Cory Frost is the 2026 Bike Hero. Cory uses the same streets, bike paths, sidewalks and transit services that the local community relies on, giving him firsthand experience that helps inform his work. Photo courtesy of Yolo Transportation District

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – Yolo Commute, the transportation demand management agency for Yolo County, has selected three local trailblazers as recipients of its second annual Commuter of the Year Awards. The award recognizes the unsung heroes who make sustainable commuting a daily habit, supporting their health and that of the planet while inspiring others to explore new transportation options.

This year’s Commuter of the Year Award has two categories: Bike Heroes transform their commute into an energizing and peaceful bicycle ride; and Super Commuter Heroes are the bold commuters who take on long distances, brave any weather and show an unstoppable commitment to getting to work without relying on a car. Cory Frost and Veronica Morales of Davis, and Duncan McMartin of Yolo County, are this year’s winners.

President of Yolo Commute Jennifer Donofrio, says, “These awards celebrate people who make sustainable transportation part of their everyday lives. By sharing their stories, we recognize their commitment and inspire others to see that biking, transit and other alternatives to driving can be practical and rewarding choices for their own commutes.”

Veronica Morales is the 2026 Super Commuter Hero. Veronica rides her bike every day to her job at UC Davis, often toting her two children along in a bike trailer. Her kids absorb the beauty and vibrancy of Davis throughout the seasons while learning the pleasures of active transportation. 

 Veronica Morales is the 2026 Super Commuter Hero. Photo courtesy of Yolo Transportation District

While a sustainable commute aligns with her ethics, Veronica also gets deep enjoyment from her daily pedal. She notes, “The biking commuter choice is about as healthy and as environmentally friendly as it gets. It also beats being stuck in rush hour traffic. It gives you a chance to soak in the beautiful Davis mornings all the while getting a little workout in. For me, the 30-minute bike commute is a protected window of time to plan out my day in the mornings and review how it went in the afternoons. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Duncan McMartin is the 2026 Super Bike Hero. An employee at Yolo County Health and Human Services, he began commuting via e-bike after discovering the joy of riding through the YoloTD/Yolo Commute e-bike lending program. He shares, “I love riding the back roads to work amongst all the fields. You really get a chance to see more of the county and the countryside. I love riding at night when it’s just you out there, it’s so peaceful.” 

Cory Frost is the 2026 Bike Hero. As the City of Davis’ Active Transportation Coordinator, Cory uses the same streets, bike paths, sidewalks and transit services that the local community relies on, giving him firsthand experience that helps inform his work. “What makes my commute unique isn’t the distance, it’s the consistency,” he says. “My commute is only about 1.2 miles, but I bike it every workday, rain or shine. Even when things don't go as planned, I stay committed to traveling car-free.”

 Duncan McMartin is the 2026 Super Bike Hero. Photo courtesy of Yolo Transportation District

“Biking to work is one of my favorite parts of the day,” he continues. “It helps me wake up, clears my mind and gives me a sense of accomplishment before I even arrive at the office. While it may seem slightly less convenient at first, breaking the habit of automatically driving opens the door to a healthier, more rewarding and often more enjoyable way to travel.”

As part of its commitment to promoting eco-friendly and low-impact transportation, Yolo Commute created the Commuter of the Year Awards in 2025. Winners of the awards are eligible to receive up to $300. Yolo Commute is a membership-based nonprofit partnership of public and private employers working together to address regional transportation and air quality issues. The partnership is administered by the Yolo Transportation District.

The awards are open to all employees at Yolo Commute member organizations, which include major public and private sector employers including UC Davis and Cache Creek Casino Resort, the County of Yolo and all cities in the county. Organizations interested in enhancing their employee benefits package through Yolo Commute membership can find information at yolocommute.net.

For more information visit www.yolocommute.net or contact Associate Transportation Planner Brenda Lomeli by email at [email protected] or call 530-402-2865.