The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is establishing a Central Florida chapter to advocate locally for a healthier, safer community for walkers and bicyclists thanks to a two-year, $95,600 grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF)The new Central Florida Chapter will be known as Walk/Bike Central Florida and it will enable FBA to localize its advocacy and educational efforts. The chapter’s goals are to increase the number of people biking and walking and create a safer environment for them.
In addition, the organization plans to:
• Create a user-friendly web platform that offers maps and descriptions of short, easy rides for new cyclists and walking routes to fun destinations.
• Encourage non-cyclists to sample riding in ways that are non-threatening and fun, and require a limited investment of time and money
• Consider other ways to lower barriers for non-cyclists, such as providing bikes that can be borrowed, rented or given to needy families or children.
• In partnership with METROPLAN ORLANDO, work to establish a signed bike route throughout Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville, to assist residents in locating roads that are considered safer and more appropriate for cycling.
• Organize “Bike Out” days, perhaps quarterly, that encourage both novice and dedicated cyclists to visit participating businesses and events.
This grant will enable the FBA to build on the results of recent research into what is needed to create a safe, civil and friendly traffic environment, made possible by an earlier WPHF grant.
WPHF is a private, not-for-profit organization supporting programs that improve the health of older adults, youth and the community-at-large. The programs focus on the communities of Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville.
ABOUT FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION
The FBA was incorporated in 1997 in Orlando Florida for educational and charitable purposes and is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its mission is to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well being through bicycling or simply said, advocating a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Florida. Through its many educational tools, hands on training programs, literature, communication tools and the ProBike/ProWalk Florida conference, FBA has raised awareness for everyone who rides a bike or walks. Visit www.floridabicycle.org for more information.
