And the award goes to…

The Tempe Bicycle Action Groups first ever Golden Spoke Award is a custom-made honor that represents the spirit of Bike Tempe and celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to safer, more bike-friendly streets and community development.

The Golden Spoke Award celebrates “the spokes that keep the wheels turning”—dedicated individuals who might otherwise go unrecognized but whose efforts drive community progress and safety for all cyclists.

Recipients of this award embody the resilience, interconnectedness, and passion that define the cycling community.

This year, we proudly recognize Tempe’s Transportation and Sustainability Administrative Supervisor, Sue Taaffe. She exemplifies of our city’s mission to build a greener, more connected future. In her role, she assists in coordinating a diverse range of sustainability and transportation goals, from public transit initiatives like the Tempe Youth Free Transit Pass Program promoting more accessible biking and pedestrian pathways through the Tour de Tempe bike ride and Bike to Work Day.

Sue has served for almost 26 years and has had many roles within the Transportation and Sustainability Department. In our eyes this makes her a MVP and the winner for our first ever annual golden spoke award.

She serves as the steady force behind every many projects, ensuring all tasks move forward on schedule and everyone has the information needed to succeed. A master of organization, Sue coordinates countless department meetings, participates in strategic discussions, and streamlines communication. But she doesn’t just keep projects on track she leads with vision, overseeing complex timelines and guiding city staff toward each milestone.

What about working in transportation do you find most rewarding? The most rewarding thing about working in Transportation is when I work on a program or event and finally get to see it completed. Sometimes I work on projects for years and it’s very fulfilling to see it come to fruition. I also work with a great group of dedicated people who make my job easier.

What do you find most challenging? Funding is the biggest challenge. The Transit Tax funds the majority of our programs and as things get more expensive to build, maintain and operate, funding becomes difficult.

In a perfect world, what changes in transportation would you like to see moved to the forefront? As a resident, I would like to see dedicated transit lanes on all arterials, increased bus frequency and dedicated bike lanes on all arterials.

As we close out this feature, it’s clear that Sue Taaffe embodies the spirit and vision of our city’s commitment to sustainable, accessible transportation. Her dedication and passion have made an indelible mark on our community, bridging gaps and building pathways—both literal and metaphorical—that connect us all. Sue isn’t just about getting things done; she’s about inspiring a culture of resilience, progress, and inclusivity. For all she has contributed, Sue truly deserves this first annual Golden Spoke Award, and we are honored to celebrate her today.

Thank you, Sue, for driving us toward a brighter future.