At Bike/Walk Central Florida (BWCF), our mission is to make Central Florida more walkable, bikeable, and livable. This mission is only possible through the support of dedicated partners like Kimley-Horn, a key sponsor of our annual BIKE 5 event that happened on a beautiful Saturday, October 26, 2024. We’re thrilled to recognize Kimley-Horn’s ongoing commitment to advancing safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions in our community.
Who is Kimley-Horn?
Kimley-Horn is a nationally recognized planning and design consulting firm known for its commitment to improving mobility and accessibility. From designing multimodal transportation systems to crafting vibrant public spaces, Kimley-Horn’s work impacts communities across the country – including right here in Central Florida. Their team of planners, engineers, and designers is passionate about creating spaces where walking, biking, and other forms of active transportation are not only possible but prioritized. With a focus on improving livability, they bring expertise in engineering bike-friendly streets, complete streets and pedestrian safety enhancements designs, and sustainable urban planning—all of which are vital to our region.
Why Kimley-Horn Supports BIKE 5
Kimley-Horn’s goals perfectly align with BWCF’s mission. Both organizations are dedicated to fostering vibrant communities by creating safer and more accessible transportation networks. BIKE 5 promotes safety, equity, and sustainability—values that resonate deeply with Kimley-Horn’s approach to infrastructure design and community engagement.
Sponsoring BIKE 5 allows Kimley-Horn to contribute directly to creating safer streets, not only through their projects but also by supporting education and advocacy efforts that encourage more people to walk and bike.
Kimley-Horn’s Impact on Central Florida
As a leader in transportation and infrastructure planning, Kimley-Horn has played an essential role in transforming Central Florida’s streets into safer spaces for everyone. Their relevant work in areas like:
- Developing a Vision Zero Implementation Plan for the City of Orlando’s top six high-injury network corridors
- This plan will pinpoint specific countermeasures and capital improvements essential for advancing the City’s Vision Zero objectives. Potential recommendations include targeted operational adjustments, restoring sidewalk connectivity, building new bikeways, enhancing pedestrian crossings, and improving access to transit services.
- Developing Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Safety Action Plans
- In Central Florida and across the state, Kimley-Horn has developed SS4A plans that prioritize safety improvements for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. These plans address high-crash areas, design interventions like protected bike lanes and enhanced crosswalks, and foster a culture of safety that encourages more people to choose active transportation.
- Improving multimodal networks in Seminole County by creating a continuous connection from the SunRail station along Church Avenue, Grant Street, and Timocuan Way to the Cross Seminole Trail (part of the SUN Trail Coast-to-Coast network)
- This project includes developing a shared-use path and shared lane markings to link the SunRail Station with residential and commercial areas.
- Shaping Future Land Use in Orange County’s “Vision 2050” Comprehensive Plan
- Through their work on future land use maps, Kimley-Horn is helping Orange County address the region’s growing demand for sustainable transportation options. These maps prioritize mixed-use developments, denser neighborhoods, and the integration of transit, biking, and walking paths, fostering communities where active transportation becomes a natural choice for residents.
- Enhancing road safety through the design and reconstruction of Ronald Reagan Boulevard for the City of Longwood
- The project included widening, milling, and resurfacing to accommodate buffered bike lanes and on-street parking.
- Redesigning LYNX’s Transit Development Plan, helping Seminole, Osceola, and Orange counties plan for future growth, improve transit services, and encourage seamless use of active transportation to and from transit hubs
- Kimley-Horn also serves LYNX as the Bus Shelter Program Manager to plan, design, and manage the construction of shelters throughout Central Florida.
- Focusing on bicyclist and pedestrian safety improvements and enhanced connectivity in the City of Winter Park through trail feasibility studies and multi-use path trail design
By prioritizing safety and connectivity, Kimley-Horn has helped create pathways where residents can move confidently and efficiently. Additionally, the Kimley-Horn Foundation donates to causes based on their mission of improving communities. The foundation has supported initiatives to bring helmets and bike safety education to children in the high-injury network in Central Florida.
The Value of BIKE 5 Sponsorship
BIKE 5 is more than just a bike ride—it’s about building a culture that prioritizes safety, equity, and accessibility. For Kimley-Horn, sponsoring BIKE 5 offers multiple opportunities to make an impact:
- Community Engagement
- Kimley-Horn connected with the community by hosting a table at Lake Druid Park, a key stop (Orlando city stop) along the BIKE 5 Cities and BIKE 5 Parks route. This gave them the opportunity to engage with nearly all 360 event attendees—individuals passionate about active transportation—as well as other trail and park users, reinforcing their commitment to safer, more accessible mobility options.
- Team-building on Two Wheels
- By receiving complimentary registrations to any ride option as part of sponsorships, team members experienced the joys through Central Florida whether it be a 5-mile, 10-mile, or full 30-mile route.
- Volunteering and Social Responsibility
- Kimley-Horn’s dedicated staff played an integral role in making BIKE 5 a success, assisting with event planning, general set-up, and guiding group rides. Special shout-outs to Eliza Harris Juliano and Cris Schooley for their support! Their involvement reflects a strong commitment to giving back and fostering safer, more connected communities.
- Strengthening Partnerships
- Through BIKE 5, Kimley-Horn continues to build valuable relationships with local organizations, stakeholders, and community leaders who share their vision for a safer, more accessible future. By actively engaging in events like this, they strengthen collaborations that drive meaningful change in Central Florida’s transportation landscape.
A Shared Vision for Safer Streets
By sponsoring Bike 5 Cities, Kimley-Horn is helping build a culture that values safety, equity, and accessibility in Central Florida and beyond. Kimley-Horn and BWCF share a common vision: a Central Florida where walking and biking are not only possible but encouraged and celebrated. Through initiatives like BIKE 5, we’re raising awareness and advocating for the changes necessary to make our streets safer for everyone.
We are grateful for Kimley-Horn’s continued support as a BIKE 5 sponsor. Their dedication to building safer, more connected communities inspires us to keep pushing forward. With sponsors like Kimley-Horn, we can continue to make strides in transforming Central Florida into a model for sustainable transportation.
Together, we can make a difference—one mile at a time.
To learn more about Kimley-Horn and their incredible work, visit their website here.
Thank you, Kimley-Horn, for your support of BIKE 5 year after year and your unwavering commitment to creating safer streets in Central Florida.
