FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emily Hanna | Executive Director
Bike/Walk Central Florida
1 (407) 542-6074
[email protected]
Bike/Walk Bike/Walk Central Florida Receives Grant From the AKR Foundation Fund to Advocate for Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety.
ORLANDO, Fla. (March 2, 2023) — Bike/Walk Central Florida received a $5,000 grant from the AKR Foundation Fund at Central Florida Foundation (CFF). The grant will help further Bike/Walk Central Florida’s mission of making streets safer for walkers and cyclists.
The region has hovered for decades near the bottom of rankings for pedestrian and bicycle safety. Central Florida is one of the most dangerous metros for pedestrian safety. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data says Florida is the deadliest state for cyclists.
Changes to the region’s bike and pedestrian framework are critical because of the region’s dismal safety performance; that’s why Bike/Walk Central Florida advocates for policies, programs, and infrastructure at a local level that is fair and accessible.
“We’re thrilled to receive support from a community investor with a shared passion for safer transportation,” said Emily Hanna, Executive Director of Bike/Walk Central Florida. “We thank the AKR Foundation Fund at Central Florida Foundation for helping us achieve our work in an especially critical time of need after Hurricane Ian.”
Austin Russell began the AKR Foundation Fund at CFF 2021 by Austin Russell. He is the founder and CEO of Orlando’s Luminar. Luminar focuses on laser technology and software for safer transportation.
About Bike/Walk Central Florida
BWCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit formed in 2010. Its mission is to make communities more walkable, bikeable, and rollable. Focusing on advocacy, education, and policy changes, BWCF works to normalize walking and biking. The group advocates a connected transportation alternative active-transportation network that is safe, equitable, and accessible, encouraging people of all ages and abilities to bike and walk more in their community,
BWCF leads programs supporting a vision to transform Central Florida into a premiere biking and walking community. They:
- Facilitate the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection, formed by the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange, accelerating the implementation of projects that support walking, cycling, and wellness activities.
- Coordinate the annual BIKE 5 event promoting safe bicycling routes and enhanced multi-use trails throughout Central Florida.
- Administer the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety program, the largest grassroots coalition in the country, reducing serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
Visit us on the web: https://BikeWalkCentralFlorida.org.
About Central Florida Foundation
Central Florida Foundation helps people invest in the community. The Foundation is the region’s community foundation and is home to more than 400 charitable funds. The Foundation manages and invests funds, offers personalized service and expert giving advice, connects caring people, businesses, governments, and organizations to local initiatives that build and inspire community, and empowers them to make informed decisions that make a difference now and in the future. Central Florida Foundation works with people, families, businesses, professional advisors, and nonprofits.
Visit on the Web: https://www.cffound.org
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