This award goes to a bicycling and/or walking advocacy organization who, in the past year, made significant progress. Their leaders have worked tirelessly together to grow and strengthen their organization and fulfill their mission. The proof of their efforts is in the growth of their capacity and programs and the victories they have achieved for biking and walking in their state/community.

2015: San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition won the Advocacy Organization of the Year award with its stunning wins of 2014, including the Cesar Chavez Street redesign that has quadrupled the number of bicyclists on the street, its successful push for the city to adopt a Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic deaths and severe injuries by 2024, its victory in getting the SFMTA to commit to doubling the amount of funding dedicated to bicycle projects, and the passage of Propositions A and B, which helped provide much-needed transportation investments in the city, as well as the defeat of Proposition L, which would have prioritized car parking over people. You can read more about the coalition’s year here.

2014: Bike San Diego

Under the leadership of executive director Samantha Ollinger, this southern California advocacy organization accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments in 2013.

Thanks in part to Bike San Diego’s electoral work, candidates in the city’s fall mayoral election competed with one another over who was more bike-friendly, three out of four released a bike plan during the race, and the new mayor now regularly touts the importance bicycling for the city. The organization initiated and helped with the launch of the city’s first open streets event, CicloSDias. BikeSD was also instrumental in getting the city to adopt pro-bikeway design guidelines by becoming a member of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). And the metropolis has momentum to put bike friendly improvements in place soon: BikeSD led efforts to approve $200 million in regional funding for urban bike projects along key corridors.

Thanks to BikeSD’s sustained work throughout 2013, San Diego is well on the way to becoming a more bicycle-friendly city.

2013: Bike Walk Mississippi

“In a state in which previous biking and walking advocacy depended on coincidental personal interest from elected officials, Bike Walk Mississippi have ignited a movement that has commanded attention in every recent transportation-related election.” That would be high praise coming from anyone, but when a quote like that comes from the Chamber of Commerce in a state's largest city, it means just a little bit more.

“As a state with a high prevalence of obesity, Bike Walk Mississippi is making it safer and more accessible to exercise and have fun biking and walking in our community,” echoed Sarah Welker from the Mississippi Economic Policy Center. As local and national organizations continue to emphasize the connection between active transportation and economic growth, perhaps they should take a cue from the fantastic advocates from Bike Walk Mississippi.

Other highlights from the 2012 include receiving funding to hold their first Open Streets initiative, advocating for the passing of the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act (which established a 3-foot minimum passing distance) and opening Jackon’s first community bike shop in the Midtown neighborhood.

2012: WalkBoston

Nearly all Americans walk on a daily basis, but very few consider themselves pedestrians. Organizing and advocating for this often-overlooked constituency — which is dramatically overrepresented in roadway fatalities — is challenging but critical work. Since its founding in 1990, WalkBoston has led the way, not just locally, but on the national level, as well.

In Boston, the organization's long list of accomplishments includes a wealth of infrastructure victories, policy progress and successful public events. In 2011, WalkBoston launched its "Good Walking is Good Business" campaign, which highlighted the economic benefits of walkable communities, and distributed 40,000 copies of a federally funded research project to develop and test innovative tools to engage underrepresented populations in the planning process. Despite WalkBoston's tireless work and nation-leading successes, the small staff is generous with its time and expertise, ever willing to share best practices with other organizations and engage with national advocacy groups in a way that benefits people who walk, not just in Boston, but in communities across the continent.

2011: Bike Pittsburgh

On its face, Pittsburgh is a tough place to ride a bicycle. The streets are steep and twisting, and the winters are long and brutal. But bicycle mode share is up and the Steel City is charged up with new enthusiasm for active transportation. Why? Bike Pittsburgh. The advocates at BikePGH have been working hand-in-hand with government officials to get new infrastructure on the ground, partnered with the local companies to get the business community on board and created innovative programs, like Car Free Fridays, that are getting more people on bicycles.

But BikePGH excels at more than the nuts and bolts of basic organizing. The members of their small staff are the best kind of ambassadors for the movement: They're friendly, energetic and welcoming. The work and attitude of BikePGH are making Pittsburgh a mighty appealing place to ride... despite the tough terrain.

2010: Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP) was named 2010 Advocacy Organization of the Year for its outstanding contributions in creating a more bicycle-friendly Philadelphia. A small struggling organization just a few years ago, BCGP has successfully orchestrated a major positive shift of both attitude and policy favorable to bicyclists, culminating with the recent decision to permanently provide bicyclist-only travel lanes on two very busy cross town roads in downtown Philadelphia. The BCGP’s leaders have worked tirelessly together to grow and strengthen their organization and fulfill their mission. Since 2005, they have grown from 1.5 staff to over 14 and their income has increased 287% percent, from $155,000 to $600,000 last year. Recent accomplishments include:

• “Bike the Strike” campaign during region’s bus and subway strike that significantly increasing bicyclist commuter riding.
• Launched a new coalition and campaign to Complete the Schuylkill River Trail in Greater Philadelphia, which now has over 3600 petition signers and unanimous support among all elected officials.
• Worked with the city to hire a full time bicycle-pedestrian coordinator.
• Launched Philadelphia’s first Bicycle Ambassador program, reaching over 20,000 adults during its first season with bicycle education and safety tips.
• Encouraged Philadelphia to retrofit 1,600 parking meter poles into bike racks.

Led the effort to get Philadelphia City Council to pass an ordinance requiring new construction to install bicycle parking.

• Held its third Bike Philly, a family-friendly ride with 20 miles of closed streets, with over 3,000 smiling participants.

2009: Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA)

Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) was honored with the 2009 Advocacy Organization of the Year Award for its numerous efforts and achievements in the DC area. Some of WABA’s most successful efforts included the debut of DC Smart Bikes (the first ever bike sharing system of its kind), receiving a grant from DC for a Share the Road Campaign, a record 7,000 participating riders for Bike To Work Day, and reaching over 10,650 students in 58 schools, day camps, and weekend rodeos with their Bike and Pedestrian Safety Education program.