The “Government” CYCLE award is given jointly to the trio of Cat Moody and Steve Gushue of the City of Prescott’s GIS department (Geographical Information Services) and Chris Hosking, the city’s Trail Specialist, for their efforts to expand and document our Mile High trail system.  Chris has worked tirelessly with volunteers to route and expand our trail network, and has excelled at getting a lot done with very little.  Together they have kept the project that was PBAC’s “Bicycling Opportunities Map” alive, and transformed it to the highly regarded “City of Prescott Trails and Outdoor Recreation Map”.  Previously Steve and Cat also provided invaluable assistance to PAT’s Safe Routes to Schools program, and The Prescott Bicycle Advisory Committee’s update of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Also Nominated:

• Prescott Police Department -  Our police department has proven itself to be most accessible, cooperative, and willing to help.  They stand tall in our community by providing safety escorts for our Walk to School events, and our annual Ride to Work with the Mayor.  They are quick to respond to concerns about bicyclist and pedestrian safety issues, and understand how our educational goals can be met through fair enforcement.  Beyond that, individual officers we work with display humor and empathy for the challenges bicyclists and pedestrians face in our community.
• Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe -  Though they rarely make headlines, the Tribe is often a silent partner to many community minded organizations.  They contribute to PAT through annual membership renewals, and through sponsorship of events like our Skull Valley Loop Challenge.  These activities are proof that they, too, value a healthy community.

The “Non-Government” CYCLE Award goes to Over the Hill Gang. OHG is a little hard to pin down; they don’t have officers, or memberships, or dues.  They just show up, and get stuff done.  Mondays will find them working on Prescott’s Mile High trail network, and on Wednesdays, they work on National Forest trails.  If there is bad weather one of those days they just go out to breakfast instead.  They are responsible for miles of new trails, as well as many more miles of trail restoration and repair.

Also Nominated:

• Prescott Creeks Preservation Association –  Prescott was founded on the banks of Granite Creek, and Prescott Creeks recognizes how important our riparian areas still are to the health of our community.  They are actively involved in monitoring and restoration of our creeks, and the management of the Watson Woods Riparian Preserve.  They have also been active partners in the establishment of our downtown greenways trail
  system.
• Helping Understand Bicycles (HUB) – HUB is based out of Prescott College, and provides a resource to our community.  They know that transportation costs can be a more substantial percentage of the income of underprivileged residents, and the lack of access to our transportation system can be a significant barrier to employment and a higher quality of life. Hub volunteers work to educate all interested folks in the workings of bicycles, and to help everyone get a better functioning bike.

The “Business” CYCLE Award winner is Arizona Public Service (APS).  APS has a longer history in Prescott than PAT, but they really came up big on our radar screen in the 90′s when they cleaned up, reclaimed, and donated the land that is now West Granite Creek Park, and the heart of our downtown greenways trail system.  APS has recently donated more land in the area that will enable further expansion of the greenways.  Beyond that, they can always be counted on to lend a hand at community events, and even small gestures like letting us use their cardboard trash and recycle bins is a big help.

Also Nominated:

• Mortimer’s Nursery – Mortimer’s has shown their support for the community by inviting area non-profits to interact with their customers and display  at a fee event they host each year. Their contributions and service are a shining example of the good that comes from buying local.
• The Motor Lodge – The Motor Lodge has done a lot to be noticed in the Prescott hospitality scene. They provide a unique experience for their guests, and even provide free bicycles. One other way they get noticed, is through their support of local organizations like PAT.

The “Individual” CYCLE Award is given to Ms. Elisabeth Ruffner.  If there was a Prescott dictionary, and you looked up “community supporter,” there would be a picture of Elizabeth Ruffner.  From historical preservation to education, if there is something good going on in our community, Elizabeth is probably involved.  Many of us are inspired by Elizabeth’s vision and endurance, and we marvel at her level of involvement and dedication.

Also Nominated:

• Reta McCarty – For the past six years, Reta has proven to be PAT’s most steadfast volunteer. She has “worked the table” at countless events, been a bartender at our fundraisers, and ridden with us in the Frontier Days parade. We are not the only ones to benefit from Reta’s generosity; she also works with the West Yavapai Guidance Clinic, and assists with other events.
• Tom Slayback – Tom is a fixture in our community, best known as the local Sierra Club representative, his is also one of Prescott’s firstbicycle advocates. Tom is active in a lot of environmental projects, but when there is a bicycle related issue before the city council, he can still be counted on to be in the audience, and ready to speak in support.