Several communities across Florida have "kick started" a new way to get around public trails and pathways.

"In the late summer, early fall … it's nice and quiet and the weather is great,” boasted Mitchell Austin, while sitting on a yellow Sun Atlas bike.

Look at the business card for Punta Gorda’s urban planner and discover he has an additional role: "Bicycle Coordinator."

"I'm only two and a half miles from the office so my bike commute takes me about five minutes longer than driving,” Mitchell says, adding the best parking spot is right next to his desk when he pedals to work.

Mitchell started the job the Monday after Hurricane Charley back in 2004. He immediately went to work helping Punta Gorda rebuild with 15 miles of paved trails that make up the Harborwalk and the Punta Gorda Pathways trail system.

"Instead of being beaten by it, the community rose up and decided they wanted to make their place even better,” he said

For residents and visitors alike, you don't have to make the drive with your bike crammed in the back of your car to the trail head. Team Punta Gorda's Bike Loaner program allows riders to barrow a bike where you can take in the view.

Dining and shopping options are both choices when riding around Punta Gorda on bicycles. In fact, one of the best ice cream parlors in the United States is steps off the path.

"Last year, Trip Advisor ranked us number one ice cream shop in the United States,” said John Pollo with Harborwalk Scoops and Bites.

John has 50 flavors to brag over at his ice cream shop. The pastel-painted Harborwalk Scoops and Bites draws folks all over the world, as noted on their pin board, where visitors put a pin on a map denoting their hometown. Western Europe is second to Florida in visitors represented. New England is popular too, along with what's waiting in the freezer case.

Harborwalk Scoops and Bites is known for their custom flavors.

"This is our super hero ice cream. It's vanilla filled with lots of super hero powers,” he says taking a big lick of a dripping cone.

After enjoying a cold cone, you can jump on the bike and work it off. The best part? These wheels are free.

"It is absolutely free,” Mitchell confirmed.

Imagine the fleet of bikes to be like library books. Check them out, and then check them back in when you're done.

"We want them to really be able to enjoy the lifestyle we as residents enjoy,” Mitchell said.

NOTE: Punta Gorda is the only city in the state offering a bike loaner program, for free. Other bike rental programs exist in other cities for a fee. Find them here.

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