Parking, passports, and stickers for Florida Trail Towns are provided at the SanCap Chamber. -COURTESY PHOTO

In May, the city of Sanibel announced its success getting Sanibel Island designated as one of 26 Florida Trail Towns, recognized as communities that embrace and support trail users through exceptional recreational opportunities, connectivity, amenities, and outdoor experiences.

This week, the SanCap Chamber at 1159 Causeway Road posted the Florida Department of Environmental Protection sign officially designating it as the trailhead for Sanibel’s more than 26 miles of paved shared-use path plus other trails for cyclists and pedestrians.

Trail users who keep track of their Florida Trail Town accomplishments can also pick up a Trail Town passport and a sticker to record their exploration on Sanibel’s trails. Those who collect stickers from five or more Florida Trail Towns are eligible to earn prizes.

“Sanibel’s designation as a Florida Trail Town is a wonderful recognition of our community’s commitment to providing residents and visitors with opportunities to explore the island by bicycle and on foot,” said Sanibel Mayor Mike Miller, an avid cyclist himself. “I want to thank our city staff for their work throughout the application process, as well as the Sanibel Bicycle Club and the chamber for their support in helping us achieve this designation. We especially appreciate our continued partnership with the chamber to help maintain and promote the Trail Town program and welcome those who come to Sanibel to enjoy our extensive shared-use path system and all our island has to offer.”

“Sanibel is the first designated Florida Trail Town in Lee County,” said John Lai, chamber president and chief executive officer. “Sanibel also was among Florida’s pioneers in developing a community-wide network of off-road bicycle paths back in the 1970s, when the community pulled together to raise $50,000 to build it. The Trail Town designation reaffirms Sanibel’s historic place on the map for trail enthusiasts planning cycling and walking adventures throughout the state.”

The original 2.5-mile path along Periwinkle Way, conceived by four island moms in 1972, officially opened in 1976 and expanded with the incorporation of the city of Sanibel. The League of American Bicyclists recognizes Sanibel as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community.

For more information about biking on Sanibel, visit tinyurl.com/sanibelpath. Learn about the Florida Greenways & Trails System’s Trail Town program at floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/content/trail-town-program.

ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER

The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or John@sanibel-captiva.org.