Take a lead from bicyclists

Cheers to the bicyclists who have apparently taken it upon themselves to open the North Point of Virginia Key -- forging trails in the backcountry of Australian Pine detritus where tons dredge material has sculpted a terrain of ledges and hills perfect to pop some wheelies.   

A story this weekend in the Miami Herald states a bicycle group with a little donated cash and a lot of will power, is carving out the bike trails. 

Maybe this will start a trend: 

Hikers will blaze trails. 
Park enthusiasts will plop down benches.
Kayakers will launch en masse - and proclaim the spot the public boat ramp.  

And a public park island will emerge. 

Cheers to the bicyclists.  Enjoy. 

And cheers to many others who find this island beautiful, rare and wild. And want to keep it that way. 
Take a lead from the bicyclists and forge your own path to parkland.


It may be the only way it will happen.

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Photo Friday: Riding the Rickenbacker

Walking or riding the Rickenbacker is a favorite for hundreds of folks each day. But the old adage there’s safety in numbers doesn’t apply here. The blog, Transit Miami, recently posted some ideas for transforming the roadway into a safer and more beautiful corridor, more in line with the linear park it is.

Some of the ideas proposed include reducing the speed limit to 35 mph and narrowing the lanes to discourage speeding (a “road diet”).

See all the suggestions and reader comments at: http://www.transitmiami.com/2010/02/02/transit-miami-recommendations-for-the-rickenbacker-causeway/

With the Virginia Key Master Plan being revamped, now is the time to “Rethink the Rickenbacker” or “Take Back the Rickenbacker.” Either statement would look good on a sign at the next Commission Meeting.

Photo Friday: hiking, bicycling, fishing on Virginia Key

Photo 1: Lone bicyclist on Arthur Lamb Rd, Virginia Key
Photo 2: Children peer over new boardwalk railing to see restored wetlands, historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Photo 3: Fishing on Hobie Beach, off the Rickenbacker, the scenic parkway road on the way to Virginia Key