifies BikeMN’s commitment to active living, accessibility, and community vibrancy. By honoring them with the Minnesota Bike/Walk Award, BikeMN would help amplify the vital work they do—and together, you could inspire even more communities to build inclusive, adaptive cycling opportunities across the state.
Limitless Cycling has embedded equity deeply into its operations and mission, ensuring that everyone in the St. Croix River Valley can experience the outdoors with dignity, freedom, and community support. Limitless Cycling is committed to removing financial hurdles that prevent many individuals from accessing adaptive cycling experiences. Recognizing that most adaptive equipment is prohibitively expensive, we provide our services entirely free of charge, focusing on underserved populations who often lack the resources for such recreational opportunities. This cost-free model ensures that everyone, regardless of income, can participate. They invest in a variety of adaptive bicycles and Action Trackchairs designed to serve people with diverse physical abilities. This includes trishaws for those who need assistance with balance, recumbent options for those who prefer additional back support, and all-terrain trackchairs to accommodate wheelchair users who want to explore natural trails. Their versatile equipment meets people where they are, empowering individuals who face mobility challenges to enjoy outdoor spaces. Limitless Cycling proactively partners with organizations that serve groups often overlooked in outdoor recreation, including senior living facilities, veterans’ organizations, and community centers. By working directly with these groups, we can bring our services to people who might otherwise lack access to outdoor experiences, building lasting relationships that help us adapt to their evolving needs. Recognizing the barriers that low staffing levels present in many community facilities, Limitless Cycling has created a system where they bring the equipment, trained volunteers, and time to each location, helping facilities maintain outdoor programming despite limited resources. This support offers equity to facilities that struggle to meet the recreational needs of their residents, who can now enjoy regular outdoor outings thanks to our service. Every ride is an opportunity to start a dialogue about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in recreational spaces. By creating shared outdoor experiences for people of all abilities, Limitless Cycling highlights the value of accessibility and promotes a more inclusive vision for public spaces across Minnesota. Limitless Cycling is honored to help bridge the accessibility gap and foster equity in outdoor recreation by building a model that ensures everyone has the chance to explore, connect, and enjoy the beautiful spaces of Minnesota.
2023 BikeMN Community Award Winners
Tom Engstrom and Family
Zach Jones of Longfellow Elementary in Rochester MN
Reyna Lopez
Bone Saw Cycling Collective
Bike and Walk Friendly Business Winner Thrivent Financial
Jeff Sanders and Mpls Public Schools Students
Lifetime Service Award Tom Engstrom of Mankato.
Tom was part of the group that help started the Mankato River Ramble. In 2023 the Ramble celebrated the 13th annual ride where 1000+ riders come to the area in October. Tom also is active on the Greater Mankato Bike Walk Advocates board and helps with the bike fleets in teaching kids how to ride and also helps in advocacy in our community. Tom is a great voice of bicycling ideas no matter where he goes, a bike is right beside him. How have they built equity into their work?Tom, being a community leader, has connected the community in having the Mankato River Ramble. The community has since this ride as a staple to our area and enjoy sharing in the joy when 1000+ riders come to the area to witness and experience what the Mankato area has to offer for bike riding. Tom’s connection with the local community has built the ride to what it is today – celebrated the 13th annual ride in 2023. Thanks Tom for all you do!
Educator of the Year (Individual): Jeff Sanders of Mpls Public Schools
Jeff Sanders is an inspiring champion of bike education whose work has impacted the lives of thousands of children and their families. A veteran physical education Minneapolis Public Schools teacher, he says that biking with students has re-energized his classroom. He has brought a vision of EVERY kid in every grade on bike to his South Minneapolis school Sullivan, which serves students in grades kindergarten through eight. To that end, he has filled his gym with bicycles in every size – from little trikes, to adaptive bikes, to sleek mountain bikes with hydraulic breaks – and everything in between. Most of the bicycle and related equipment he has he received through multiple grants, which he wrote and managed in his own time, (he is a fulltime teacher, after all). He has forged internal partnerships – with Culinary & Wellness Services (my department), the GEMS and GISE program, MPS Evaluation and more. He has built relationship with external partners such as FB4K, the local firefighter unit, Twin Cities Adaptive Cycling, and Outride – all in service of bringing the joy, the freedom, and the power of riding a bicycle every student at his school. His school-day, classroom bike efforts are impressive – but he doesn’t stop there. He has brought biking education to students through after school and summer programs too. He organizes a family bike night at his school, where some new immigrant families had their first biking experience. He helped bring a Let’s Roll MPS to his school. This is a district group bicycle ride that had about three hundred riders riding together on the streets and trails near Sullivan School this October. His bike safety education work not only benefits his students but the larger Minneapolis Public Schools bike community too. He has created a school-day middle school biking class and program at his school. He is now sharing his program, procedures, and learning so that the bike safety education program he developed can be replicated at other MPS schools. He has mentored other teachers in bike education and created and shared his bike education resources widely. He was integral to bringing a BikeMn Walk!Bike!Fun! training to his school building in March of 2023. You all must know him and see his passion for children and bicycles and his willingness to share all he has and knows. I’m sure you used his bicycles for the training – and they were a big help and time saver. That is the kind of person he is. Humble and quick to help – never asking for anything (even recognition) in return. If BikeMN chooses Mr. Jeff as the bike educator of the year, I can guarantee BikeMN will get more from the exchange then they will give.
Educator of the Year (School): Longfellow Elementary Rochester Public Schools
Mr. Jones deserves an award for being the leading teacher of bike education in Rochester Public Schools. Zach’s biking program is extremely well thought out, intentional, and most of all inclusive. Zach’s been able to reform his biking unit to not only include capable riders, but utilize staff and volunteers to teach those students that cannot ride. Zach includes a fully developed program that teaches students the ABC’s of biking, balance, road biking, signs, obstacle course, and trail rides. Principal Amy Adams goes above and beyond for her students by not only being fully supportive of the program, but also biking with her students as an adult leader on most rides. The students who are learning to ride are the most excited to show her, and the other staff how much improvement that they make. The enthusiasm that Amy shows to her students shines, and really lifts the spirits of those students.
Advocate of the Year: Reyna Lopez
Reyna works tirelessly everyday to ensure every person in Minnesota can get closer to cycling, ensuring that they can do so safely. She is a peoples’ person, working with passion to get people in her community closer to biking. Reyna is a charismatic, knowledgeable, and approachable advocate for cycling. She works everyday to ensure both people from the Latin community, as well as everyone living in Minnesota can get more into cycling.
Bicycle/Walk Friendly Community Champion: Bone Saw Cycling Collective
This group of individuals has been working hard for a number of years to lower the barrier of accessibility in cycling in the twin cities local communities. In 2023 specifically they led a successful summer group ride series that was open to the public and was extremely welcoming to any rider that showed up to join. The rides were no drop with dedicated marshals, leader, and sweeps and the pace was kept to a speed that nobody felt out of place being there. There was over 1200 riders that joined the rides in 2023! In addition, BSCC partnered with the Filthy 50 gravel cycling event to offer a scholarship opportunity that was open to any self identifying marginalized bike rider to apply to from the public. The scholarship offered free entry into the event, free transportation to and from, free lodging at the event, a clinic to learn about gravel cycling, equipment to use for the event, and a free dinner with Bone Saw while in Lanesboro. I can’ think of another group that has done more hours in 2023 volunteering, leading group rides, putting together scholarship opportunities, or throwing events than BSCC.
Bicycle/Walk Friendly Business Champion: Thrivent Financial
Thrivent Financial is a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Business via the League of American Bicyclists Bicycle Friendly America program. They have been a valued partner with fellow advocates and strive to continue to improve their bike friendliness for their employees and clients.
2021 BikeMN Community Award Winners
We were proud to present Lifetime Service Award to Jack Broz of Richfield.
Jack Broz had a 40+ year career in transportation engineering in Illinois and Minnesota. As a consultant, and as the Richfield city engineer he led and designed dozens of innovative and award winning multi-modal transportation projects for clients across the United States. Jack has also trained dozens of engineers and planners from the public and private sectors in Complete Streets design and public engagement. He also led the implementation of the Richfield’s Bicycle Master Plan and development and implementation of the City’s Pedestrian Master Plan. Throughout his career, Jack has served as a valued mentor, teacher, and friend to many, many people and his innovations will continue to influence transportation design and planning throughout the region.
2019 BikeMN Community Award Winners
It was such a pleasure to present Lifetime Service Award to Louis Moore of Minneapolis in 2019. The other awardees were:
- Advocate of the Year (Individual): Barbara Beck of We Bike Rochester
- Advocate of the Year (Organization): Minneapolis Bike Parks
- Bicycle Friendly Community Champion: Friends of the Jackson County Trails
- Educator of the Year: Safe Kids Coalition of NE Minnesota
- Bicycle Friendly Business Champion: Bike Friendly Walker
2018 BikeMN Community Award Winners
We were honored to present Lifetime Service Award to Richard Keir of Mankato in 2018. The other awardees were:
- Advocate of the Year: Aaron Hautala of Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew in Crosby
- Bicycle Friendly Community Champion: Maren Webb of Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Grand Marais (pictured, right)
- Educator of the Year (Organization): Rochester Public Schools School Age Child Care in Rochester
- Educator of the Year (Individual): Susan Ericksen of Susan Lindgren Elementary School in St. Louis Park
- Bicycle Friendly Business Champion: 3M Bicycle Users Group of Maplewood
2017 BikeMN Community Award Winners
Our inaugural Lifetime Service Award was given to Rep. Phyllis Kahn of Minneapolis in 2017. Read a profile of Phyllis Kahn and learn about her long career making Minnesota better for bicyclists. The other awardees were:
- Advocate of the Year: Jenny Van Sickle of Community Action Duluth in Duluth (pictured, right)
- Bicycle Friendly Community Champion: Patrick Stephenson of 30 Days of Biking in Minneapolis
- Educator of the Year (Organization): Austin Hauf and PartnerSHIP 4 Health in West Central Minnesota
- Educator of the Year (Individual): Martha Flynn of the Minnesota High School Cycling League of Saint Paul
- Bicycle Friendly Business Champion: Peace Coffee of Minneapolis
2016 BikeMN Community Award Winners
Congratulations to all of 2016 awardees!
- Advocates of the Year: Annie Van Cleve and Tony Desnick of the Winter Cycling Congress Twin Cities
- Bicycle Friendly Community Champion: Wayne Hurley of Pedal Fergus Falls in Fergus Falls
- Educator of the Year (Organization): Minneapolis Public Schools Safe Routes to School
- Educator of the Year (Individual): Adam Cooke of Prairie View Elementary School in Eden Prairie
- Bicycle Friendly Business Champion: People’s Food Co-Op of Rochester (pictured, right)
2015 BikeMN Community Award Winners
The inaugural MN Bike Awards were hosted by Hubert H. Humphrey III.
- Advocate of the Year: Women on Bikes Saint Paul
- Bicycle Friendly Community Champion: Greater Mankato Bike & Walk Advocates in Mankato
- Educator of the Year (Organization): Brooklyn Center Secondary School in Brooklyn Center
- Educator of the Year (Individual): Peter Connor of Owatonna (pictured, right)
- Bicycle Friendly Business Champion: Shawna Mullen of Zeitgeist Arts in Duluth