In communities across the world there is a growing need and responsibility to provide options that give people the opportunity to walk and cycle and to feel safe while doing so. The City of Inverness is a staunch advocate of supporting alternative methods of transportation to protect our environment.

With the Withlacoochee Rails to Trails only blocks from the heart of downtown, it is probably not surprising the City of Inverness is a bicyclers paradise.  Forty six miles of paved recreational trail allows bicyclists and walkers to get their daily dose of activity, while experiencing the natural beauty of areas surrounding the trail.  And, for those cyclists who wish to venture off the main trail, they will find easy access to downtown and bike lanes on the main roads to accommodate safe travel.  

For the past decade, the City of Inverness has taken the lead to make our town a walkable, bicycle friendly community, giving the downtown area an "extreme makeover", as well as adding benefits for all who live or work within the city.

And our efforts don't stop there!  Plans continue to evolve with the development of a Bicycle Master Plan.  The Cycling Community grows with new ideas and support.

To quote an early 20th century writer, Iris Murdoch "The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart."   Who would know a mere century later that no truer words could be spoken.

To learn more about bicycling as a means for transportation and recreation, you will likely enjoy Bicycling Life or the International Bike Fund.  If you are new to the activity, these tips for safe commuting in a Bicycle Community might be of interest.

And if you want to ride your bike to work but are unsure if you're up to it, it's easier than you might think. Here's how.