BikeWalkLee finalist for News-Press "People of Year" Award

BikeWalkLee is proud to be one of the finalists for the News-Press "People of the Year" award! (one of three finalists in the "Heroes" category) Thanks to our team of tireless advocates, our 34 coalition partner organizations, the elected officials, staff, and various committees of Lee County governments that have helped make Lee County streets safer and more accessible for all users.

News-Press, December 18, 2011
Editorial: People of
the Year Finalists

Today The News-Press editorial board
presents finalists for its People of the
Year/People to Watch awards.

The editorial board received dozens of
nominations from the public and also made
recommendations for nominations.

On Nov. 20, we published a list of 60
nominees on these pages representing
community, government, business, the arts,
service, veterans and sports.

Each person or group is well deserving.
The finalists below were selected by the
editorial board leadership based upon
community impact, particularly in 2011,
and potential for success in 2012.

The five categories are People of the Year,
People to Watch, Heroes, Trailblazers and
Public Officials.

The News-Press will announce the award
winners at a reception Jan. 19 called
“People of the Year: Making a Difference”
at the Sidney and Berne Davis Arts Center
in Fort Myers.
.....
Now, here are the finalists and a little info
about why we selected them:

PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

BikeWalkLee

This organization has tirelessly advocated
for a safer community for pedestrians and
cyclists.

The 14-member steering committee was
successful in persuading the Lee County
Commission to adopt a “Complete Streets”
resolution in 2009 to include pedestrian
and bike paths in road planning. An
update on “Complete Streets”
implementation will be presented to
commissioners in January.

Cities and planning organizations have
endorsed new bike lanes.

The group’s goals include freedom of
choice in transportation, active recreation
and greater public dialogue.

Stories of cyclist and pedestrian fatalities
and injuries are constant in Southwest
Florida, and in May BikeWalkLee was
among the groups represented in the
annual Ride of Silence sponsored by
Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club of Southwest
Florida to honor victims.

Steering committee members include
Margaret Banyan, professor at Florida Gulf
Coast University.

Click here to read about the other finalists.