On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Bike/Walk Central Florida will host the ninth annual BIKE 5 ride, an event that combines cycling with advocacy for safer, more connected communities. The ride offers two routes: a new 10-mile BIKE 5 Main Streets Ride and the flagship 30-mile BIKE 5 Cities route. Both are designed to demonstrate how recent infrastructure improvements have made cycling a viable transportation option in the region.
The 10-mile Main Streets Ride debuts this year, showcasing connections between South Orlando and Downtown Orlando through neighborhoods such as City District, Thornton Park, The Milk, Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, and Audubon Park. This route highlights low-cost improvements completed in recent years, with more projects planned. The 30-mile BIKE 5 Cities route traverses Orlando, Winter Park, Eatonville, Maitland, and Casselberry, using trails, slow neighborhood streets, and city connections to illustrate a bike-friendly region. Both routes are available as guided or self-guided rides.
“BIKE 5 isn’t your typical cycling event,” said Anna Strasshofer, Events Manager at Bike/Walk Central Florida. “It’s not about racing or setting records. It’s about experiencing our cities at a casual pace, connecting with fellow riders in small groups, and learning how we can all help make Central Florida’s streets safer and more welcoming for people on bikes.” Emily Bush, Executive Director, emphasized that the event shows progress but acknowledges remaining work: “We still have some work to do to truly create safe and accessible places for everyone, from 8 to 80, to ride, feel safe and enjoy.”
The event is supported by partnerships with local governments including the City of Orlando, City of Winter Park, City of Maitland, Town of Eatonville, and City of Casselberry. These collaborations have led to investments in safer infrastructure and multimodal transportation, improving cycling accessibility for health and economic benefits. For more information and registration, visit the BIKE 5 page. Advance registration is encouraged, though walk-ups will be accepted if available.
