2025 Blinkie Awards | Friday, May 9, 2025 @ 7PM

Propel ATL is thrilled to invite you to our annual Blinkie Awards. This year's Blinkie Awards will celebrate some of Atlanta's most dedicated sustainable transportation advocates. In addition to inspirational stories from our award winners, we’ll have music, food and drinks, bike valet, and door prizes representing our walk/bike/roll/transit mission.

Door prizes include: Magnum Metro X E-bike from The Belt Hub, Essential Tune-Up + Swag from Specialized, Big Peach Running Co package, MARTA Gear, and an Abbadabba’s Gift Card

Introducing the Blinkies host: Mark Kendall! Mark Kendall is an Atlanta-based comedian. Along with his production partner, Bill Worley, he is the co-founder of CoolCoolCool Productions, where they use comedy to encourage civic engagement. Their videos were named “Best Reason to Laugh” by Atlanta Magazine in 2021. Mark is currently the co-host of the podcast "What's Good Atlanta?" for WABE/NPR. While studying film at Northwestern University, he completed the Comedy Central Chris Rock Summer School Program, where he pitched jokes at “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.” Mark was named best Professional Funnyman by Creative Loafing in 2015 and was the Readers Pick for Best Comedian in Creative Loafing Atlanta in 2019. Follow Mark on Instagram.

Tickets: General admission tickets to the Blinkie Awards are $55. Day-of general admission tickets will go up to $65, so don't wait to secure your spot!

Host Committee: Go the extra mile and join the Host Committee! Receive: Admission for six people to the Blinkie Awards and VIP Social at 6PM, recognition at the Blinkie Awards, listing in pre- and post-event communications, a dedicated post on this page listing your name and/or company, and exclusive participation in our Host Committee Voting Circle to nominate and select the Propel ATL Transportation Media Award winner.

Getting There:

Walking & Cycling: Wild Heaven - West End is located in the Lee + White complex along the Beltline Southwest Trail. Two Wheel Valet will provide free Bike Valet services for the event in the courtyard behind the venue.
MARTA: Wild Heaven - West End is a 0.7 mile walk from the West End station or catch a bus: MARTA routes 1, 40, 58, 68, 71, 79, 81, 94, 95, 155, and 832 serve the venue location.
Driving: Free parking is available in the Lee + White parking lot.

Accessibility: Wild Heaven - West End is fully accessible with a ramp entrance to the venue from the parking lot on White Street.

Dress: Commuter Chic - Dressy casual that is comfortable and durable enough to withstand a walk, a crowded train or a bike ride, and polished enough to let you know you are enjoying a night on the town! All bag sizes are allowed.

2025 Blinkie Awards Sponsors

And thank you to Kupcakerie & Revolution Doughnuts for providing dessert!

Interested in becoming a sponsor or joining the Host Committee? Email us at development@letspropelatl.org!

2025 Blinkie Awards Winners

Institutional Leadership in Mobility Award: Georgia Institute of Technology.

Georgia Tech is a gold-level Bike Friendly University committed to improving micromobility access and safety on campus and beyond, with recent efforts including new protected bike and LIT infrastructure and partnerships with the City of Atlanta, Midtown Alliance, PATH Foundation, and Propel ATL. They also offer bike safety education through monthly rides, an online class with free helmet giveaways, and academic courses that train future urban planners in multimodal design.

Expanding the Movement Award: Pedal Pushers Cycling Club

Pedal Pushers Cycling Club is a nonprofit organization that promotes health and wellness and builds community through cycling. Pedal Pushers pairs at-risk youth with adult mentors, in which the mentors serve as a positive influence and provide guidance and support to the youth. Mentors engage the youth and build trust through cycling excursions and other fun and safe activities, while developing their conflict resolution and leadership skills, all while building up their self-confidence.

Sustainable Transportation Champion Award: Ben Kamber

Ben Kamber is a senior program analyst with the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Mobility Services Department, where he manages the Atlanta E-Bike Rebate Program to promote accessible, sustainable transportation. With over a decade of public service experience, Ben has led redevelopment projects in College Park and supported small businesses and neighborhood revitalization efforts as assistant director in Atlanta’s Department of City Planning.

Safe Streets Advocate Award: Veronica Watts

Veronica Watts is a transportation advocate focused on policy, equity, and public safety, working with local groups and state leaders to improve transit and pedestrian infrastructure. After surviving a serious crosswalk crash, she became a leading voice for stronger traffic laws and safer street design. Veronica helped create a “Vulnerable Roadway Users” study committee, which passed the Georgia Senate and awaits further action. She also serves on Propel ATL’s Communications Committee and is a member of Families for Safe Streets, Atlanta Chapter.

Legacy of Support Award: DJ Mike Zarin of Zegi

Mike Zarin began his DJ career in Midtown clubs as a teen, later hosting the long-running Houseworks radio show on 88.5 FM and performing with his crew, 4Deep. In 2009, he founded Zegi to deliver custom DJ sets for high-end clients, drawing on 15+ years of experience with clubs, brands, and events worldwide. Most recently, he launched Atlanta Streets Alive Radio in partnership with Propel ATL, broadcasting live during each event.

Transportation Media Award: Asia Simone Burns & Justin Price (AJC)

Asia Simone Burns and Justin Price created an in-depth investigation exposing dangerous high-speed pursuit practices by Georgia State Patrol, fueling safe-streets activism since its August 2024 release. Asia Simone Burns is an investigative reporter focused on law enforcement and public safety. She delivers in-depth reporting focusing on transparency and systemic impact. She previously reported for WABE, Atlanta's NPR member station. Justin Price is a data reporter who works to uncover societal issues, disparities, and injustices. He joined the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2023 from Phoenix where he spent five years as a journalist on the investigative team at The Arizona Republic, shining light on prison labor, police misconduct and charter schools.

Attend the Atlanta Pride Festival as a VIP (for two!)