Celebrating Florida’s Changemakers: Highlights from the 3rd Annual Wheel of Achievement Awards
On the afternoon of November 14, 2025, at the Florida Bicycle Summit in Winter Garden, we gathered to honor the projects, advocates, and leaders shaping the future of walking, biking, and rolling across Florida. Now in its third year, the Wheel of Achievement Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the people and organizations driving real, measurable change in their communities.
This year’s awardees reflect what’s possible when thoughtful planning, effective policy, and community passion come together with one clear goal: creating a safer, more connected, and more equitable Florida for everyone who uses our streets and trails.
A Community-Driven Celebration
The Wheel of Achievement Awards are rooted in one simple belief: The best ideas come from the community.
All nominations were submitted by community members, partners, and organizations from across the state, ensuring the awards reflect the lived experiences of people who walk, bike, roll, and drive on Florida’s streets every day.
Winners were selected by the Awards Selection Committee, led by Patrick Panza and composed of board members from both Bike/Walk Central Florida and the Florida Bicycle Association. The committee brings together expertise in engineering, planning, public health, coalition leadership, nonprofit advocacy, and everyday commuting, resulting in a thoughtful and well-rounded evaluation process.
Each selected winner reflects BWCF’s SAFER mission:
- Steward partnerships to improve the state of the built environment.
- Advocate for policies, programs, and infrastructure that create active, safe, and connected communities.
- Foster community involvement.
- Empower people to walk, bike, and roll safely and confidently for transportation and recreation.
- Be a Resource and guide for our community and partners.
2025 Wheel of Achievement Award Winners
Each category highlights a different dimension of Florida’s active transportation movement, from people-first planning and infrastructure to policy leadership and grassroots community impact.
Innovative Bike/Ped Plan or Design
Winner: City of Greenacres & Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
Project: Greenacres Safety Action Plan
Why they were selected:
The Greenacres Safety Action Plan represents a major step forward for people-first planning in Florida. As the city’s first comprehensive effort to address traffic safety, the plan responds to a documented history of more than 1,500 crashes annually, many involving people walking and biking.
Adopted in June 2025, the plan was shaped through extensive community engagement, collaboration with schools and partner agencies, and alignment with Vision Zero principles. It identifies clear, actionable strategies to reduce serious injuries and fatalities while improving access and mobility for all road users.
A standout feature is the Bike Greenacres premium bicycle network, which expands the city’s bikeway system from 5 to 25 miles, connecting neighborhoods, schools, transit stops, and economic centers. Together, these efforts set a strong statewide benchmark for data-driven, community-centered safety planning.
Innovative Bike/Ped Infrastructure: Small Scale
Winner: City of Altamonte Springs
Project: Spring Oaks Boulevard Traffic Calming Project
Why they were selected:
The Spring Oaks Boulevard Traffic Calming Project shows how targeted, neighborhood-scale engineering improvements can deliver measurable safety outcomes. Implemented along a half-mile corridor connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, retail destinations, and the Seminole Wekiva Trail, the project addressed long-standing concerns related to speeding and cut-through traffic. Post-implementation data shows a reduction in vehicle speeds along the corridor, confirming the effectiveness of the design interventions. As a result, the project now serves as a blueprint for future traffic calming efforts, illustrating how thoughtful engineering can improve safety, livability, and community connection.
Through practical, cost-effective design treatments, the City of Altamonte Springs improved everyday comfort and safety for people walking, biking, and driving—creating a calmer, more predictable street environment for the surrounding neighborhoods.
Honorable Mention: City of North Port — Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail
For delivering a 1.1-mile ADA-accessible boardwalk and paved path that safely connects neighborhoods with nature while protecting wetlands, wildlife, and cultural resources. This free, community-focused project enhances accessibility, encourages physical activity for more than 25,000 annual visitors, and reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and stewardship.
Innovative Bike/Ped Infrastructure: Large Scale
Winner: Polk County & Polk TPO
Project: Fort Fraser Trail Extension
Why they were selected:
The Fort Fraser Trail Extension strengthens one of Central Florida’s most important regional trail corridors. The existing 10.2-mile multi-use trail connects Bartow and Lakeland along US-98 and is heavily used by people walking, running, and biking.
The extension south of the Polk Parkway, routed through the Orlando Health campus, significantly expands access for employees, patients, and visitors while enhancing regional connectivity. Integration with the Lakeland Lake-to-Lake Bikeway and the Tenoroc Trail system links communities to parks, natural areas, and recreation opportunities.
This collaborative effort among local governments, regional partners, healthcare institutions, and state agencies exemplifies how large-scale infrastructure investments can promote active transportation, public health, and long-term community connection.
Honorable Mention: Naples Pathways Coalition — Paradise Coast Trail
For advancing a bold vision for a paved, separated regional trail network, now expanded from 70 to 100 miles, that will connect communities and destinations across Southwest Florida. With inclusion in the SUN Trail network and construction planned to begin by 2030, this project is accelerating regional connectivity decades ahead of typical timelines.
Why they were selected:
Naples Pathways Coalition has led a sustained, statewide effort to address one of the most pressing safety threats on Florida’s roads: distracted driving. Through the Hands-Free Florida campaign, the coalition has worked to expand hands-free cell phone laws beyond school and work zones to protect all road users, especially people walking and biking.
With more than 65 coalition members and support from over 30 municipalities and organizations, their advocacy has driven bipartisan legislative progress across multiple sessions while elevating public awareness through education and outreach. Their persistence and coalition-building exemplify effective, life-saving public policy advocacy.
Honorable Mention: Michelle Avola-Brown
For her tireless leadership advancing Hands Free Florida at both local and statewide levels through coalition-building, policy advocacy, public education, and hands-on safety efforts, including helmet fittings and school presentations.
Why they were selected:
Justin Cournoyer has emerged as a powerful grassroots leader advocating for the transformation of the I-175 highway spur in downtown St. Petersburg. Through town halls, street festivals, public feedback campaigns, social media engagement, and participation in FDOT stakeholder meetings, Justin has elevated community voices and built momentum for a people-centered vision.
Outstanding Community Leadership — People Who Bike (Organization)
Winner: Wee Wheel Wellington
Project: Youth Cycling & Education Program
Why they were selected:
Wee Wheel Wellington is redefining how young people experience biking by making it accessible, joyful, and confidence-building from an early age. Through hands-on instruction in parks and community spaces, the organization teaches children ages 2–12 how to ride safely while fostering independence and resilience.
Since launching in March 2025, Wee Wheel Wellington has taught more than 60 children to ride and expanded programming to include adult lessons in response to community demand. With a bold mission to get one million kids on bikes, the program exemplifies inclusive, family-centered leadership.
Honorable Mentions:
Naples Velo Bicycle Club – Community Rides for Safety and Recreation
For fostering a strong, safety-focused cycling community through daily group rides for all skill levels and thoughtful ride management practices. With more than 450 members, Naples Velo combines on-the-bike safety with off-the-bike connection, including distributing bike lights, to support confident, responsible riding.
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office — Headgear Hero Program
For making a measurable impact on youth safety through hands-on education. The Headgear Hero program has fitted more than 1,100 students with helmets this school year and hosted over 10 bike rodeos in the past two years, reaching more than 2,000 children and families with critical bike and helmet safety skills.
City of Boca Raton — North Park Traffic Garden
For transforming former tennis courts into a kid-sized “mini city” where children can safely learn walking, biking, and traffic skills. Created in partnership with the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District and Discover Traffic Garden, this free, innovative space supports Vision Zero, active play, and the development of confident future road users.
Outstanding Community Leadership — People Who Bike (Individual)
Winner: Todd Addicott
Why he was selected:
Todd Addicott has led the transformation of a former landfill in Jacksonville’s Southside into more than eight miles of purpose-built single-track mountain bike trails. The Trek Trails at Aterro Park feature berms, bridges, rock gardens, and flow sections designed for riders of all skill levels.
By coordinating volunteers, city agencies, local businesses, and sponsors, Todd helped create a regional destination for outdoor recreation. The project stands as a model for sustainable land reuse, volunteer-driven stewardship, and community-powered trail development.
Honorable Mentions:
Christine McCann
For leading the Sanderlin Bike Bus in St. Petersburg, engaging students and families in safe, joyful group rides that build confidence and community. Through monthly rides and school partnerships, her work encourages active transportation and strengthens neighborhood connections.
Mike Stephens
For his leadership with Friends of Lake County Trails, promoting regional trail connectivity and collaborating with FDOT, Lake 100, and local businesses. His efforts support both active transportation and economic growth through expanded trail access.
A Final Thank You
To every nominee, committee member, partner, volunteer, and attendee: thank you for helping elevate stories of progress from every corner of the state.
To our awardees:
Your work inspires us. Your leadership moves us forward.
Your impact is shaping safer, healthier, and more connected places to live, work, and play.
Feel free to browse, share, and celebrate the impact you helped create.
Here’s to another year of pedaling forward together.
