Put your pedal to the metal! The city of Tallahassee and Leon County has implemented a new Joint City-County Bicycling workgroup. In 2009 Tallahassee was named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Tallahassee was the only new winner from the State of Florida. Boca Raton, Gainesville and Orlando are the other cities that have been recognized as BFC for Bronze or above.
“The goal is to get citizens involved and help the city and the county improve bicycling in the communities and become a silver or gold level one day,” said Megan Doherty, transportation coordinator for the Department of Planning.
The city of Tallahassee Planning Department is coordinating a workgroup to develop varieties of cycling related topics to promote bicycling and increase transportation. Those interested in the workgroup will help review the proposed bicycle route for Leon County and the repaving projects for communities to incorporate bicycling. They will assist in promoting cycling within the community and provide input on proposed bicycle-related projects in the community.
Florida A&M University’s students can take advantage of the opportunities by using bicycles rather than a car or bus as transportation. Students are also concerned with the improvement of bike lanes in the communities.
“Cycling has benefitted me greatly,” said Dominque Key, senior political science student from Orlando. “Not only does it help me get around especially to class but it keeps me in great shape.”
Tallahassee is not only known for its deep-rooted history and politics, but also for its universities and tourism. The city has made strides toward making bicycling more feasible within the community. The planning department is still working on improvements to increase the miles of bike lanes in the city.
“I think the workgroup could really convince more people to ride bicycles and educate people on the perks of riding a bicycle, “said Key.
The members of the workgroup will be made up of 12 members, with half being appointed by the county and half by the city. The workgroup memberships are multi-year and the group will meet roughly once every quarter.
“This committee will provide an opportunity for citizens interested in bicycling to assist the city and county in improving bicycling opportunities throughout our community,” said Wayne Tedder, Director of Planning, Land Management and Community Enhancement (PLACE).
“The city and county commission continue to show their support for bicycle ridership in our community, whether it is for health, recreation or as a primary source of transportation for citizens” said, Tedder.
The applications for the workgroup are available in the city of Tallahassee and Leon County websites. You can also submit your application directly to Megan Doherty via email: megan.doherty@talgov.com. They will be accepting applications until Friday, Sept. 28.