Rich Garrett Joins Statewide Bicycle Advocacy Non-Profit's Board of Directors

[Winter Garden, June 1] - The Florida Bicycle Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Garrett of University Park to its esteemed, statewide Board of Directors. A long-time advocate and educator for bicycle safety, Garrett brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization.

Garrett’s dedication to promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation has earned recognition that includes the Bike Advocate of the Year award from the Florida Bicycle Association in 2021 and the Vision Zero Hero award from the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization in 2020. As part of his work to make bicycling more accessible to more people, he has helped organize donations of more than 200 bikes and helmets to children in need in the Sarasota and Manatee areas.

With a professional background encompassing technology, healthcare, civil engineering, and traffic calming, Garrett has demonstrated a keen understanding of the intersection between urban planning, public health, and bicycle advocacy.

"We are thrilled to have Rich join our efforts,” said Florida Bicycle’s Board President Eric Draper. “His extensive experience in promoting bicycle safety and his commitment to creating healthier communities make him an invaluable addition to our team. We look forward to working with Rich to further our mission of making Florida a safer and more bike-friendly state."

“Cycling has long been a passion of mine,” said Garrett, who notably bicycled more than 9,300 miles in 2022 alone. “I am committed to working alongside the bike-advocacy community to promote safe and accessible cycling for all residents of Florida. Together, we can create the policies and infrastructure that support bicycling as a sustainable form of transportation and as part of a healthy lifestyle."

In addition to welcoming Garrett, the Florida Bicycle Association is actively expanding its board and inviting individuals who are passionate about bicycling and committed to fostering positive change to join their efforts. Those interested in becoming involved with the organization and making a difference in their communities can find more information at floridabicycle.org/getinvolved.

Garrett was appointed to the board during its quarterly meeting in May. He joins the following board members in service e to the organization:

·         Eric Draper of Tallahassee, environmental finance advisor and former Director of the Florida Park Service

·         Courtney Reynolds, TDM-CP, of Longwood, Director of Partnerships for Agile Mile, Inc., Orlando

·         Caitlin Cerame, AICP, of Pensacola, Planner for the Emerald Coast Regional Council

·         Mark Schiefer, of Venice, former President of the Gulftrail Corporation

·         Conroy Jacobs Sr., AICP, MPA, of Oviedo, Senior Planner for Inwood Consulting Engineers, Inc.

·         Elijah Stiers, JD, of Miami, Founding Principal at Stiers Law, P.A.

About: The Florida Bicycle Association is a 501c3 non-profit making Florida better for people who want to bicycle and for people who need to bicycle. We advocate for better policies and infrastructure, provide training and education for cyclists, motorists, and other roadway users, and deliver direct assistance to communities. We do this work to improve public health, strengthen local economies, advance equity, and protect the environment. For media inquiries, please contact Kelly Morphy, Executive Director, kelly@floridabicycle.org, (407) 734-1690.