Nine more groups join BikeWalkLee's coalition network of supporter organizations

Join BikeWalkLee in welcoming nine more groups to our network of supporter organizations, for a total of 59 as we begin 2014! 

A strong coalition is the strength of BikeWalkLee and the reason behind our numerous accomplishments.  We have partnered across sectors with a growing number of community stakeholders that want to improve the quality of life and mobility in Lee County.  Partners include Florida Gulf Coast University, health care organizations, safety and injury prevention groups, AARP of Florida, citizen and community groups, environmental organizations, planners and sustainable communities groups, bike clubs, and bike shops.

Every year BikeWalkLee's coalition of supporter organizations has grown, starting with 30 organizations in 2009, which has now grown to 59 at the beginning of 2014.  During 2013, we broadened our coalition with nine new organizations, including the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Urban Land Institute of SWFL; the SWFL Watershed Council; two disability groups--SWFL Council of the Blind and Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast;The Wilbur C. Smith III Law Firm; BikeWalk Central Florida; along with two new bike shops--The Bike Bistro and Hollywood Bicycle Center.

BikeWalkLee would like to introduce them to our network and welcome them into our coalition:

1.  The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools (www.LeeSchoolFoundation.org): Their mission is to enhance the quality of public education in Lee County by increasing community involvement in, and support for Lee County Public Schools; based on the belief that a quality public education system is the cornerstone of an economically strong community.  The STEM program is one of their initiatives, and one that has become involved in learning about complete streets.  BikeWalkLee was invited to serve on their STEM committee this year.

2.  Urban Land Institute (ULI) of SWFL (www.swflorida.uli.org):  Their mission is to provide   This year they sponsored a SWFL-wide workshop on complete streets that included presentations by County complete streets staff and BikeWalkLee.

leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities.

3.  Southwest Florida Watershed Council (www.swfwc.org): Their mission is to protect, conserve, manage and/or restore the land and water resources of the Caloosahatchee and Big Cypress Watersheds.  Their purpose is to ensure that the interests and concerns of all stakeholders are addressed, and that long term management strategies balance the needs of this region's growth and the national systems upon which our economy and quality of life depend.  Their work intersects with BikeWalkLee's focus on integrating land use and transportation planning.

4.  Southwest Florida Council of the Blind (SWFCB) (http://fcb.org/node/45): Their mission is to make it easier for   They are involved in transportation issues and are members of the MPO Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. This year BikeWalkLee collaborated with them (and CILGC) on advocating against LeeTran service cuts.

people who are blind or visually impaired residing in SWFL to become independent and confident blind individuals.

5.  Center for Independent Living Gulf Coast (CILGC) (www.cilgulfcoastflorida.org): Their mission is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities by eliminating architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers.  Their vision is to preserve the dignity and respect of people with disabilities through full access and inclusion into society.  Like SWFCB, they are involved in transportation issues and are members of the MPO Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. This year BikeWalkLee collaborated with them (and SWFCB) on advocating against LeeTran service cuts.

6.  The Wilbur C. Smith III Law Firm, LLC (www.wilburlaw.com): The law firm, located in downtown Fort Myers since 1970, has a legacy of success and community involvement throughout Lee County and beyond.  It specializes in criminal defense and personal injury cases.  Several of their partners are runners and cyclists so supporting BikeWalkLee is a natural fit for them.

7.  BikeWalk Central Florida (www.bikewalkcentralflorida.org):  They are based in the Orlando area and their mission is to advocate for bike and pedestrian safety, the development and maintenance of recreational trails, and ensuring roads for all made for all users (i.e., the complete streets   This year BikeWalkLee began networking with them on bike/ped safety, bike tourism, and complete streets initiatives of statewide importance to Florida advocates.

framework).

8. The Bike Bistro (www.thebikebistro.net):  They are a new bike shop that opened last year in the Publix shopping plaza on Summerlin Rd, closest to the Sanibel bridge.  They have bikes for   Stop by next time you're in the area.

sale, bikes for rent, they have a repair shop, and you can enjoy a cup of coffee while you're there.

9.  Hollywood Bicycle Center (www.hollywoodbikeshop.com):  This Cape Coral bike shop is located at 2728 Santa Barbara Blvd. and sells and repairs all kinds of bikes and related accessories. They have a special focus on children and even have a Free Kids Trade Up Program.  They partnered with BikeWalkLee and the Oasis Charter Schools to bring the first Bike Safety Rodeo to Cape Coral, both in 2012 and 2013.

A warm welcome to our new supporter organizations!  Click here for the complete list of supporter organizations as we begin 2014. (See last page of the linked 2013 Accomplishments Report.)

Report by Darla Letourneau