The Citizens’ Master Plan 2005 addresses greenbelt conservation that includes an open-space plan with bicycle paths.  The Spokes and Trails Committee has been involved in a number of projects to make this vision a reality.

One of the committee’s initiatives is to work with officials in city and county government to create a “ring around the city” connecting various parts of our community with bicycle pathways.  In some instances, old railway right-of-ways will be converted to bicycle pathways.  The Committee’s efforts helped Punta Gorda achieve a honorable-mention recognition as a “Bicycle-Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists.

Other committee efforts include:

• Continue to expand the Harborwalk to create an attractive trail from Fishermen’s Village east along the river all the way to the Charlotte Regional Medical Center
• Develop a trail on railroad right-of-ways to Arcadia and south to Fort Myers with Punta Gorda as a hub.
• Include a trail north through the county connecting to the new Sarasota bike trail.