National Bicycle Advocacy Awards: The Arnos
Building a cycling nation relies on dedicated individuals and organizations who build (and occasionally have to defend) protected infrastructure, welcome new riders, dedicate a lifetime of service, or mobilize industry support. It’s important to share their stories and celebrate their work.
To highlight the incredible contributions of individual advocates, leaders, organizations, and businesses, the board of Vélo Canada Bikes presents the national bicycle advocacy awards to those driving transformative change and building a more bicycle-friendly Canada.
The awards are named The Arnos in memory of a founding board member of Vélo Canada Bikes, Arno Schortinghuis, who tragically died while riding his bicycle in 2018. In addition to his work with Vélo Canada Bikes, he was the president of the BC Cycling Coalition, a board member and past president of HUB Cycling in Vancouver, a co-chair of the HUB Cycling Regional Advisory Committee, and a board member of Bike to Work BC Society/GoByBike Society. He was loved by all who worked with him as he was generous and respectful but also very tenacious and effective in his advocacy work to improve cycling conditions for all people.
Award recipients are selected by the board of Vélo Canada Bikes and presented annually at Bike Day on the Hill in Ottawa. Consideration is made to represent the diverse approaches, regions and individuals that make up the movement for a bicycle-friendly Canada.
This year we are seeking nominations for two of the awards: the Inclusion in Cycling Award and the National Cycling Advocate of the Year Award. The deadline for nominations is Sunday August 9th.
Award winners will be invited to attend Bike Day on the Hill on October 6th and share brief remarks during the awards presentation. Those unable to travel to Ottawa can send video greetings.
Inclusion in Cycling Award
Everyone deserves to experience the freedom, health, and joy of cycling. Across Canada, countless inspiring organizations and individuals are working tirelessly to ensure that knowledge, ability, or access never stand in the way of getting on a bike.
Launched in 2024, the Inclusion in Cycling Award shines a spotlight on volunteers and not-for-profits who are delivering transformative programs and initiatives that increase inclusion in cycling and are working to welcome every community member into the cycling world.
Past recipients:
- Jane Hu on behalf of Cycling Without Age Canada
- Maggy Burns on behalf of Ecology Action Centre (Halifax, NS)
National Cycling Advocate of the Year Award
The path to building bicycle-friendly communities is rarely smooth. It demands that we move swiftly to seize opportunities to make progress and to stand firm against opposition when it emerges.
The National Cycling Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually to celebrate the extraordinary individuals and organizations who have stepped up to safeguard our progress, seize new opportunities, and courageously champion the movement for safer, more connected, and bicycle-friendly communities.
Past recipients:
- Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay—Alberni
- Senator Nancy Greene Raine
- Mayor Lisa Helps of Victoria, BC,
- Mayor Valerie Plante of Montreal, QC
- Michael Longfield on behalf of Cycle Toronto
Lifetime Achievement Award
Building a bicycle-friendly Canada does not happen overnight. It requires an enduring effort that relies on visionary leaders who commit a significant portion of their life’s work to advancing cycling in Canada.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented annually to honour an extraordinary individual whose sustained dedication, leadership, and passion have transformed the cycling landscape in Canada.
Past recipients:
- Laura Robinson
- Arno Schortinghuis
- Anders Swanson
- John Weston
Industry Award
The movement for a bicycle-friendly Canada relies on the businesses that supply the bikes, parts, accessories, and services aathat keep us rolling. There are many in the industry who see their role as extending far beyond the business of bikes.
The Industry Award is presented annually to a company in the cycling sector that goes above and beyond, providing foundational support to the initiatives that are actively advancing cycling locally, regionally, and nationally.
Past recipients:
- Sylvain Bosse on behalf of Outdoor Gear Canada
- Taylor Cook on behalf of Trek Canada
- Tim Hadfield on behalf of Shimano Canada