South Lake Co. designated as 'bicycle friendly community'

South Lake County has been designated a "bicycle friendly community" by the League of American Bicyclists.

The area is the only Florida community, among the 55 entries, to earn the national program's commendation.

“Visionary community leaders are recognizing the real-time and long-term impact that a culture of bicycling can create,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “We applaud this new round of communities for investing in a more sustainable future for the country and a healthier future for their residents and beyond.”

The initiative was led by the South Lake Chamber's Sports & Tourism Committee and supported by five South Lake communities -- Clermont, Groveland, Mascotte, Minneola and Montverde -- along with South Lake Hospital and The Cycling Hub, a gold-level bicycle friendly business.

This is the second fitness-related designation for the region. It was previously awarded a runner-friendly designation.