Mohave Today

TEMPE, Ariz. – Mark McWhirter, a lifelong Tempe resident, was so dedicated to bicycling that he was known to some as “a bike evangelist.” If asked, McWhirter would gladly share his knowledge of biking and Tempe’s bike-friendly history. His friends called his enthusiasm contagious.

 One of his impressive projects was to turn a portion of the family’s garage into a bike storage space. “An amazing bike room,” a friend recalled, where there was a “place for everything and everything was in its place.”

 For his passion, dedication and daily commitment to bicycling, McWhirter has been named the annual Tempe Bike Hero for 2023. McWhirter died this year at the age of 55, after colliding with a car during his usual morning bike ride.

 Each year, the Tempe Bike Hero Award recognizes individuals and organizations that aid in increasing awareness of bicycling and promote bicycling as a viable mode of transportation. Winners are selected by the Tempe Transportation Commission, a 15-member Tempe resident advisory board appointed by the Mayor. McWhirter’s friends and neighbors submitted six nominations to support his selection for the award.

 Mayor Corey Woods and the Tempe City Council honored McWhirter at the Regular City Council Meeting on June 15. McWhirter’s wife Katie and their four sons Thomas, Benedict, Dominic and Vincent accepted the award.

Past Bike Hero Award winners include:

2022 – Erin Boyd

2021 – John Dollar and Melissa Mahon

2020 – Julian Dresang

2019 – Dr. Trisalyn Nelson

2018 – JC Porter

2017 – Broadmor Elementary Bikecats

2016 – Catherine Brubaker and Bike Saviours

2015 – Erick and Rochelle Geryol

2014 – Ryan and Jennifer Guzy

2013 – Maja Wessels

2012 – Patricia Berning

2011 – Eric Iwersen

2010 – Bicycle Cellar

2009 – Sue Fassett

2008 – Tempe Bicycle Action Group

Find more information on biking in Tempe at tempe.gov/bike.

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Media contacts:

TaiAnna Yee

Public Information Officer, TransportationCity of TempeTaiAnna_Yee@tempe.gov 480-350-8551

Or

Marie Chapple Camacho, Public Information OfficerCity of TempeMarie_ChappleCamacho@tempe.gov480-521-5002

Original source can be found here.