Cycling & Healthy Lifestyles in Melbourne, Fla.

Years ago, when my kids attended elementary school in Melbourne Beach, most of their friends rode bikes to school along a combination of side streets and bike paths. The kids liked their independence and more importantly, they incorporated a healthy lifestyle in their day.




Joggers and a cyclist make their way toward Melbourne.

Located on the Indian River Lagoon and just inland from the barrier islands, Melbourne provides numerous opportunities to cycle. However, challenges still need to be met—connector trails for the popular bike routes (e.g., over the causeway bridges or off-road trails), bike racks and public information. Furthermore, a cycling /pedestrian-friendly approach needs to be adopted by businesses and urban planners . Banks rarely provide bike racks and discourage cyclists from using the drive through. Cars pulling in and out of numerous strip malls and the lack of center medians put us all on a collision course.




From the Melbourne causeway bridge, cyclists and pedestrians have a view of the Indian River Lagoon with the ocean in the background.

With increasing interest in exercise and cycling, transportation planning groups are now completing an inventory of paths and trails. At the same time, a larger project is underway to link trails between St. Pete and Titusville, which will promote public interest in cycling and healthy lifestyles.



Nice, France, bike rental is located on the boardwalk overlooking the Mediterranean.

Let’s hope Melbourne gets on the map as a bike-friendly city with the added benefits of getting population into shape and appreciating the environment. Healthy lifestyles that start in elementary school could be incorporated as part of the adult commute.