Its here in our backyard - Cycling on the levees of the Florida Everglades, by Eric Barton, special to the Globe and Mail

Cycling on the levees of the Florida Everglades
Eric Barton, Special to the Globe and Mail
Published May 22, 2024

We came to a crossroads about an hour into our Florida Everglades bike trip. Tracks made of crushed seashells drifted off to the horizon, so straight they looked planned with a giant level. Around us, on every side for as far as we could see, the sea of grass waved lazily, as flat as a calm morning ocean.

“Last time I was out here, somebody had put up a huge American flag in the middle of nowhere,” one of my companions said.

So we sped off, taking the right fork instead of our planned left, in search of this mysterious flag.

Our ride that morning took us on top of the levees that hold back the Florida Everglades, a 1.5-million-acre swampland sandwiched between Miami on the east coast and Naples on the west. The levees are nothing more than earthen berms, looking like massive speed bumps. They create a grid system that spans 3,427 kilometres, farther than a drive from Toronto to Calgary. Like the best off-road cycling adventures, there’s a sense of the unknown, even a bit of danger, because alligators as long as a Volkswagen could be waiting just up ahead.

For tourists coming to South Florida, riding the levees isn’t as simple as, say, renting a city bike on South Beach or a mountain bike at Miami’s Virginia Key Beach Park. But for the adventurous, the levees rise a couple meters above the swamp, offering undisturbed views of Florida in its original form.

CLICK HERE to read more, the full article Cycling on the levees of the Florida Everglades, by Eric Barton, special to the Globe and Mail

Special mention Dora & The Graveling Explorers (CLICK HERE) to view some of my prior blog posts relating to gravel riding with the Dora & The Graveling Explorers group - this article and my prior blog posts provide some real insight as to what to expect - the fun of biking the levees.

Cycling on the levees of the Florida Everglades, by Eric Barton, is a travel article - and one for those who want to staycation here at home and enjoy a view of the Everglades via bikes. I offer this article as a great read for anyone still on the fence as to riding the levels (AKA gravel riding South Florida style). The article covers a ride that sets off from Everglades Holiday Park, west of Ft Lauderdale - but I ride (when I ride gravel) usually out of the Tamiami Trail near the Miccosukee Casino & Resort, the Trail Glades Range or Dade Corners, which ever landmark you prefer.  The rides have even gathered as far east as 137th and 8th Street (where we have seen deer just across the Tamiami Canal from civilization). 

Levee riders can travel as far south as the Everglades Nation Pak, south of Homestead Florida or as far north as you want to go - many traveling up to West Palm Beach and back.  You can decide.  Groups such as the aforementioned Dora & The Graveling Explorers group ride all these routes and distances, but include many opportunities for training rides that take you no further than between SW 137th Street to the Miami-Dade County Trail Glades Range area. 

I have seen single riders, pairs, families and even moderately seized groups taking park in these gravel rides. 

From the Article:

If You Go

Riding the Everglades levees isn’t as easy as more tourist-friendly biking destinations, like Shark Valley in Everglades National Park, with its paved trail and bike rental right at the entrance. But the payout is unobstructed views and a ride where you’ll likely not see another person.

Bike rentals

Several bike shops in South Florida rent bikes that can be ridden on the levees, including Mack Cycle and Brickell Bikes. Hybrid bikes would work, but better are mountain bikes for a smoother ride or gravel bikes for those who want to travel faster.

What to bring

Once out on the levees, there are no facilities and little shade, so bring several water bottles and backup sunscreen. Patch kits are recommended since a walk back with a flat is a monotonous trek. Mosquitoes and horseflies can be fierce, so bug spray is also smart if you plan on stopping.

How to plan

The levee trails can be found on cycling apps like Strava and even running along the Everglades canals on Google maps. But for first timers, joining a group ride is better. Find them on Facebook on pages including Florida Gravel Biking and Dora & The Graveling Explorers.

Dinosaur encounters

Wildlife is common on the levees, with everything from skinny deer to vultures the size of labradors. Alligators are the most treacherous among them, but attacks are unheard of if you stay on the trails and don’t approach too closely.

Fun times - a local "metric century" ride for the special birthday ride

Again, It’s a bike thing, so non-cyclists may not get it. I rode what is known as a metric century – that’s 100, but kilometers, not miles.  A metric century is 62.125 miles. My 2021 event total was 62.53 miles taking me north from Palmetto Bay into Pinecrest, Coral Gables, South Miami with a return back south through Cutler Bay, into unincorporated Miami-Dade (Black Point Park) before returning home. It was a 4 hour plus ride.

As I posted Friday, a common cyclist birthday ritual is to ride one’s age in miles. This is easy, a waste of time actually, in one’s twenties and thirties. The ritual really doesn’t begin until the age begins to represent a challenging ride. Many cyclists older than me regularly ride 60, 70, even 100 mile rides.

The rules for the birthday bike ride: The rules? There are no firm rules other than get out and ride. Gravel or road. Ultra distance, chill ride or in between. Group or solo. In civilization or out in nature. But I draw the line at special bike decorations for a birthday ride. No way! My streak of undecorated bike stands for at least another year.

Me < 62.  Obviously I am not 62, not yet – at least for a few more years. The alligators jaws still point away from my age and open to 62. 

Maybe next year I will travel to ride a new route, another bicycle tourism event. I look forward to it.

Just for fun. Mask up. Ride Gravel. EBC "Get Back" weekend. Join and ride. Ride safe.

The Everglades Bike Club (EBC) was officially back in the saddle this past weekend.

We were "masked up", including the new official EBC Gaiters and adhering to a socially distancing protocol both on the Road (Saturday ride) and the Gravel (the Sunday ride).

Join us:

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Your membership dues help Everglades Bicycle Club encourage safer, healthier choices for everyone who wants to bike; advocate for better bicycling conditions; offer riding opportunities for every kind of rider.
(https://www.evergladesbc.com/ to link up with the official site of the EBC)

Below: Some of the nature seen from the Levee gravel rides held Sunday, 10/11/2020:

It is always a treat to see box turtles (they cannot keep up with us). We see them more often than not on the gravel rides. See do regularly ride past gators, fish, everglades birds and the occasional deer. The rides do get better as the weather cools off in the Fall and 'winter' months. 

Note about EBC: Miami's premier cycling club since 1976, the Everglades Bicycle Club has something for everyone! Though we are road cyclists at heart, trail rides are coming as well. We love all things cycling. Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC) is a not-for-profit cycling club that is run by volunteers. 

#EvergladesBC #WhyIRide #MaskUp

  

Bicycling - NARCITY - Things To Do: 6 Scenic Bike Trails In Florida With The Most Breathtaking Views Of Nature. Old Cutler and Shark Valley make the list

National bike month continues. Where to ride, places to enjoy.

We made the list! See: NARCITY - Things To Do: 6 Scenic Bike Trails In Florida With The Most Breathtaking Views Of Nature, A bicyclist's playground, by Kareem Gantt, May 26, 2020.

The Sunshine State is a nature lover's paradise. What it lacks in mountain views, it makes up with its diverse scenic wonders that will take your breath away, especially if you're on two wheels. These bike trails in Florida will provide you with a break from the hustle-and-bustle of city living while providing stunning nature views as your backdrop.

From sandy beaches to refreshing springs, most of the state's hidden treasures can be seen while biking through these Florida trails. Whether you're an avid rider who wants to ride amongst the alligators on the Shark Valley Trail or do a leisure ride through orange groves, these routes present a multitude of options for all riders itching to get out and explore.

So go ahead, break out that bike, and make your way to one of these six scenic bike trails that will take you on a vista buffet of Florida's natural wonders.

__________________

Two of these recommend trails are located nearby, one actually runs through Palmetto Bay:

Old Cutler Trail
Price: Free 
Address: 7001 Old Cutler Rd., Cutler Bay, FL 

Shark Valley Trail 
Price: $15 per cyclists
Address: 36000 SW 8th St., Miami, FL

EDITOR'S NOTE: Maintenance is iffy along parts of the Old Cutler Trail - grass attempting to retake portions of the trail as well as the dreaded 'root snakes' - where the tree roots have pushed up the asphalt to the point it becomes uncomfortable for the cyclists and a tripping hazard for walkers and joggers.

The Shark Valley Trail is fun for groups (so long as you are paying for yourself and not an entire group) – in Shark Valley National Park. A great place to see alligators and other wildlife – the scenic outlook building is outstanding. Take a picnic and spend the day. 

I have blogged often on the subject of cycling both on road as well as on trails. I enjoy both, though remember – the Old Cutler Trail is not a dedicated bike lane – it is a multi-use path. Old Cutler Road is both a "Sharrow" as it has shared lane marking and signage and it has a multi-use path. Bicyclists have equal rights and responsibilities to use the Old Cutler Road lanes as any motorist.

2020 Biscayne - Everglades Greenway ride(s) - Calling all gravelers! Save the date - detailed information and links provided

Save the date - a different kind of rides for those who prefer not to ride on the road:

NOTE: Biscayne-Everglades Greenway Ride is a FAT Tire Event.

This ride offers 3 distances to choose from: 42, 22, & 14 miles and is brought to you FREE of charge by Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Green Mobility Network & Bike305.

Parking for this event is at the EAST GATE of the Homestead Sports Complex.

All rides are Free!
Helmets are required
Fat Tire Bikes or Hybrids (no road bikes)

---Registration is ONSITE ONLY from 8:00am-8:45am
---Mandatory Pre Ride Tutorials 8:45am
---Pedals Up for all rides  9:00am

All rides will have a Ride Leader.
Route maps will be distributed at the event.
Please bring spare tubes, c02 cartridges and hydration. 

Any questions contact the event chairs:   
Tom Burton tb44@comcast.net  786-229-1001
Eric Tullberg e341@bellsouth.net

More info if available by clicking either of the following two (2) links:

CLICK HERE for the EBC Facebook event

CLICK HERE for the EBC website info page

#RideEBC #EvergladesBC #EBCRides #Bike305  #EBCTrailRides

A great day riding - 40 Miles Coral Gables- Grove - Key Biscayne & Brickell

It was a great ride. 40 miles, about the middle from my 24 to 52 mile Saturday ride. Today was a  bit windy, but we took on the beast- the William M. Powell Bridge on the Rickenbacker Causeway (I have video that I may upload). This is a frequent route of the Everglades Bicycle Club. This area is also home to the Rickenbacker Trail.

A bit windy today, but a great ride from Ponce Middle school to Key Biscayne and Brickell and back.

The William M. Powell Bridge is Miami's most challenging climb. 

#GetFitPBay #RideEBC

NY Government for improved natural/recreational facilities. “DEC: Rail line should be deemed “interim trail”.

"Railbanking" "interim trail" NY Department of Environmental Conservation works to improve its recreational and natural infrastructure. Turning an unused rail line to trail. FLorida has an extensive Rails to Trails program.

The "DEC" refers to the state of New York Department of Environmental Conservation. I am promoting an interesting read from an upstate NY Media source. DEC: Rail line should be deemed 'interim trail' by Don Lehman, the Post Start. How things differ from NY to Florida. I would love to research why in NY it appears that unused rail lines can be declared "abandoned" and turned to a usable trail, even if 'interim", yet Florida grants rail easements that results in extensive property rights, costing significant dollars plus density development when the Florida rail lines are equally 'abandoned'. NY is obviously a more environmentally friendly State than Florida.

It appears that NY has a process that allows for use agreements between the DEC and railroads which  allows the railroads to avoid substantial maintenance and liability costs while permitting DEC to coordinate with concerned municipalities and other stakeholders to ensure the line benefits the region in the future. Nice. It appears to be a win/win.

Prior RELATED POSTS:
February 6, 2016, Dunedin to Tarpon Springs 1 30 16 - Riding the Pinellas Trail
and
July 29, 2015, The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

Bike lanes - important infrastructure - improving mobility in Palmetto Bay for short trips and for fitness

Its important to keep up with infrastructure needs.  Bike use is increasing - more than just for the 'spandex' sportster crowd, ever increasing traffic and healthier living is making bikes a more attractive method for getting around Palmetto Bay - known as a major player in #TheBikeDistrict.  How can anyone miss the numbers of people - of all ages - who are biking for Palmetto Bay - and yes, commuting to work, to school (though much more is needed) as well as to and from our parks.

Granted, Palmetto Bay is not NYC, but this is still a important read. We can ignore trends, but isn't that how Miami-Dade County found itself in the transit crisis we all are suffering under? Bike lanes are far from hard to do, especially when you add them as you update our streets. Palmetto Bay has committed to "Safe Streets" *

Important real news read: More New Yorkers Opting for Life in the Bike Lane, Biking has become part of New York’s commuting culture as the city expands bike routes and Citi Bikes become ubiquitous. There are more than 450,000 daily bike trips.

Are we providing bike lanes, or are we updating our revising our roads to provide for additional room that equally benefit drivers for motor vehicles? Safety and mobility for all.

*I suggest that this current council take a look at policy set to date by prior administrations, specifically Resolution 2017-67,  (sponsored by Mayor Eugene Flinn) wherein the Village Council unanimously adopted  Miami-Dade County’s “Complete Streets Guidelines” and directed that these guidelines should be incorporated into the planning, design, approval, and implementation processes for any construction, reconstruction, retrofit, maintenance, alteration, or repair of streets, bridges, or other portions of the transportation network, including pavement resurfacing, restriping, and signalization operations if the safety and convenience of all types of users (i.e., pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transit riders, including children, youth, families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities) can be improved within the scope of the work.

Bike on the Wild Side this Saturday, March 9th, at the Old Zoo at Crandon Park

March is Bike Month! There are many family friendly bike events ongoing. 

Here is another great family ride you should sign up for today, before it's too late. 

The Old Zoo at Crandon Park is an intriguing place in Miami history and docents will tell you all about it on this twilight bike ride. Also, feel the ocean breeze as you ride up the beach boardwalk to the Nature Overlook to see the twinkling lights of downtown Miami. Can't miss this one! Register soon! Registration has been open since 02/14/2019 and will remain upon until 03/09/2019.

(CLICK HERE to register) 
And note YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE. No walk-ups will be taken.

Note the important details:

Bike305 Bike the Wild Side: Crandon Park Zoo - 190309 - Children (limited to ages 5 and up): 
Bring your Own Bike/Helmet - helmets are mandatory. Limited amount of helmets will be available for those who don't have. 
The ride is 1 to 1.5 hours. 
Limited spots (and limited to those who registered in advance)
Bring your own bike or rent one of available.

Bike305 Bike the Wild Side - Zoo Miami event - Saturday, March 16 - a twilight bike ride through Zoo Miami

Time to get up close and personal with the animals at Zoo Miami!  The kids will love it - and so will the young at heart.

REGISTER NOW for the Saturday, March 16th twilight bike ride: Bike305 Bike the Wild Side - Zoo Miami event. 

This family-friendly ride and tour will take place at dusk when the Zoo is closing and void of crowds. Ride guides will stop at various animal areas along the way to talk about the animals' habits and habitats! 

This is a very special bike ride that few will ever experience!

                                                                       (Photo credits - published through Bike305 / EBC Facebook pages)

This family-friendly ride and tour will take place at dusk when the Zoo is closing and void of crowds. Ride guides will stop at various animal areas along the way to talk about the animals' habits and habitats! This is a very special bike ride that few will ever experience!

After-hours guided ride and tour (bring your own bike and helmet):

• Adults (13+): $10 plus tax
• Children (3-12): $5 plus tax

After-hours guided ride and tour with rental bike/helmet*:

• Adults (13+): $20 plus tax
• Children (3-12): $10 plus tax

*Bike/helmet rentals - a limited number of adult and children's bikes will be available to rent.

Advance reservations are required. Arrive by 5:30 p.m., ride starts at 6 p.m. - a ride at dusk. The ride is 1 to 1.5 hours. No walk-ups will be taken.

Proceeds benefit Zoo Miami's Conservation Fund to save wildlife.

Click the link provided for more information and to register: (official Zoo Miami site)

Bicycling rules of the road - for cyclists and motorists

Florida Bike Laws: Florida Statutes, Chapter 316 – MOTOR VEHICLES - STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL

316.2065 Bicycle regulations.

I am not going to recreate the wheel here so I am going to direct everyone to the wealth of information provided by the Florida Bicycle Association (CLICK HERE) to view the FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION website. There is significant information on this site including (but certainly not limited to) Road/Path Rules and other significant resources for all concerned – both bicyclists and motorists.

The information and sources that follow are taken verbatim from the FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION website:

In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and the bicyclist is a driver. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways, and must obey the same traffic laws as the drivers of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. 

There is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each other with care and respect. Adherence to the law is the foundation for this respect, but the law itself is simply a codification of the rules of movement that make all road users predictable to one another.

What follows is a special pull out from this Florida Bicycle Association website.  I am providing special emphasis to respond to the comments, providing insight as to why adult bicyclists do NOT belong on sidewalks, See:  

Bicyclists are vehicle drivers, they belong on the road… and they are safer on the road.

Adult bicyclists do not belong on the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk is unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists on the sidewalk expose YOU, the motorist, to a higher risk of hitting them when you are entering or leaving the road — and you are likely to be at fault in such a crash.

Cyclists are not required to ride on the shoulder.They may choose to do so, but shoulders can present hazards to cyclists. Cyclists should never drive in the gutter or hug the curb. Many inexperienced riders do this because they don’t know it greatly increases their risk of crashing.

Successful bicyclists “Ride Big.” They ride well into the lane to increase their visibility to other drivers, give themselves operating room and discourage motorists from trying to squeeze past them in narrow lanes.

My personal goal is to continue to advocate for cycling here in, as our County Commissioner refers to it: #TheBikeDistrict.  

This includes promoting bicycling as recreation, transportation as well as to promote healthier lifestyle.

Thank you,

Eugene Flinn

Goals for 2019 - getting back into biking shape and raising money for outstanding causes - EBC Freedom Ride. March 31, 2019.

It is time to get back on the road bike - and raise money for an outstanding cause. I plan on riding the metric century route and it will take the next few months to properly prepare. Please let me know if you want to join me in the 2019 Freedom Ride.

The 2019 Freedom Ride is scheduled for Sunday, March 31.  

Registration opens January 1, 2019. When open, you can register at ACTIVE.COM/FREEDOMRIDE2019 for this March 31, 2019 ride. The ride starts at 7:30 AM sharp!

The ride begins with a one lap on/around the Homestead Motor Speedway racetrack and then heads south to Key Largo and back.

This is a fully supported ride with multiple rest stops and SAG. Lunch and beverages are included.

Past facts: The EBC Freedom Ride benefits the FREEDOM TEAM OF WOUNDED VETERANS, a branch of Achilles International.  The FREEDOM TEAM of handcyclists, accompanied by sponsoring cyclist-buddies, will be leading out the group of riders.  

The Century (100 miles) and Metric Century+ (65 miles) head to Key Largo. The 29 and 42 mile courses continue through rural south Miami-Dade County.

SAG support will be available on all courses for mechanical and flat tire assistance, as well as transportation for cyclists suffering from fatigue. 

Rest Stops along each route will be stocked with water, sports drinks, and energy snacks.

Lunch is included in your registration and is served upon return.

This is a fun ride for a great cause.  Join us.

Eugene Flinn

Photos of the Day - Bike Stations -more going up in Palmetto Bay

Installation continue in Palmetto Bay - working to encourage biking throughout Palmetto Bay.  Working to become bike friendly. Let's "Get Fit Palmetto Bay" and have fun achieving this goal.

Our second Palmetto Bay Bike Service Station is operational - now ready to serve you at Ludovici Park / Palmetto Bay Neighborhood Branch Library at 17641 Old Cutler Road. The sites were chosen based on their proximity to established bike usage patterns, as well as the ease of ability to install them.

We are trying to resolve one of the biggest problems with being a bicycle rider; that is it can be difficult to ride if you don’t have the proper tools yourself and you're not adjacent to a bike shop.  These are very basic tools useful to fix a flat tire, or need to change out a tube or tighten up the spokes on your rims.  Not everyone carries a bike tool set on their bikes. 

We are trying to place the tools for riding out in areas where we are fortunate to have bicycle traffic; both to serve those who currently ride as well as to encourage an increased interest in riding.

CLICK HERE to view a Fix It Station Brochure.

2016 - 2nd Freedom Ride - benefiting Wounded Military Veterans

It may be wet, but its for an outstanding cause. The EBC Second Freedom Ride is ready to roll, rain or shine Sunday, 10/30/16, 7:30 AM from Homestead Speedway.

Sitting around wondering what to do this Sunday? Here's a suggestion: Show your support for our Wounded Military Veterans. REGISTER NOW for Sunday's 2nd FREEDOM RIDE! 

I am looking for you to join us.

CLICK HERE for more information (Everglades Bike Club web site).

EBC'S 14TH ANNUAL HOMESTEAD SPEEDWAY EVENT

I hope to see you out there for this outstanding bicycling event benefiting such a great cause.  

 Checking in at Mack Cycle & Fitness on Saturday, 10/29/16 for the Sunday event.

Dunedin to Tarpon Springs 1 30 16 - Riding the Pinellas Trail

Another example of Bicycle Tourism. Alexandra and I toured The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail on Jan 30, 2016. This is an original "Rails to Trails" project, a linear park and recreation trail from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. This video is a composite of the section from Downtown Dunedin to Tarpon Springs. Downtown Dunedin is an outstanding small town - historic, patriotic with an outstanding weekend open air market. The town is bike, dog and golf cart friendly.

Busy, rainy, event filled-weekend. WHEELS, DARE Art Festival pushed through the rain, Food & Rock cancelled

November 13, 14 & 15 was a very busy weekend impacted by rains all weekend.  The WHEELS Big Bash was forced to shut down early on Saturday due to torrential rain. A nice ride made very wet - the WHEEL Bike Train that stated/ended in South Miami, running down the South Dade Bike Trail, onto 168 Street, west through Larry & Penny Thompson Park, onto and south through the Black Creek Trail to Black Point then up through Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, and through Pinecrest on the Old Cutler Trail back to South Miami.  

Tree down on the busway/bike lanes -Top 11/13, bottom, on 11/14

Victor Dover and UBER execs - announcing UBER POOL Ride Share.

 

 Alexandra and I attended two events Friday evening held at the Tropical Audubon House in South Miami - The Ceci Watson Exhibition, Opening Reception held as part of the South Miami Art Walk (a must do) and the WHEELS Friday evening reception. (also pictured, Amy Creekmur and Amy Donner at TAS/Exhibit) - GO Green!

Alicia Bravo, Director, Miami-Dade Transit speaks to WHEELS attendees

 

(above left) Bike 305's Sue Kawalerski shows off the new BIKE 305 Bike trails/routes map.  (above right) WHEELS events listing.

Rain led to an unfortunate early end - the Bike Bash was an outstanding event. Looking for another one.

The Rain impacted other events in Palmetto Bay as well - our Palmetto Bay Policing Unit's DARE Art Show.

The DARE show did go on through the Saturday and provided fun and crafts for those who attended.

The 4th Annual Food and Rock festival was forced to cancel the event.

(Notice posted on the Village official Facebook site): EVENT CANCELLED - Palmetto Bay was hosting Florida Rock Star's 4th annual Palmetto Bay Food & Rock Festival TONIGHT at Ludovici Park Amphitheater however, due to inclement weather, the event has been cancelled. Sorry for the inconvenience

Get to Know Your County Commissioner - Daniella Levine Cava, District 8. Biking #TheBikeDistrict

I was honored to appear on "Get to Know Your Commissioner" with Jeanette Perez with our District 8 Commissioner, Daniella Levine Cava, to discuss bicycling in our community.  CLICK HERE to view some of my past blog posts relating to bicycling/bike commuting.

I look forward to promoting future discussions about realizing "bicycle tourism" for our area (there will be more to follow in later posts).

Bicycling is many things to many people, but it is often described as the 'new golf' in hobby popularity* as well as the main means of transportation for others (just look at how many County buses have bikes on their front bike racks)- biking is green and healthy transportation; competitive and recreational exercise and is just a plain and healthy way to spend time with friends and/or family and view Palmetto Bay and surrounding areas - our Palmetto Bay as well as what is becoming known, under Commissioner Levine Cava's leadership, as "#TheBikeDistrict."

Palmetto Bay is a municipal partner of Miami-Dade County Bike305, and this will continue under my leadership. I will continue to support and work with groups such as the Green Mobility Network. Thank you again for the wonderful bike valets that the volunteers of the Green Mobility Network staff at events too numerous to list fully, but include Palmetto Bay's picnic, Deering Seafood and many events at Fairchild.

Let's all continue to work together and make biking even more accessible, more fun and most of all, safer for all involved. There are many exciting bicycling events and future plans that will be unfolding in the near future (later in 2015 and well into 2016). Keep an eye out.

I am a big supporter of biking.  So look to future posts regarding a great Wheels Events slated for November 11 - 15 as well as discussion of the exciting Underline project - an idea discussed and a route taken in part during our last Miami-Dade County "Bike To Work Day." Oh and yes, and Palmetto Bay will have a "Bike to School" event as part of National Bike Month in 2016.

All because, are you ready for it? ... this is how we roll!

Thank you again commissioner!

* See Business Insider, Feb 20, 2015, "Millionaire entrepreneur explains why cycling — and not golf — is the new sport of choice for young professionals" by Daniel McMahon

The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

Bicycle tourism is booming and Miami-Dade County needs to continue to add to and improve our bike trails in order to capture this market.

Personally,  Alexandra and I ride locally and enjoy biking the Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami and Coral Gable areas on a regular basis.  We have also ridden parts of the Florida Keys, the Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast areas.  Last week (July 22-26) Alexandra and I spent part of my brief time off enjoying The Warren County bikeway it was a definite highlight and it struck me that this is what the Ludlum Trail could be if properly developed. The Ludlum Trail could offer the same opportunities (excluding, of course, the mountain views). We traveled the Warren County Bikeway from the northern start in Lake George Village to its southern end in downtown Glens Falls (though the bike trails continue at each end). The vast majority of the Warren County Bikeway is paved and for non-motor vehicle traffic.

It is interesting to note that it does intermingle with existing roads - it runs through nature preserves, along side commercial, municipal, golf courses and yes, through and part of existing affluent residential (single family home) neighborhoods.  I saw this trail to be well used by joggers, walkers and bikers. as the web site points out, where a separate trail was not possible, the trail intersects with local roads and shares the shoulder.

This trail offers both at ground level crossing with cross-secting streets as well as special over passes that allow users to cross well above and safely away from heavy traffic streets.

Commercial signage is also provided along this route, recognizing that users of this trail use it more more than recreation.  It is a safe route to travel to area businesses.  We observed users traveling to area grocery stores, restaurants and even the area municipal center.

Area shops cater to the business opportunities of the bikeway, including (obviously) the stores that rent the bikes for those who travel to the area to bike the Adirondacks - see: http://www.bikeadirondacks.org/ 

There is signage for schools, the library and other parks,

The bikeway is also used for travel to the jobs connected to these locations as well as to at least one school that we located.

The Warren County Bikeway offers an outstanding run - for work, play and sightseeing.  I highly recommend a trip on the Warren County Bikeway.

I also received a new toy for my birthday - the family gave me a GoPro - so it was appropriate that my first attempt in using this GoPro was filming our travels along the bike way.  Here is the initial start (both of the trail as well as my first attempt, so forgive the primitive first attempt). This video will provide a better feel of what it is like to travel the Warren County Bikeway.

Photos below are of just one of the businesses Alex and I patronized.  Proper bike trails add significant quality of life to the surrounding area.  I look forward to the Ludlum Trail becoming such a centerpiece.