Cycling safety proponent wins 2014 Bruce Timmermans Award

Monna-Leigh McElveny has been recognized with the 2014 Bruce Timmermans Award for her work promoting safe cycling in the community and in particular with the Kanata Nepean Bicycle Club.

“Cycling continues to grow in popularity across Ottawa as a clean, healthy and affordable way to get around the city,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “The effort and passion of this year’s Bruce Timmermans Award winner are inspiring communities of cyclists to take advantage of the wonderful cycling networks that the City has invested in to make bike travel easier, safer and more comfortable.”

The Bruce Timmermans Awards, which have been presented annually since 1999, recognize individuals and organizations committed to cycling in the community.

Recognized with the individual award, Monna-Leigh McElveny has been the safety and training director for the Kanata Nepean Bicycle Club for more than five years. During that period she has produced a safety manual for the club and conducts a series of safety courses for club members every year at no charge.

Participants have consistently praised her instruction and the value of these multi-day courses. Monna-Leigh believes that the training leads to safer and more confident cyclists. She is also the Director of Safety for the Multiple Sclerosis Ride and conducts training sessions for the ride’s tour leaders.

“Monna-Leigh’s efforts have helped grow not only the number of active cyclists in Ottawa, but the number of cyclists who are knowledgeable about safety,” said Councillor Keith Egli, Chair of the City’s Transportation Committee. “We owe our thanks to volunteers like her for the work they do to keep cycling safety in the collective consciousness of both new and seasoned cyclists.”

For more information on the awards and past winners, visit ottawa.ca .