Planet Bike Makes $30,000 Grant Possible for Cycling in Miami

PRESS RELEASE: The Alliance for Biking and Walking has awarded a $30,000 matching grant to Miami-based Green Mobility Network. The grant was made possible by Planet Bike and is the first in a series of special grassroots bicycle advocacy grants to be given by Planet Bike in 2009.

Green Mobility Network is a young non-profit with the mission to make Miami-Dade County a healthier, more livable community by promoting bicycling, running, and walking for daily transportation, leisure, and fitness. In its short history, the Green Mobility Network has been a key leader in Miami’s efforts to improve conditions for bicyclist and pedestrians by crafting the city’s first bicycle master plan, orchestrating six successful “Bike Miami Days,” and beginning the development of a Safe Routes to School initiative.

The grant will help fund Green Mobility Network’s “Complete the M-Path” campaign. The Mobility Path, or M-Path, is Miami-Dade County’s most important multi-use path. Currently, however, there exists a 1.25 mile “Dadeland Gap” which prevents bicyclists and pedestrians from safely and easily connecting with the area’s wider network of paths. Once the goal of closing the gap is realized, there will exist a seamless 30-mile bicycle-pedestrian corridor running from downtown Miami to the county’s southern border.

The Alliance, in conjunction with Planet Bike, selected this project for the dramatic impact it will have on improving biking and walking within a major American city. Planet Bike President Jeff Frehner said, “We were really impressed with the deep commitment of Green Mobility Network leaders, and we feel they have the organizational strength to see this project through to completion.”

“This grant will propel our work to close the gap that has kept many potential M-Path users away from jobs and opportunities.” said John Hopkins, chairman of the Green Mobility Network. “This will be a major step in offering alternatives to the historically car-centered community of South Florida.”

About the Alliance:
Alliance for Biking and Walking is the North American coalition of 140 grassroots biking and walking advocacy organization. The Alliance works to strengthen state and local organizations through grants, training, and sharing best practices and resources.

About Planet Bike:
Planet Bike designs high quality bicycle accessories that make it easier and safer for people to ride their bikes. Since its inception in 1996, Planet Bike has believed that the bicycle can improve our environment and our quality of life. Therefore, each year it has donated at least 25% of profits to causes that promote and facilitate the use of bicycles.