Walk/Bike Volunteers: Kati Gallagher and Duncan McDougall

This year we’re recognizing two volunteers whose dedication to bringing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is demonstrated by their work to submit a winning Better Connections grant to plan for active transportation facilities in Waterbury Center, where despite being one of the most popular destinations in the state and one of Waterbury’s two growth centers, there are no accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists, or those with mobility challenges. These volunteers recruited and organized a Steering Committee and Advisory Committee of community members and business leaders, hosted a successful public walking tour with approximately 40 participants of all ages and mobility levels, two focus groups, and online survey, are planning a public Open House, community tabling event, and demonstration project to further engage residents in exploring and testing concepts to improve active transportation. Their approach is welcoming to all perspectives, encouraging big ideas for long-term vision, while also seeking pragmatic solutions for low-cost, quick implementation to begin to work toward the larger vision. Their leadership and commitment should serve as an example to other communities seeking to advocate at a resident/community level for positive change.

Walk/Bike Professional: Dan Monks

In addition to our volunteers, we need the expertise and guidance of our professional peers, whose passion and commitment is what’s needed to see big projects through to the end. In the case of the Bennington Rail Trail, it took 24 years of persistence to navigate the complex array of bureaucratic, political, and financial challenges, including negotiations with a rail company. Dan Monks, Bennington Town Manager, has been a key figure in the development of several other shared-use path projects in Bennington, including the Kocher Drive Path, the Orchard Village–Willowbrook Path, and the Ninja Path. He has also overseen steady improvements to the town’s sidewalk network. Through these efforts, he has provided strong leadership and helped Bennington move closer to its vision of becoming a truly walkable and bikeable community.

Notable Project: Connect the Junction

The Notable Project award goes to the Connect the Junction project in the City of Essex Junction, led by Chris Yuen, Community Development Director. This new city is quickly making an impact with numerous projects in motion to make it easier and safer to choose walking, biking and rolling. The city is also focused on creating denser development that can support transit services, making it even easier to leave the car at home, or to not own one at all. To that end, Essex Junction engaged its residents to create and recently adopt a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Master Plan with the vision of a more pedestrian-friendly City Center with more diverse housing options, vibrant public spaces, and safe and accessible options for walking, biking, and busing. Essex Junction is currently updating its development regulations to put this plan into action, and we can’t wait to see the results.   

Public Service Career Recognition Award: Amy Bell

2028 Walk/Bike Awards

Do you know of a person, community or project related to walking and/or biking that deserves to be celebrated? Use the form below to submit a nomination and explain why you believe special statewide recognition is appropriate. Consider people serving on local boards/committees, leading specific projects, engaged with schools, and yes – you can even nominate yourself or your own project! Awards will be made in three categories:

1. Volunteer Advocate
2. Walk/Bike Professional
3. Notable project

Awards nominations will be collected closer to our 2028 Summit date.

If you have any questions please contact Bryan Davis at bdavis@ccrpcvt.org. 

To view past award winners, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4dx3s663