Two Wheels To Nowhere

A ride through town to Tradewinds Park is a quick education on what a car-centric culture exist in Southern Florida. Nice to see bike lanes on some major roads but suicide to actually use. I rode on vacant sidewalks, instead. EVERYBODY drives EVERYWHERE in Broward County, from what I can see. I rode past auto dealerships the size of shopping malls! Incredible. Arriving at the Park was a welcomed respite from the hectic road traffic. So much activity on Sunday morning! Baseball games, horse trail riding, Frisbee golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, cycling, jogging and walking along peaceful waterfront trails. Family picnics wafting charcoal broiled burgers under my nose. Many people were out enjoying outdoor activities. A beautiful aviary (to visit later this week) in the middle of the well-kept grounds. After enjoying the park it struck me as I biked out of the park gate how the activity immediately stopped at the end of the driveway. I was alone in having propelled myself to the park under my own power. And it’s not completely the fault of the park visitors. The design of the streets and roads largely discourage people from engaging in active transportation. Few paths and disconnected bike lanes. Vast urban expanses between residential and recreational areas leaves people with little choice but to get in their vehicles to drive to the park with bicycles strapped onto bumper racks. Hopefully, with some awareness and advocacy from local residents, the county can start planning their neighbourhoods with active transportation in mind. Here’s hoping.