The Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force recognized Bluffton business CG Pro Bikes as Business of the Year because of their enthusiastic work towards the mission of making Allen County more bike and pedestrian friendly.

The announcement was made during the Dec. 8 Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force volunteer recognition meeting at The Met, in downtown Lima. 

Monica Harnish of the Allen County Public Health Department, listed several reasons for naming the Bluffton bike shop as Business of the Year.

• Raymond and Liz Harner, owners of CG Pro Bikes, host weekly group rides in Bluffton for anyone interested. The rides have become so popular that the group now organizes themselves if Raymond and Liz can’t attend. 

• The Harners have co-sponsored and participated in the annual Bluffton Lions Foundation Ride to Remember Bike Ride.

• They were participants in the Bluffton Lions Foundation’s annual Dare to Dream Wine Tasting Auction Fundraiser, where proceeds are used to construct new Bluffton pathways. 

"Raymond and Liz are always ready to help find solutions for people with their bike related concerns," added Harnish.

During the evening, volunteers were also recognized for their contribution to assisting with bike and pedestrian counts, bike rodeos, and their work towards supporting a bike and pedestrian friendly community. 

About the Allen County Bike and Pedestrian Task Force:

In January 2013, the Allen County commissioners passed a resolution endorsing the Allen County Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force.  A bike and pedestrian friendly community is a benefit to our local economy by boosting the real estate market and supporting local development; it also helps youth stay active, makes the air more breathable, and increases safety.