At the April 27th Transportation Agency Board of Directors meeting, the second annual Golden Helmet Award was presented to Devian Gilbert for his dedication to bicycling for all his transportation needs. The silver Helmet went to Diego Liberczuk for using bicycle transportation for commuting, and encouraging his co-workers to try it as well.

The aim of this award is to highlight the benefits of bicycle commuting and inspire others to utilize alternative transportation modes. The Agency received a total of 69 nomination forms for five different award nominees. The Transportation Agency Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Advisory Committee appointed a subcommittee to review, rank and recommend a winner to the Transportation Agency Board. The winner was determined base on dedication to bicycling as an alternative form of transportation, as well as, frequency and length of travel, history of bicycle commuting, persistence in inclement weather or other materially adverse conditions, adoption of best practice such as courteous riding habits, bicycle advocacy, and inspiration to others.

Golden Helmet Award Winner: Mr. Devian Gilbert
Mr. Devian Gilbert commuted on his bicycle for 10 years to his employer of Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula, and additional years as a self employed individual. After receiving his United Bicycle Institute Bicycle Mechanic certification in 2001, Mr. Gilbert worked as a bicycle mechanic and organized bicycling events such as the Sea Otter Classic.

Silver Helmet Award Winner: Diego Liberczuk
Mr. Diego Liberczuk is a Senior Project Manager with HSBC. Mr. Liberczuk’s commute is eleven miles round trip from his home to office. On average, he bikes approximately one hundred fifty hours per year. He promoted the Monterey County Bike Week events at the company and inspired more than 46 bicyclists to join him on Bike to Work Day in 2010.