As always, we are blown away by the collective generosity of our members, who power our work in advocacy and education throughout the year. To all who joined, renewed, or otherwise went above and beyond in your gifts already this year, thank you. The support of your membership ensures we have the resources to continue the fight for policies and legislation that enable safe bicycle infrastructure throughout Pennsylvania in 2023.
This winter (though, honestly, it felt more like spring), we held a raffle for a $1,000 Gift Credit to In-Gear Outfitters to anyone who joined as a member, renewed membership, or made an additional gift of $100 or more. This gift certificate was generously donated by Messingschlager USA, thanks to long-standing friend and member of the Bicycle Coalition, Pat Cunnane—thank you, Pat!
Now without further adieu, we are pleased to announce our lucky members:
The winner of the $1,000 In-Gear raffle is Nicky Agate (BCGP Member since 2020):
Nicky rediscovered cycling at the age of 25 and has been embodying what her partner calls “a happy golden retriever” whenever she’s on two wheels ever since. In 2006, they packed up their bikes in cardboard boxes and toured the whiskey islands and highlands of Scotland (they got engaged on Orkney). For their honeymoon, they biked from Rome to Florence through Italian hill towns, then down through Brittany and across the Loire in France.
She moved to Philly in May 2020, and a few weeks later began doing hill rides and long Saturday adventures with the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia. Native Philadelphians have told her she’s seen more of the surrounding area than they ever have. Gran fondos and century rides are her jam, and some of her local favorites include the Brandywine and Scenic Schuylkill Centuries, the Delaware Gran Fondo, Flèche Buffoon, and the annual Odell Ride to Brooklyn, her home for twenty years.
As the parent of a teenager who also loves to ride, Nicky joined Bicycle Coalition to support their advocacy in making the streets safer for cyclists.
(Nicky is @barmbrack on Instagram, where she irregularly tags her cycling adventures with #sightsfrommybike)
Geology Tour of Philadelphia Drawing
The Bicycle Coalition held an additional drawing for new or renewing members who affiliated at the Champion Circle level during the February – March promotion period. This group of extra committed members contribute between $250-$999 in unrestricted support.
Two lucky Champions won space for themselves and guests on a semi-private Geology Tour of Philadelphia. Congratulations to:
John Kawczynski, a resident of Haddonfield, NJ, has been a Member since 2015 and has covered hundreds of miles exploring the Circuit Trails in our region. When he is not practicing law, he has biked in 17 different states and enjoys riding with the friendly Wednesday Nights Ride group throughout Philadelphia. John increased his commitment to the Bicycle Coalition and became a first-time Champion this year because he sees and uses the results of our advocacy all around him like the ramp to the Ben Franklin Bridge walkway, the bike lane on the new Scudder Falls Bridge, and the new extension of the Chester Valley Trail.
Signe Wilkinson lives in Center City and has been a member since 2010. She is an editorial cartoonist who prides herself as being a thrifty city dweller. Since she typically runs late, Signe uses her trusty bike to get around Philly faster than she could by car most of the time. She appreciates how the Bicycle Coalition has made her rides safer year after year and returned as a Champion in 2023 to say “thanks!”
We are grateful to Ray Scheinfeld who volunteered his time to lead this special tour for the benefit of the Bicycle Coalition. A professional geologist and longtime Champion Circle supporter, Ray welcomes more people to support the Coalition at this more impactful level.
If you have considered joining as a supporting member or been one in the past, now is the perfect time to join or renew your membership.
Learn more about the Champion Circle Here, and contact Elyssa Kane with any questions – elyssa@bicyclecoalition.org and 215-242-9253 x 312.
Thank you for standing with us for another year!