Photos by Lora Reehling Photography
The 2025 Annual Gala & Awards Dinner is in the books, and we had a great time celebrating with our partners, community members, BCYC athletes and coaches, and Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia. More than 170 of us gathered at the picturesque Ridgeland Mansion for an evening of dinner, drinks, and celebration.
Board Vice Chair Amanda Benner kicked off the evening, which was made by possible with generous support from Independence Blue Cross, Amy Branch & Jeff Benoliel, Arcadia Land Company, Balance Catamarans, Jeff Braff & Hope Comisky, Sandy & Gail Lipstein, Hayden AI, Cozen O’Connor, Archer Public Affairs, and the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Amanda also honored John Dowlin, founding member of BCGP, who recently passed.
Executive Director Chris Gale spoke warmly about his first 10 months at the helm, remarking on how welcomed he has felt and how much progress he has been witness to, including: more than 230 people have participated in 23 community rides and classes so far in 2024; more than 200 youth participating in weekly practices and rides, including two brand-new BCYC events, the Hunting Park Hustle N Ride and Roll Wit It Gran Fondo; the passage of state legislation that made automated speed enforcement permanent; and Transit Forward Philadelphia’s work that resulted in the first low-income, zero-fare program offering free transit to those at or below the federal poverty line in Philly.
We were thrilled to honor Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash with the Connect the Circuit Award for his exemplary leadership toward making the LINK Trail a reality, Kings & Queens Rule Together Cycling Club with the I Bike PHL Award in recognition of the inclusive community of riders they have fostered, and Stephen Bilenky, founder of the Philly Bike Expo, with the BCYC Award for his quiet, behind-the-scenes work training up the next generation of frame builders and cycling enthusiasts, always with an eye to those who are underrepresented in the industry.
After a surprise give-away of two VIP passes & jerseys for the 2024 Philly Bike Ride, courtesy of founder Chris Browne, we heard the much-anticipated announcement of the 2024 BCYC Athlete of the Year: Jonathan Ramos. More than 15 BCYC athletes & coaches were there in support, including last year’s Athlete of the Year, Daa’mir Speight-Taylor. Jonathan is a moving speaker, whose passion was on full display:
BCYC has changed me for the better, they made me strong, confident, fearless, the list goes on. I cannot express how much I am grateful for this opportunity that BCYC has given me and I will NOT let it go to waste.
I am also grateful for my coaches who pushed me over the edge many times and made me the best version of myself. My teammates, who lifted me up and inspired me to be great, and my family, whose continuous support carried me through my hardest times.
Something else that I’ve learned here is that success isn’t just about winning, it’s about the person you become in the journey of greatness. It’s about perseverance, resilience, and a whole lot of heart.
Congratulations, Jonathan!
Finally, we heard from Maguire Honoree, Philadelphia’s Deputy Managing Director Michael Carroll, who joined in a casual conversation with Latanya Byrd, BCGP Board member and co-founder of Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia. They spoke about his past achievements, but perhaps the most memorable moment came when Latanya asked Michael where he hoped the City would be in 10 years. His response: “Copenhagen, here we come!” brought a big response from the house.
We owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who made the evening possible, including everyone who donated to the Silent Auction:
- Po Campo
- Circle Compost
- Take Time to Breathe
- Bicycle Transit Systems
- The Philadelphia Orchestra
- Marathon Grille
- Varlo Sports
- Ardmore Music Hall
- Opera Philadelphia
- Wren Sports
- The Center for Bike Fit
- Tern
- Cadence Cycling
- Emily Fredricks Foundation
- Capital Genealogy
- LEDMerch
- Bike Co
- Bicycle Club of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Action Wheels
- Moore Brothers Wine Company
- High Street Hospitality
- Greenstreet Coffee Roasters
- John Walber & Julie Slavet
- Mechanic Bicycle Pro Shop
- Keystone Bicycle Co.
- The Velojawn Bike Shop
- Guy’s Bicycles
- DaHÄNGER
- Take It Outdoors
- Wilderness Voyageurs
- Matt & Jamie Ludwig
- LiveNation / The Fillmore Philadelphia