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Biking and walking are great ways to get the daily exercise that many Latino kids need. However, many of the areas in Latino neighborhoods lack safe playgrounds, or safe spaces to walk and bike. Florida is changing their states landscape with the plan of their new SunTrail Network, which will provide new biking and walking trails statewide.
Governor Rick Scott signed and approved House Bill 2514-A for the new statewide Suntrail Network in Florida, bringing funding for $25 million for the new biking and walking trails for the area. The Suntrail Network, will be shared-use pedestrian and biking trails that are physically separated from roadways. Senate President Andy Gardner has supported the Suntrail Network and other trails in the area including the Coast-to-Coast connector trail, which he helped bring in support of $15 million toward back in 2014.
Development of these shared-use active spaces will allow new safe transit and safe active areas for the over 27 percent of obese or overweight youth in Florida.
Florida is ranked number three among states with the largest Hispanic population. Access to walking and biking trails will help Florida Latino youth to have a healthier and safer environment.
To read more about the Suntrail Network, click here.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
