If you spot bicyclists around town wearing Veloce Speedwear jerseys adorned with the official Aventura city seal – beyond stylish comfort and aerodynamics, the proactive purpose is to help promote bicycle safety and awareness.
Thanks to efforts spearheaded by the nonprofit Bicycle Action Committee (BAC), founded by accountant and avid cyclist Richard A. Cahlin, Aventura is joining municipalities throughout South Florida lending their city seals and colors to biking apparel being sold to help fund various city bicycle safety and awareness initiatives. Proceeds have already gone towards creating a mountain bike trail in Virginia Key as well as adding new bicycle racks in Coral Gables.
Jerseys and shorts, sold by Mack Cycle & Fitness, display visual safety monikers designed to alert motorists to use caution as they approach cyclists. Benefactors, including BAC’s lead sponsor, Mallah Furman CPA’s, are also taking advantage of great high visibility sponsorship opportunities. Names and logos featured on bike apparel will be seen in South Florida plus cities across the country as cyclists network outside Florida.
Cahlin’s tour de force mission to promote bike safety is fueled by in part by the ever-growing number of bicyclists on roads; and an alarming increase in injuries and deaths resulting from bicycle accidents. He believes, “We can help prevent these tragedies through bike safety education and awareness, as well as construction of bike lanes. Securing a ‘bicycle-friendly future’ is intrinsically linked to community and environmental protection.”
To date, the BAC has teamed up with Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Miami, South Miami, Coral Gables, Doral, Pinecrest, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. Future partner cities lining up include North Miami, Miami Lakes and the Village of Palmetto Bay.
“The demand for biking has outpaced city planners’ actions to make our streets safer for cyclists,” Cahlin says. “It’s time to seriously embrace bicycle safety and awareness and the need for bike lanes in our communities.”
For more information about BAC fundraisers, apparel purchases, taxdeductible donations, sponsorships and recognition in BAC newsletters, visit BicycleActionCommittee.com or phone: 305-371-6200 ext.1107.
