Orlando Parks Expand Safe Cycling Routes Across Two Major Sites

Orlando Parks and Recreation opened two new beginner-level cycling loops on July 1 at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake and along the Little Econ Greenway.

City data shows family participation in outdoor fitness rose 28 percent between 2024 and 2025, driven by parents seeking low-cost weekend activities during the school break. The new loops address that demand by keeping riders away from busy roads.

Named routes and local access points

The Turkey Lake loop starts at the park entrance on Turkey Lake Road and circles a 2.8-mile flat path with shaded rest stops every half mile. Families can enter free before 8 a.m. on weekdays. The Little Econ Greenway section runs from the Blanchard Park trailhead on Curry Ford Road east to the Woodhaven Drive crossing, adding 3.4 miles of separated pavement marked for speeds under 10 miles per hour. Both sites connect to the Orlando Urban Trail network managed by the same department.

Orlando Parks and Recreation reports the city now maintains 87 miles of paved multi-use paths. A 2025 user survey counted 4,200 family group rides per month on the two routes combined. Helmet rentals at the Turkey Lake boathouse cost $5 for two hours.

Getting started this weekend

Parents should arrive before 9 a.m. to avoid midday heat and check the city website for daily lane closures. The department offers a free Saturday morning skills clinic at Blanchard Park through August, limited to 25 riders per session. Riders need only a working bike and water bottle; no registration is required for the loops themselves.

Staff recommend starting on the Turkey Lake loop for its shorter distance and frequent shade before attempting the longer Greenway segment. Local bike shops on Mills Avenue sell basic child seats and tag-along trailers starting at $89.