January 11, 2004 – The Cycle Canada Report has announced the Broken Spoke Award for 2004. The first annual award goes to Ontario’s Premier Dalton McGuinty. In October the Premier announced $5 million annual funding for Active 2010 “to increase participation in sport and physical activity throughout Ontario”. By January 2005 the program was promoting a new contest with a prize of a new car.

An early contender for the award was the Rochester – Toronto ferry service for its innovative fare structure that was a world beater in gouging cyclists. However due the financial difficulties of that organization it was dropped from the competition.

The Broken Spoke Award is an annual award given to a government representative, politician, department, agency or corporation who has demonstrated an exceptional lack of understanding towards the cycling community.

Voting is now open for the 2005 award. Submissions will be accepted at any time during the year and a final decision will be made in January 2006.