About BWCF
Working to Make Central Florida More Walkable, Bikeable & Livable
Central Florida continues to be ranked one of the most dangerous places in the country for pedestrians and bicyclists by Smart Growth America’s 2021 Dangerous by Design report . That’s why a group of community advocates said enough and formed Bike/Walk Central Florida (BWCF), a regional advocacy organization for bicyclists and pedestrians. Since 2010, we have worked on behalf of local pedestrians and bicyclists to advocate for safe and convenient places for people to bike and walk regardless of where they live or where they need to go.
Bike/Walk Central Florida is a 501c3 nonprofit. Our founders and the Bike/Walk Central Florida Board recognizes that the streets are not equally safe for all. And, street safety is more than the number of traffic crashes. That’s why we work tirelessly to advocate for policies, programs, and infrastructure at a local level that is fair, accessible, and considers the unique circumstances impacting communities.
We’ve made progress with more than eight cities adopting and implementing Complete Streets policies; successfully advocating for Orange County Government to change its School Siting Ordinance so future elementary and middle schools will no longer be built on “high volume” roads; and worked with local cities to bring Orange County its first cycle track and second road diet.
Regarding trails, the BWCF Board and staff successfully advocated for $15 million in state funding to complete the 275-mile Coast to Coast Connector trail network and the passage of House Bill 2514-A requiring the Florida Department of Transportation to allocate $25 million per year to the Florida Shared-Use Non-motorized Trail Network (SunTrail), an initiative backed by then Senate President Andy Gardiner that will create a statewide network of biking and walking trails that are physically separated from roadways. And, since 2012, Bike/Walk Central Florida has managed the largest, grassroots pedestrian safety initiative in the country called Best Foot Forward.
As a nonprofit, we rely on donations from individuals, businesses and clubs and we hope you will support our work as we continue to provide the resources necessary for advocates, municipal leaders, engineers, planners, like-minded organizations and people just like you to create more bikeable, walkable and livable communities across Metro Orlando.
Bike/Walk Central Florida Guiding Principles
Vision: Central Florida will create safe and courteous roads, trails, and transit ways, where bicycling and walking for transportation and recreation are accessible and a common part of our daily experience — enhancing our physical health and the quality of life in our communities.
Mission: Bike/Walk Central Florida, a 501(c)(3) formed in 2010, promotes walkable and bikeable communities through raising public awareness and advocating for safe, active transportation and recreation by:
- Educating walkers, cyclists, motorists and transit riders about Florida’s road laws, their rights, responsibilities, and courteous behaviors;
- Supporting transportation corridor planning and design using Complete Streets principles;
- Encouraging the development and maintenance of trails throughout Florida and promoting the closure and connection of trail gaps such as with the Coast to Coast Connector;
- Promoting a built environment that supports physical, environmental and economic health, provides for safe transportation choices, and encourages interaction among citizens of all ages, incomes, and abilities.
Bike/Walk Central Florida fulfills its purpose to:
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- Advocate on a local level
- Be a Resource
- Raise Awareness on issues
- Frame issues through Health & Safety
Ongoing Programs & Initiatives
Best Foot Forward for pedestrian safety, the largest pedestrian safety initiative in the country, focuses on behavior change between drivers and walkers. If more drivers yield and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, then more pedestrians will feel safe enough to use crosswalks. Visit the Best Foot Forward website to learn more about the multi-pronged approach which seeks to:
- Engineer low-cost engineering solutions at crosswalks
- Enforce Florida’s laws at crosswalks
- Educate residents living and working in close proximity of observed crosswalks
- Evaluate drivers’ compliance to yield and stop for pedestrians at observed crosswalks
Bike 5 Cities is a 28-mile regional bike ride is for bicyclists of any age, experience, or ability level. It’s for those who like to take it slow while discovering where to comfortably ride their bikes — whether it’s through a neighborhood, down a local trail, or to a shop, restaurant, or park in one of the five cities.
