FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 2, 2016
CONTACT:
Katie Harris
Campaigns and Media Coordinator
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
202.974.5134
kathryn@railstotrails.org
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hosts the 2016 Florida Sojourn
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Riders from around the country will join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) on its inaugural Florida Sojourn, a four-day bicycling event showcasing the growing trail network in the Miami region. Not only will riders experience the sandy shores of south Florida, they will be immersed in trail advocacy and ride side-by-side with trail development professionals from RTC.
Riders will travel along nine trails, including the Rickenbacker Trail, M-Path, South Dade Trail, Biscayne Trail and several others. The Florida Sojourn is one of four world-class biking events that highlight the best of rail-trails and greenways across the United States (www.railstotrails.org/sojourns).
“Riders will get to experience some of South Florida’s finest trails,” says Ken Bryan, Florida state director for RTC. “This ride is also a great way to show how trails provide benefits to communities across the county, with a focus on tourism and economic development.”
Alert Today Florida, a traffic safety program facilitated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), is helping to support the Florida Sojourn. The safety program targets a reduction in crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries involving pedestrians and bicyclists on Florida's roadways.
“Partnering with RTC for the Florida Sojourn provides a perfect opportunity to reach trail enthusiasts with bicycle laws, the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet, and other valuable safety information,” says Trenda McPherson, FDOT’s State Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Program Manager.
Homestead Hospital also provided support for the ride. A key member of South Dade, Homestead Hospital is redefining community engagement and development.
“Because we are one of the only cities in America located between two national parks, we have an exciting opportunity to promote physical activity with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Florida Sojourn,” says Bill Duquette, Homestead Hospital CEO. “We believe that by strategically investing in our community core we can improve the health of our community and ultimately reduce the cost of healthcare.”
Additional support comes from Florida State Parks and Florida East Coast Industries. For more information, visit railstotrails.org/sojourns.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Founded in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org.
