2025 Florida Bicycle Summit: A Celebration of Community, Connection, and Progress.
For three days in Winter Garden and Clermont, cyclists, advocates, planners, and community leaders gathered with the singular purpose of sharing ideas for shaping a safer, more welcoming Florida for everyone on a bicycle. Thanks to all of those who attended - and for those who missed it this year, here’s a quick recap of the 2025 Florida Bicycle Summit.
Three Days of Connection and Momentum
The theme this year was "Pedaling Forward: Shaping the Future of Cycling in Florida," and we brought together diverse voices and perspectives united by the vision of making the Sunshine State a place where people who want to bicycle and where people who need to bicycle feel safe and supported.
Sessions explored infrastructure challenges, legal issues, and the emerging opportunities and associated obstacles brought about by the proliferation of e-bikes and e-motos. Plus, we hosted a workshop for organizers of Kids’ Bike Rodeos, where attendees explored strategies they could bring back to their own cities and communities.
There was also time for celebration with the annual Wheel of Achievement Awards that celebrated leaders in our industry that are already making a difference. Check out the winners on Bike/Walk Central Florida’s social media posts here: Instagram and here: Facebook
The Florida Freewheelers’ Horrible Hundred ride and the Cycling & Fitness Expo in Clermont showcased the vibrant energy of Florida's cycling community, with 1,500 riders braving the “mountains” of Florida! Throughout it all, the commitment to creating bicycle-friendly communities was obvious and contagious.
A few highlights
Hands-Free Florida Update
Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director of Naples Pathways Coalition, delivered a compelling update on the Hands-Free Florida initiative. Sharing sobering data on distracted driving, she urged attendees to contact their lawmakers and support a hands-free cell phone law to prevent crashes and save lives. Add your name to the petition to show your support here.
E-Bike and E-Moto Panel Discussion
The summit also featured a timely E-Bike and E-Moto Panel discussion, exploring the growing role of electric bicycles and micromobility devices in transportation, accessibility, and the future of cycling in Florida. This session also provided valuable insights into how e-bikes can expand cycling opportunities for people of all abilities and ages.
Train the Trainer Workshop
The Train the Trainer event equipped participants with the skills and knowledge to become local advocates and educators in their own communities. Participants left prepared to lead Bike Rodeos for kids, effectively extending the Florida Bicycle Association's impact far beyond the summit weekend. Look for more information on Bike Rodeos and Train the Trainer Education opportunities in 2026.
Kids Bike Rodeo: Building Confident Young Riders
One of the summit's most impactful events was the free, hands-on Kids Bike Rodeo held on Saturday morning in Winter Garden. Certified instructors and volunteers led children through essential cycling skills while offering helmet and bike inspections. Thanks to support from Orlando Health and Kittelson & Associates, families received practical education on safe cycling practices, empowering the next generation of riders to navigate their communities with confidence.
Thanks to the Summit Sponsors
This remarkable weekend would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, who share our commitment to advancing cycling in Florida:
Title Sponsor:
Orlando Health
Platinum Pedals:
Naples Pathways Coalition
WAYMO
Chainring Champions:
City of Winter Garden
Silver Spokes:
CLASH Endurance
Rails to Trails Conservancy
Bronze Brackets:
Kittelson & Associates
Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club
Pedal Pals:
Friends of the River of Grass Greenway (FROGG)
These partnerships and the resources provided helped create three days of meaningful connection and momentum toward safer, more bike-friendly communities across Florida.
Inspiring Speakers
The Florida Bicycle Association is deeply grateful to the speakers who brought their expertise, research, stories, and passion to the summit:
Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists
Dr. Marc Levy, Orlando Health
Lisa Watts, Author of Crossing Bridges: What Biking Up the East Coast Taught Me About Life After 60
Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director of the Naples Pathways Coalition and Hands Free Florida
Lara Bouck and Mighk Wilson, MetroPlan Orlando
Ned Baier, Board President of the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation
Your insights, knowledge, stories, and experiences are helping us move closer to being safer and more welcoming for everyone on bicycles.
Relive the Moments
The energy, connections, and inspiring moments from the 2025 Florida Bicycle Summit are now captured in our full photo album. Visit floridabicycle.org/summit2025#photos to access the photos and relive this unforgettable weekend.
Plus, you can view the presentation materials on our website here.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Florida Bicycle Summit reinforced what we know to be true: when advocates, community leaders, planners, and riders come together with a shared purpose, real change becomes possible.
The conversations, connections, and commitments made over the course of the weekend will fuel progress toward more bike-friendly communities across Florida.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we're pedaling forward.
You Don't Have to Wait Until Next Year
The summit was just one weekend, but the work continues year-round. Whether you attended or you're inspired by what happened in Winter Garden and Clermont, there are many ways to get involved. The momentum we built together depends on all of us.
When advocates, community leaders, planners, and everyday riders unite behind a shared vision, real change becomes possible.
Become an FBA Member Today to support our work and join the movement to make Florida safer and more welcoming for everyone on a bicycle.
