The Bike Awards is an annual recognition program hosted by RIDE Solutions celebrating individuals who are doing an outstanding job in making the Roanoke Region a place where bicycling is safe, inclusive and fun for everyone.
Special thank you to Lift Arc Studios for creating these unique awards – mini bike racks made from laser cut stainless steel!
2026 Bike Hero Award: Tom Carr
Super Volunteer, Grant Writer, Board Member
Tom Carr is a bike hero because he works creatively and enthusiastically to make Roanoke a better place to bike for people of all ages. Tom has been instrumental to PedalSafe ROA securing grants from AARP and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute. He has served on the regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, coached youth as part of the Star City Cycling team and was a founding Board member of PedalSafe ROA. In all of his roles, Tom has been a champion of bicycling improvements, bicycling skills, and bicycle safety.
2026 Extraordinary Bike Professional: Ian Coffey
City of Roanoke Traffic Engineer
Ian Coffey has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing bicycle infrastructure through his management of two transformative ARPA-funded construction projects: the Gainsboro Streetscape and the 9th Street Belmont-Fallon Streetscape. Both projects deliver protected bicycle facilities along critical corridors while meaningfully integrating community input and multimodal safety improvements.
Through these projects, Ian has not only expanded Roanoke’s protected bicycle network but has also elevated the standard for how bicycle infrastructure projects integrate community engagement, safety improvements, and equitable access. His work exemplifies the collaborative, systems-thinking approach that advances bicycling as a safe, attractive transportation choice for people of all ages and abilities.
