Pedal to the Park!

BikeWalkLee is collaborating with the Lee County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) on an initiative to promote biking to the upcoming Spring Training games.  Kudos to VCB and BWL's Mike Bacigalupo for stepping up to the plate to work on this.  Stay tuned for more details in early 2014.

Riding a bike to the Ball Park for a Spring Training Game is a viable option for the 2014 Spring Training Season with improved bike friendly lanes and paths navigating to the parks.  

Located in Ft. Myers are Hammond Stadium the home for the Minnesota Twins and Jet Blue Park the home to the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.  Once at the park, bike parking is free and much less of a hassle.  

So are you ready to leave the car behind..?

The 2014 Spring Training Season officially starts the end of February and runs through March; perfect weather to get outside.  Riders of all ages and all abilities can safely and easily navigate to the parks.  Distances can vary from a few miles to larger loops around the City.  

Spring Training brings with it a following of fans from all over the nation, many looking for places to eat, sleep, and be merry.  Fort Myers Visitor and Convention Bureau is coordinating with popular hotels/motels and bike shops in providing special lodging packages that come with the use of the bikes.  Local residents don’t despair - your Family can take advantage of a “stay-cation” and experience firsthand why our city is a tourist hotspot.  

This initiative is part of Lee County's complete streets program that promotes alternative modes of transportation, and encourages residents and visitors to use the county's  expanded biking and walking facilities.  Pedal the unique South Florida landscape on a series of interconnecting bike routes that highlight some of what the County has to offer.  Both of these ball parks are stops on the Tour de Parks Route.  The 36-mile Tour de Parks route, complete with way finding signs and a map, is almost entirely on shared use paths, linking eight parks and recreation facilities, including both ballparks.

Bike Routes & Maps:

Bike Routes to Spring Training Parks

Jet Blue Park - Bicycle Access Map

Tour de Parks Bike Route

Park & Bike Option:  

There are options for biking to Ball Parks if you live too far away or want just a short ride. Good starting points are other Parks included on the Tour de Parks Bike Route.  These Parks often offer parking and bathroom facilities.  Another good starting point are one of the Bike Shops highlighted on the Tour de Parks map.  In the event a bike needs air in the tires or a minor adjustment the local Bike Shop would be more than willing to help.  In addition there are numerous retailers located along the routes.  

Check for Updates:  

Visit the links below to learn more as the Spring Training Season gets closer.  

Ft Myers Visitor Convention Bureau

BikeWalkLee - Website

BikeWalkLee - facebook

BikeWalkLee - blog

So get off your behind and leave the behind.  Not only will you avoid traffic congestion, it is fun, good for your health, and contributes to the sustainability of Lee County.  Once the Spring Training Season is complete Hammond Stadium is home to the Ft. Myers Miracle Regular Season.  

Mike Bacigalupo 

Volunteer Opportunities:  

BikeWalkLee is looking for volunteers to participate in upcoming events.  If you can help out, please contact: Mike Bacigalupo at MrMikeBaci@gmail.com.  

Report by Mike Bacigalupo