Proposed Bike Trail Would Allow Bicyclists to Ride From Coast to Coast

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 13, 2013

Florida bicyclists who have long dreamed of being able to ride from the Atlantic coast to the Gulf coast may see their dream become a reality thanks to the Florida Legislature. In a move that delighted Orlando bicycle accident lawyers, Florida lawmakers recently passed a budget that includes $50 million to create a 275-mile "Coast to Coast Connector" bike path. The funds would allow the state to fill gaps between existing trails from Canaveral National Seashore on the east coast to St. Petersburg on the west. Here in Central Florida, the trail would pass through parts of Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Brevard counties.

If Gov. Scott approves the budget as expected, the statewide trail would become the largest continuous bike path in the state and one of the largest in the country. Longtime bike path supporters applauded the move, saying that it will save lives by giving bicyclists a safe alternative to riding on roadways and invigorate the economies of towns along the path.

Tim Bustos, executive director of the Florida Bicycle Association, recently stressed the economic importance of the trail.

"This would be a huge economic generator for the state," he said. "There will be people coming in from out of the state and even from around the world to ride this entire trail, and they will spend a week or even several days doing it… For the governor, this should be a slam-dunk in approving this."

To connect existing trails and make them into one continuous route, Florida will have to bridge 72 miles of gaps between more than 12 different regional trails in nine counties. The trails are usually 14 feet wide, making them ideal for bicyclists and pedestrians alike.

Florida personal injury attorneys are hoping that the Governor approves the funds to make the continuous bike trail across Florida a reality. Not only would it improve the economies of cities and towns along the way, it would also help reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian accidents in our state. Considering what these accidents cost taxpayers, the people injured in these accidents and the families of those killed in bicycle and pedestrian accidents every year, $50 million seems a very affordable price tag, indeed. If you have questions about an accident, your rights and your legal options, call Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.