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

Join BikeWalkLee in welcoming four more groups to our network of supporter organizations, for a total of 70 as we begin 2016. 

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 education and health care organizations, safety and injury prevention groups, AARP of Florida, citizen and community groups, environmental organizations, planners, lawyers, bike clubs, bike shops, and others. Every year BikeWalkLee's coalition of supporter organizations has grown, starting with 30 organizations in 2009, which has now grown to 70.

During 2015 we broadened our coalition with four new organizations, including Coastline Cyclery, Garvin Law Firm, 1000 Friends of Florida, and SWFL Critical Mass.  BikeWalkLee would like to introduce them to our network and welcome them into our coalition.
1.  Coastline Cyclery
 We welcomed Coastline Cyclery back in March. They are the newest bike shop to arrive on the Lee County landscape, located on Metro Parkway. We met them at the March 22nd Royal Palm Classic where they hosted one of the rest stops.

Coastline Cyclery is a full service bike shop, with bikes to sell and rent, and a focus on repairs.  They have a Mobile Repair Unit, so if you want your bike repaired while you're at work, just drop it off or they can pick it up and return.  Or they can do most repairs at your home. See BikeWalkLee's March 24th blog introducing them.

2.  Garvin Law Firm

 We welcomed the Garvin Law Firm back in August. The Garvin Law Firm is a father and son team of personal injury attorneys, with an active practice handling serious injury bicycle claims.  They  have practiced in Fort Myers for over 35 years, with offices also in Naples and Key West.  Jeff Garvin has twice been named "Lawyer of the Year " in the practice of Personal Injury Litigation--Plaintiffs for the Fort Myers/Naples area. See BikeWalkLee's Aug. 28th blog introducing them.

3.  1000 Friends of Florida

1000 Friends of Florida is the state’s leading not-for-profit smart growth advocacy organization. Its mission is to build better communities and save special places in one of the fastest growing states in the nation. They promote vibrant, sustainable, walkable, livable communities which provide residents with affordable housing choices and transportation alternatives.

1000 Friends has championed Complete Streets in Florida, holding several webinars on the topic, including one where BikeWalkLee was a panelist; and the most recent one on FDOT's new Complete Streets Implementation Plan. Their website also has a section with key complete streets documents, which is a resource to communities throughout the state.  See BWL's Jan. 16th blog introducing them.

4.  SWFL Critical Mass
Founder Rob Seibert introduced Critical Mass to this area in August 2013. The concept of Critical Mass, which started in Sweden 40 years ago, is for informal, celebratory, group rides, dedicated to awareness, respect, and consideration towards cyclists and all forms of non-motorist transportation.
 
SWFL Critical Mass rides have been in downtown Fort Myers on the first Friday evening of the month, attracting hundreds of loyal participants on their brightly-lit, family-oriented, safe and fun rides. In December 2015, SWFL Critical Mass started a new monthly ride in Cape Coral. They have also started offering a starter/sightseeing ride in Fort Myers once a month on Saturday mornings.  See BWL's Jan. 16th blog post introducing them.

2015 Supporter Organization List

Report by Darla Letourneau