FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2014
PEDAL INTO NATIONAL
BIKE MONTH
~Enjoy exercise and a zero-emission trip to the
office on Bike to Work Day~
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida
Department of Environmental Protection recognizes May as National Bike Month.
First established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists, the month
showcases the benefits of bicycling to promote personal and environmental
health. According to the 2013
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, nearly 25 million
residents and visitors participate in bicycling in Florida annually. That includes more
than 18.4 million bikers on paved trails and nearly 6.5 million bikers on unpaved trails.
“Bicycling
is a fun, healthy activity for the whole family,” said Donald Forgione, director of the
Florida Park Service. “Florida’s state trails provide a safe place to pedal
along with beautiful scenery and opportunity to enjoy Florida’s famous
sunshine.”
On Saturday,
May 10, join us for the Blackwater
Bicycle Festival at the Blackwater Heritage State Trail’s Visitor Center in
Milton. See vintage bicycles or bring your own for the custom and vintage
bicycle contest.
Bike to Work
Day is celebrated Friday, May 16. Statistics show that more than half of the U.S.
population lives within five miles of their workplace and with interests in
healthy, sustainable and economic transportation options increasing, the number
of bicycle commuters has grown 47 percent in 11 years. According to the
American Heart Association, every $1 spent on biking trails and walking paths
could save approximately $3 in medical expenses.
In addition
to providing healthy exercise, bicycling is an easy way to travel between
communities. Florida’s 10 state trails provide paved paths for bicyclists and
others promote clean air and additional environmental benefits by reducing vehicle emissions. This is a great way to celebrate May as National
Clean Air month.
In northwest
Florida, the Blackwater
Heritage State Trail winds through the historic town of Milton and extends
eight miles north to the 1.5 mile Military Heritage Trail. In Palatka, two
state trails offer biking options. The Palatka-to-Lake
Butler State Trail stretches 47 miles through many small towns and
communities while the Palatka-to-St.
Augustine State Trail travels 19 miles through St. Johns and Putnam
counties. The Withlacoochee
State Trail is Florida’s longest rail-trail and runs through small
towns, ranches and six distinct natural communities between Citrus Springs and
Trilby.
Click here to view a list of state parks that
offer bicycling as a recreational opportunity.
Helmet use is
encouraged for all bicyclists and required for anyone younger than 16.
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