Community Pedals Together at Gables Bike Day

The sixth-annual Gables Bike Day returned for a fun-filled day of activities on Sunday, March 12th, in front of City Hall.  Gables Bike Day offered safe streets for the community to bike, skate, and walk by closing them off to motorized vehicles. This signature event, produced by the community-based non-profit organization Bike Walk Coral Gables (BWCG), promotes biking and walking safety.  
“We’ve attended the Gables Bike Day event for the last two years,” remarks Maria Mowry, winner of UHealth’s #HumanBeingWell Challenge. “We love the chance to be able to get our kids outside and riding their bikes in a safe zone. Each year brings something new, and this year was the best one yet!”
Gables Bike Day started off with a kick-off program on stage in Merrick Park, with a welcome by Bike Walk Coral Gables Board Chair, Jennifer Garcia, who shared the organization’s plans to create a new public space in downtown Coral Gables called the “Galiano Green.” The organization has also launched a membership program for the community to become more active and engaged.  Avid cyclist and Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Operating Office for University of Miami Health System, Dr. Thinh Tran, gave remarks on the importance of building community. Commissioner Vince Lago also welcomed the crowd on behalf of the City of Coral Gables. 
Free bike tours escorted people on bikes by experienced ride leaders to see nearby landmarks. A bike rodeo, bounce houses, climbing wall, and other activities comprised an active kid’s area, and food trucks provided a variety of lunch options. 
“This event continues to be a wonderful family outing for our city,” stated Former Coral Gables Commissioner, Ralph Cabrera, who was presented with the first-ever Coral Gables Bicycle Advocate Award. “I was most surprised and truly honored to receive this recognition.” He added, “I’m just glad to have worked with so many other cycling enthusiasts to make bicycling an important priority for our community. Hopefully, all our ongoing efforts will continue to enhance the cycling experience for years to come.”
Sponsors were recognized with plaques on stage later in the day. Gables Bike Day 2017 was made possible by UHealth and The Lennar Foundation; City of Coral Gables; Suncycling; Baptist Health; Milam’s Market; NP International; Coral Gables Business Improvement District; Coral Gables Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); Catch of the Day; No Boundaries; Canon; Miami-Dade County; Mr. Green Dean’s Vegetable Farm; Don & Jeannett Slesnick; and Shake 108.