Walk-Bike Lakeland

• About the CIty's Bicycle & Pedestrian Program

  The City’s bicycle and pedestrian program works to enable Lakeland’s citizens to walk and bike safely and conveniently throughout the city using a comprehensive, expansive, and well-connected network of sidewalks, bike lanes, and trails that integrate safety with roadways. This program is guided by the Lakeland Vision and implemented by the goals, objectives and policies of the City’s 2010-2020 Comprehensive Plan, the Land Development Regulations, and Engineering Standards Manual with engagement and input from the community. 

  The League of American Bicyclists designated the City of Lakeland a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community in 2012 for its commitment to supporting cycling by improving conditions and creating opportunities.

  The City of Lakeland is committed to become one of the safest and most attractive communities to walk in Florida. Because of this commitment the City Commission has adopted resolution 5093, submitted by the Lakeland Vision public-private partnership, to apply for Walk Friendly designation in August of 2013.

  In April 2014 Lakeland was designated a bronze-level Walk Friendly Community!

  Learn more about the Walk-Friendly Communities Program.

• Benefits of Walking & Cycling

  Benefits of Walking & Cycling:

  • More Physical Exercise & Better Health: In the US, 72.5 million adults are obese, with associated medical costs of $147 billion a year. (CDC, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)
  • Save on Fuel Costs: The average American spends $2,000 a year on gas.
  • Reduce Traffic Congestion: Congestion cost Americans $115 billion in 2009; $808 for the average commuter. (Texas Transportation Institute)
  • Reduce Air Pollution: 175 million people—roughly 6 in 10 Americans—suffer from dangerous pollution levels in their communities (American Lung Association)
  • Get to Know Your Community Better: The social interaction possible when the number of people walking increases is a major factor for improving quality of life.
• Walkable 101

  Walkable places are livable places that create vibrant, healthy, attractive, and valuable communities.  Watch this short video by Dan Burden of the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute to learn more about the basics of walkability.

• Lakeland-Area Bicycling & Walking Facts

  Lakeland Area Facts:

  • 311 miles of sidewalks
  • 46 miles of off-road trails
  • 69 miles of bicycle lanes
  • 44 miles of paved shoulder in-street bike facilities
  • 3 miles of share-the-road routes
  • 3 bike boxes
  • All of Lakeland’s signalized intersections have pedestrian countdown signals for enhance safe crossings.

Bicycle Safety: Rules & Responsibilities

In this installment of Rules of the Road, Captain Victor White with the Lakeland Police Department explains the "3 Feet Law" as it pertains to bicyclists.

Pedestrian Safety: Rules & Responsibilities

In this installment of Rules of the Road, Captain Victor White with the Lakeland Police Department explains the responsibility that both drivers and pedestrians have to watch out for each other. Walking or driving while distracted can cause serious injuries and many times even death.

School Bus Safety: Understanding Florida Laws

In this installment of Rules of the Road, Sergeant Chad Mumbauer with the Lakeland Police Department explains what you should do when approaching a stopped school bus. Florida Law requires that motorists stop when approaching any school bus that displays its flashing red lights and stop arms extended.

School Bus Safety: Understanding Florida Laws

In this installment of Rules of the Road, Captain Victor White with the Lakeland Police Department explains what to do when approaching an intersection where traffic signals are malfunctioning.