The Bike Hero Award is awarded by the Roanoke-Valley Alleghany Regional Commission's Bicycle Advisory Committee to an individual who has shown dedication to the use and advocacy of the bicycle as a transportation alternative in their day-to-day activities, their work in the community to improve bicycle accommodations, and their encouragement through advocacy or by example for others to replace vehicle trips with bicycle trips.

To be a recipient of the award the individual must:

1. Citizen of a jurisdiction within the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission’s service area for at least six months as of their nomination.

2. Have shown consistent dedication to one or more of the Five E’s of being a Bicycle Friendly Community – Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, Evaluation - as defined by the League of American Bicyclists in their personal behavior, professional efforts, or community outreach.

3. Efforts undertaken by the individual must have been done in an entirely voluntary capacity and may include activities such as personal transportation choices; volunteer efforts in conjunction with employers, local governments, non-profits, etc.; service on boards or other leadership positions in area advocacy organizations.

5. Not have been the recipient of a Bike Hero award within the past 24 months, nor can projects or programs that led to a previous award be considered for further awards.

Individuals may not nominate themselves and may not simultaneously be nominated for the Extraordinary Bicycle Professional award. Though individuals working within the context of traditional bicycle groups and efforts – such as members of bike clubs, state or national bike organizations, racing, or other advocacy groups – may be nominated, individuals who show themselves to be Bicycle Heroes in nontraditional areas will be given priority.

Nominations are accepted from April 1 until May 15. Awards will be announced by May 31 as part of Bike Month activities.