Bicycle Friendly Community
Two special bicycle events, summer 2023 – See below
Saturday, July 29, Kids Pedal in Park a big Success!
Thanks to Punta Gorda Rotary for providing funding for the event.
Participants signed in at 8:30 am and received a goody bag filled with various donated items from both Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and Punta Gorda Airport. Two anonymous donors sponsored one girls bike and one boys bike for the grand prize. Other raffle prizes included gift cards to local establishments.
Punta Gorda police department attended and provided new helmets for participants and taught them how to properly fit the helmets. Before and after the event, musicians Jim Austin and Bentley Smith of Salty Paws, provided live entertainment. A representative from the YMCA was present with an activity station for the kids and information about the Y.
Activities for the day included:
- Breakfast pastries, fresh fruit, granola bars, orange juice
- Trail ride through the nature preserve led by 12 year-old committee member Liam Avercamp and Dan Kain of the Punta Gorda Police Dept volunteer bike patrol
- Activity stations: (before and after ride) Connect 4 lawn game, corn hole and pop up soccer
- Drawing for gift cards and grand prizes including two new bikes
- Lunch: pizza (from Monty’s), chips, watermelon, cookies, and beverage
(Click on thumbnails below to see full slide show)
Seniors Make Use of TEAM PG Free Loaner Bikes
TEAM Punta Gorda’s Free Loaner bicycles were the star attraction for Charlotte County’s Senior Trip Fridays on July 28. Charlotte County offers an array of Friday Senior activities as overseen by Recreation Specialist Paul Burdziakowski.
A total of seven riders took off from the Four Points Sheraton on yellow bikes which are part of the TEAM Free Loaner Bike fleet. Each cyclist received a free helmet, personally fitted by volunteer Deb Hoyt. The helmets were given to riders courtesy of the Punta Gorda Police Department. One of the featured stops along Punta Gorda’s beautiful harbor walk, was the ever-popular Harbor Scoops. Riders were excited to be included in a drawing for free ice cream.
TEAM bikes are available at three other locations including Fishermen’s Village, Springhill Suites and Becky’s Garden Shoppe.
TEAM board member Deb Hoyt adjusts helmets
Recreation Specialist Paul Burdziakowski looks on as riders prepare to depart
Senior cyclists ready to take off on TEAM yellow bikes
Bicycle Friendly Community Committee
Comprised of Punta Gorda City and Charlotte County staff, local business leaders and private citizens, this committee is seeking to create a “Bicycle-Friendly Community” for greater Punta Gorda. The committee is an advocate for additional multi-use paths through linear parks, along the waterfront, and throughout greater Punta Gorda. Integrating cycling as a life style change promoting bicycle transportation in an environmentally and healthy alternative. The implementation of “Share the Lane,” a public education and information campaign, is another of their many activities. The committee is developing bicycle friendly information kiosks, pavement signage and other means of promoting convenience and respect among bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians. The committee works closely with Pedal and Play and is in the process of creating and promoting new bicycle events.
