Economic impact of newly launched Cape Coral Bike-Ped

 Kudos to Cape Coral Bike-Ped, a BikeWalkLee supporter organization, that launched its new website last week.  Below is their press release, launching their organization.  If you live, work, play, or visit in the Cape consider volunteering or donating to the exciting effort.

CONTACT:  Carolyn E. Conant (239) 851-9737 or CapeCoralBikePed@comcast.net

For Immediate Release: January 2, 2013

Economic Impact of Newly Launched Cape Coral Bike-Ped

Together We Can Develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian-Friendly Cape Coral.

Cape Coral, FL  (January 2, 2013) – Cape Coral Bike-Ped is a new volunteer organization whose mission is to develop a system of interconnecting bike and pedestrian routes throughout Cape Coral for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are an avid runner or cyclist or someone who seldom exercises, connecting bicycle and pedestrian routes in Cape Coral is good for our economy, improves quality of life for citizens and increases tourism.

Tourism is big business in Florida and Cape Coral is not getting its fair share of bicyclists, runners, and walker’s tourist dollars.  As Craig Dearden, an avid cyclist and CFO & COO of Realmark Development notes, “Being outside is what Florida is all about, improving the walking and bike lanes will promote our community as a place to exercise and safely enjoy our paradise.”  The monetary effect of cycling tourism can have a huge impact on our City.  Cyclists alone contribute an estimated $133 billion to the US economy.  Over $46.9 billion is spent on meals, transportation, lodging, gifts and entertainment during bike trips and tours.  When you add in the contribution from runners and walkers the economic impact is even more substantial.  Patricia Young, a member of the Lee County MPO Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinating Committee notes, “Connecting bike lanes, paths and sidewalks improves the quality of life for everyone. It encourages health and well-being and spurs economic development.”

Cape Coral Bike-Ped volunteers are Stepping Up to work in partnership with the City of Cape Coral to make a difference in the way the city improves and builds its bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.   Visit our newly created website at www.CapeCoralBikePed.org to learn more, donate and volunteer.  We need your help through tax-deductible contributions and your willingness to volunteer to make this vision a reality. 

Together, we can develop a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly Cape Coral.

Cape Coral Bike Ped is a volunteer organization working in partnership with the City of Cape Coral to make a difference in the way the city improves and builds its bike lanes, paths and sidewalks.

Our Mission is to develop a system of interconnecting bike and pedestrian routes throughout Cape Coral for everyone to enjoy.

Our Strategy is to:

·        Identify phased improvements and routes to begin creating a city wide network

·        Mark the routes with standardized signage and pavement markings

·        Improve critical areas where potential problems may exist

·        Publicize the routes through a website and elsewhere for the world to see.

Donate: Your tax-deductible donations enable us to build new pathways and maintain existing ones. Click on Donate to see all of the ways you can support this effort. Click on Join Us to volunteer.

Cape Coral, Florida is ideally suited as a community with over 400 miles of beautiful canals and adjacent streets, much of it in quiet, serene settings for cycling, walking, running or pet walking. It is the one of the largest cities in Florida in terms of land mass. By creating well-coordinated, connected bicycle and pedestrian pathways, we and generations to follow will enjoy safe, attractive routes to cycle or walk to schools, shopping areas, libraries and parks.