Ride With the Mayor set for Friday morning
BY JOE CULPEPPER Gulf Breeze News Joe@gulfbreezenews.com

Gilchrist

May is National Bike Month, and that means it's time for the fifth annual Ride With the Mayor.

Gulf Breeze Mayor Lane Gilchrist will lead a group of pedaling enthusiasts through the streets of the city beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, May 9 from the South Santa Rosa Recreation Center at 800 Shoreline Drive.

The event -- part of Ride Your Bike to Work and Play Day -- is sponsored by the Florida- Alabama Transportation Planning Organization's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee to highlight the benefits of recreational and leisure cycling.

The Gulf Breeze Police Department's Bike Patrol will be part of the entourage.

"It spotlights biking, our trails and pathways in the South End," said local cycling advocate Margaret Cunningham. "It also spotlights the hazards, safety, and encourages people to wear helmets, to be seen at night. It's an activity that helps make the area better and safer for biking. We also want to encourage people to use our trails and bike paths."

There are other benefits to cycling, too.

"It's a good way to get exercise, lose weight and stay younger," Cunningham said.

The route is not revealed to participants until Gilchrist leads the group out of the parking lot. Routes are different each year to help expose people to the beautiful neighborhoods of Gulf Breeze.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Riders under age 16 must wear a helmet as required by Florida law.

The event will culminate at the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce at 409 Gulf Breeze Parkway. Refreshments and prizes will be provided.
 

"Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle;
I want to ride my bicycle,
I want to ride my bike;
I want to ride my bicycle,
I want to ride it where I like."

Queen, 1991