Ninth Annual BIKE 5 Event Showcases Central Florida's Cycling Infrastructure Progress

The ninth annual BIKE 5 event, organized by Bike/Walk Central Florida, will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, bringing Central Florida cyclists together for a celebration of cycling, connection, and community-driven change. This urban bike ride event serves a broader mission to create a safer, more connected region for people on bicycles, emphasizing the need for transportation networks that prioritize safety and accessibility. Participants become ambassadors for change by supporting mobility, equity, connected communities, and a thriving Central Florida.

BIKE 5 offers ride options for all skill levels, from leisurely riders to experienced cyclists. This year introduces the new 10-mile BIKE 5 Main Streets Ride, which showcases vibrant local neighborhoods and business districts while strengthening community ties through cycling. The route demonstrates how South Orlando and Downtown Orlando connect through new, safe, cyclist-forward infrastructure. Riders will pedal through City District, Thornton Park, The Milk, Mills 50, Ivanhoe Village, and Audubon Park within the 10-mile span, highlighting how low-cost infrastructure improvements have made bicycle connectivity possible in recent years.

The flagship BIKE 5 Cities route covers 30 miles through Orlando, Winter Park, Eatonville, Maitland, and Casselberry, available in both guided and self-guided formats. This route takes riders through trails, slow neighborhood streets, and city connections that exemplify what a bike-friendly region should look like. Both routes offer unique opportunities to explore low-stress trails, scenic roadways, and Central Florida's hidden gems while demonstrating the practical benefits of improved cycling infrastructure.

Anna Strasshofer, Events Manager at Bike/Walk Central Florida, explained that BIKE 5 differs from typical cycling events by focusing on experiencing cities at a casual pace, connecting with fellow riders in small groups, and learning how to make Central Florida's streets safer and more welcoming for cyclists. The event represents a show of support for bike-friendly routes and real local living, where education, community, and mobility converge.

Emily Bush, Executive Director at Bike/Walk Central Florida, noted that both the 30-mile option and the new main streets ride demonstrate progress in creating connected, comfortable streets and trails between cities. However, she emphasized that work remains to create truly safe and accessible places for riders of all ages and abilities. The event's purpose extends beyond showing people where they can comfortably ride to pushing for additional connections and building communities where everyone has access to active transportation options.

This year's BIKE 5 continues through collaboration with local governments, including partnerships with the City of Orlando, City of Winter Park, City of Maitland, Town of Eatonville, and City of Casselberry. These municipalities' investments in safer infrastructure and multimodal transportation are helping improve cycling accessibility for both health and economic benefits. For registration and additional information, visit https://bikewalkcentralflorida.org/bike5/.