The Alliance for Biking and Walking announced on Monday the recipients of its fifth annual Advocacy Awards, recognizing the individuals, organizations and business leaders who are spearheading bicycle advocacy in the United States. The Susie Stephens Joyous Enthusiasm award commemorates Alliance co-founder Susie Stephens, honoring her passion for biking and walking as fun and economical means of transportation. This year, the award goes to Renee Rivera, our Executive Director, and we couldn’t agree more with the Alliance’s choice. Since joining the EBBC in 2011, Renee has made an incredibly positive impact on the East Bay and our coalition. “Being an Executive Director can’t be an easy job, but Renee handles it with seeming ease and enthusiasm,” said Dave Campbell, our Advocacy Director. “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 acting executive director — agreed: “It has been wonderful to see communities throughout the East Bay become organized to be more bike-friendly, in large part thanks to Renee’s strong leadership — a combination of great focus and joyful celebration of biking.” The EBBC is fortunate to have such inspiring people working to make the East Bay a better place for bikes, and we are thankful to the Alliance for recognizing our hard work. Read more here.