This award commemorates Susie Stephens, one of the Alliance’s founders and an enduring inspiration for many members of the bicycle and pedestrian movement. The honor goes to an individual who carries on Susie’s passion for advocating for bicycling as a fun and economical means of transportation, as well as creating a safe biking and walking environment for all.
2015: Jeff Miller, Alliance for Biking & Walking
Jeff Miller, outgoing president and CEO of the Alliance for Biking & Walking, received this award, which commemorates Alliance co-founder Susie Stephens by honoring an individual who has exhibited enthusiastic and joyful passion for advocating for bicycling as a fun and economical means of transportation, as well as creating a safe biking and walking environment for all. Miller has “taken the Alliance to new heights” and he’s always done it with “the enthusiasm that is what the biking and walking movement is all about,” says Alliance Board Chair Rob Sadowsky. You’ll rarely see Jeff without a smile on his face. If anyone walks proudly and joyfully in Susie’s footsteps, it’s Jeff Miller.
2014: Laura Solis, WE Bike NYC
Laura Solis brings her enthusiasm for bicycle advocacy to a dizzying array of activities: she currently serves as volunteer outreach coordinator at WE Bike NYC, is an active member of the Transportation Alternatives Bronx Committee, volunteers with Boogie Down Rides, and is the development & community outreach manager at Bike New York.
If it involves bicycles in New York City, Laura is there. Her enthusiasm and kindness have the ability to make cycling new again for experienced riders, and to make it accessible for new riders. Laura has an especially strong passion for spreading bicycling among women from low-income communities and her home borough, the Bronx. When asked about her passion for spreading bicycling, Laura said, “A machine as simple as a bicycle could inspire hope in many that find it difficult to do so for themselves.”
2013: Renee Rivera, Bike East Bay
In 2013, the Susie Stephens award went to Renee Rivera, Executive Director of Bike East Bay (formerly the East Bay Bicycle Coalition). The parallels between Susie and Renee are many. Renee has tackled many challenging situations but always maintains a calm, resilient "can-do" attitude and is always a joy to work with.
”Being an Executive Director can't be an easy job, but Renee handles it with seeming ease and enthusiasm," said Dave Campbell, Executive Director of the California Bicycle Coalition. "And she's a workhorse in handling so many aspects of our work in the East Bay, yet her positive attitude still makes everyone feel comfortable and motivated to do their best."
Leah Shahum, Executive Director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition -- of which Renee previously served as interim director -- agreed: "It has been wonderful to see communities throughout the SF Bay Area's East Bay become organized to be more bike-friedly, in large part thanks to Renee's strong leadership -- a combination of great focus and joyful celebration of biking."
2012: Julia Field, Undriving
As the founder of Undriving, Julia established an artistic, energetic and effective program that empowers citizens to reimagine their travel habits in ways that protect the planet and improve community health.
As one nomination pointed out: "Like Susie, Julia knows that people want to do good things -- sometimes they just need ideas and cheerleading." The positive power of the Undriving concept has earned Field recognition, not just in Seattle, but across the U.S. and beyond. If Susie were still with us, we know she'd be wielding her Undriving license with pride!
2011: Steph Routh, Willamette Pedestrian Coalition
In 2011, the Susie Stephens Award went to Stephanie Routh, executive director of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition. In just two years, Routh transformed the group from struggling-to-be-noticed to well-networked, in the news, and in demand for participation in regional active transportation forums.
Stephanie has embraced this role with great enthusiasm, increasing the membership and volunteer base, building bridges to diverse communities and partnering with other active transportation organizations.
2010: Kate McCarthy, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Kate McCarthy, of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC), was honored with the 2010 Susie Stephens Joyful Enthusiasm Award for her innovation and tireless enthusiasm to harness the powerful of individuals to better bicycling.
Kate directs the membership and volunteer program at SFBC, which provides 60 percent of the organization's budget and reduces administrative costs through valuable volunteer labor. SFBC volunteers contributed 16,000 hours in 2009, roughly equivalent to eight full time staff. Kate generously shares what she knows with peers across North America, In 2009 she volunteered as co-trainer of the Alliance’s Membership Development Training where she also conducted one-on-one coaching sessions with peer advocacy leaders. With so much love at the foundation of her work, Kate is an inspiration to all.
