20-year-plan shows Virginia Drive corridor more bike, pedestrian friendly

ORLANDO, Fla. — In Orlando, the Virginia Drive and Lake Highland area is known for its popular restaurants, bungalows and art.

A new study released by the city shows that in the next 20 years, it could also be known for how bike and pedestrian friendly it is.

Westley Lynn, who owns Nova Scratch Kitchen on Orange Avenue, said some of his customers already bike to his restaurant on a regular basis.

“We do Saturday (and) Sunday brunch, that’s a big thing for us,” he said. “People ride their bikes, scooters, whatever it may be.”

The last time the area was studied was in 2000 and a lot has happened since then, Orlando Chief City Planner Elisabeth Dang said.

“When the earlier study was done, there wasn’t a lot of redevelopment in downtown and certainly most of the residential areas,” she said.

As part of the 20-year-plan, city officials got feedback from business owners and residents to come up with ways to make it easier for people to walk and bike in the Virginia Drive corridor.

Some of the suggestions were to add crosswalks at minor intersections, designate bike lanes and add on-street parking.

The hope is that as the city moves forward, the area will become what Lynn believes it can be.

“People are driven to this area,” he said. “It’s quiet, definitely friendly.”

Cox Media Group