Bicycle trails and public transportation in the Orlando area have improved significantly in the last few years, but they remain among our city’s best kept secrets. Consider going on an adventure and riding a bicycle or hopping on a train to your local library. It requires some planning, but once you are comfortable navigating the routes, you might save money, get more exercise, and most of all have a good time being out and about soaking up the Florida sunshine.
SunRail Train
The ride from the Sand Lake station at the corner of Sand Lake Road and Orange Avenue to the Church Street station downtown is just ten minutes. From there it is .3 miles or a seven minute walk to Orlando Public Library. If you get off at LYNX Central Station, one more stop to the north, the free LYMMO bus will bring you closer to the library’s front door. The Eatonville Branch is located 2.2 miles southwest of the Maitland station. Most of the route crosses a residential area. The South Creek Branch is 2.8 miles or an estimated 15 minute bike ride from the Meadow Woods station that is expected to open this summer. Sidewalks line the entire route.
Free parking is available at the Sand Lake and Maitland stations. All SunRail trains have space for bicycle storage. Adult tickets for trips within Orange County are $2.00 for a one way ticket or $3.75 for round trip. Tickets are purchased at kiosks located at every station. The trains run Monday through Friday. Visit sunrail.com for the full schedule and more details.
Bicycle Trails
Orlando’s paved bicycle trails pass within a comfortable cycling distance of several OCLS locations. All of our libraries have dedicated parking for bicycles. The Winter Garden Branch sits on the West Orange Trail .5 miles east of downtown Winter Garden. The North Orange Branch is only 1.3 miles from the northern section of the trail in Apopka. The Orlando Public Library is 1.4 miles south of the start of the Orlando Urban Trail off of Magnolia Avenue. The trail winds north and ends at the Orlando Science Center. The Herndon Branch is just .4 miles south of the Cady Way Trail, which runs from the Fashion Square Mall through Winter Park and up to Seminole County. The Washington Park Branch is only .5 miles from the Shingle Creek Trail. It runs through Eagle Nest Park and down to Oak Ridge Road. For the best and safest experience while cycling, be sure to read and follow all Florida laws and safety guidelines for cyclists.
LYNX Bus
Most of our libraries have a LYNX stop nearby. Many routes connect to SunRail stations. Visit golynx.com for a detailed schedule and our website to find out which LYNX routes stop at each location. If you would like assistance planning your trip on a bicycle, LYNX bus, SunRail train or a combination of the three, do not hesitate to visit your local library or give us a call at (407) 835-7323.
