Governor Phil Bredesen yesterday recognized Outdoor Chattanooga and the Mobile Bicycle Fleet program with a 2009 Shining Star Award for their efforts in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Chattanooga Bicycle Coordinator Philip Pugliese and Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes accepted the award in Nashville.

Shining Star Awards are given by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health for efforts to promote healthy habits in the following areas: Where We Live (communities), Work (employers), and Learn (educational settings).

Outdoor Chattanooga joined four other Chattanooga programs and organizations that received awards: the Orange Grove Center, United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and WDEF News 12.

“I applaud the efforts of these organizations in improving the health and fitness of Tennessee citizens,” said Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. “The work of these groups and the individuals they inspire helps Tennessee become a healthier state and puts us on track to live longer lives.”

The Outdoor Chattanooga Mobile Bicycle Fleet is a Tennessee Department of Transportation-funded project in partnership with CARTA under the Commuter Transportation Assistance Program. Its mission is to promote bicycling for transportation, recreation, and health, and specifically to reduce mid-day vehicle trips by employees and students in Chattanooga.

“The Mobile Bicycle Fleet has had a huge impact on how people use bikes in Chattanooga,” says Outdoor Chattanooga Executive Director Philip Grymes, “People who haven’t ridden in years are back on bicycles for transportation and fun. We are very proud to be associated with Philip Pugliese and this wonderful program.”

Through the Mobile Bicycle Fleet, bikes were made available at partnering organizations, where employees and students were encouraged to join group trips to lunch and other special events. By providing a friendly, encouraging environment with trained leaders, the program facilitated a total of 685 trips in 2008-2009, as well as providing registered participants the opportunity to check out bicycles on their own.

The Tennessee Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health was created to address the health and fitness needs of all Tennesseans through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. The council recognizes that to be successful in affecting a change in the lifestyle habits of Tennesseans, a cooperative effort will be required of government agencies, businesses, communities and individuals that share the goal of enhancing the quality of life in Tennessee through the promotion of healthy lifestyles. For more information visit the Tennessee Governor’s Shining Star Awards, visit the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health’s Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/governorscouncil/index.shtml.