Media Release

The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) announces the 13th Annual Bike, Hike & Bus Week, which is the Advisory Board’s weeklong celebration of events to encourage citizens to leave their automobiles at home and consider other transportation options in our area. This year’s events begin Sunday, April 16 and include a walking tour of the Blues Creek Ravine, an RTS Fare Free Ride Day, Transportation Fairs at the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College Main Campus, a kids’ bike parade, creek cleanups, Creek’s Week Festival, and bike trail rides.

The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board is composed of members appointed by the Alachua County Commission, City Commission, and Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO). Each body appoints 4 members, and a student adjunct from the University of Florida is also appointed each fall. The purpose of BPAB is to “recommend ways to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities and policies to promote bicycle and pedestrian travel” in Gainesville and Alachua County. The recommendations are made to the bodies which appoint its members.

BPAB encourages citizens to join in the effort by using other forms of transportation such as walking, biking, carpooling or transit and helping to spread the message of lessening traffic congestion, helping to lessen environmental insults, saving on vehicle expenses, participating in our community’s events and activities, and selecting healthy & safe options for commuting. Do what’s good for you and the environment; take the Bike, Hike & Bus Week challenge.

The 13th Annual Bike, Hike & Bus Week is presented jointly by The Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board, Gainesville Clean Water Partnership, and City of Gainesville Public Works - Bicycle/Pedestrian Program & Regional Transit System (RTS).

For more information citizens can contact the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board at (352) 374-5074 or email them at bikeped@cityofgainesville.org. More information can also be found at the Regional Transit System’s website www.go-rts.com.

Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 8:00 a.m.
Blues Creek Nature Walk - Enjoy a spring morning walking tour of the lovely Blues Creek Ravine, a 163-acre section of land conserved for our pleasure. (The Blues Creek Ravine is located northeast of the intersection of NW 71st Street and 53rd Avenue)

Monday, April 17, 2006
RTS Fare Free Monday - The City's Regional Transit System (RTS) encourages you to ride the bus to work, school or play. Take advantage of the all-day Fare Free Monday. Bus services are now more convenient with improved routes throughout the Gainesville Area.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
UF Transportation Fair, Reitz Union Colonnade - University & community clubs, organizations, businesses, agencies, demonstrations, and more!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
SFCC Transportation Fair, Main Campus Oak Grove - College & community clubs, organizations, businesses, agencies, demonstrations, and more!

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 11:00 a.m.
City Commuter Challenge, NW 13th Street Mall area to downtown - Automobile versus bicycle. Features two of the community’s finest competing in an errand race around town. Stay tuned to find out who will compete and who will win in an errand race around town.

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Gainesville Creeks Week Festival/Great American Cleanup, Westside Park - Creek clean-ups, community information booths, food, music, and much more!

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 9:00 a.m.
Family Bike Ride, Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail Boulware Springs Entrance - The entire family is invited to come out and ride with the community on the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail. Snacks and drinks will be provided (must wear a helmet to ride).

Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 11:00 a.m.
Kids Bike Parade, Westside Park - Bring out the entire family and join the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board in celebrating biking at this exciting bicycle parade event. Have your decorated bicycle judged for "flair," win prizes, ride in the Westside Park parade and enjoy the "Creeks Week" festivities.

Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 9:00 a.m.
Mountain Bike Ride, San Felasco Hammock North Entrance - It’s spring! Come out and rough it up on the San Felasco Trail. Snacks and drinks will be provided (must wear a helmet to ride).