New Independence Bike Path...

A Bike-Friendly Model for New Florida Communities

The path shown circles the communities of New Independence, Hamlin Groves and Summerland Park - parts of the larger Horizon West development in southwest Orange County. Extensions run off the path through neighborhoods and to parks. Linking residential neighborhoods with parks, schools and shopping, this is a model for new community development providing biking and pedestrian transportation alternatives. (Detailed map and photos below.)

New Independence Bike Path, Orlando biking, Orange County

New Independence Bike Path Map

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Location: Orange County (Winter Garden)
End Points: New Independence Parkway / Ficquette Road (loop)
Mileage: 8 miles (++ on paths linking communities throughout Horizon West)
Surface: Asphalt, 12-14'
Trailheads/Parking: Independence Community Park, Barnett Park, Deputy Scott Pine Community Park (See map)
Nearby Points of Interest: Orange County National Golf Center, Disney World, Universal Studios

Bike Shops / Rentals:

Trek Bicycle Florida (Winter Garden; sales, service ) (formerly David's World Cycle)

New Independence Bike Path... Comments and Photos

Kudos to the developers for including bike/pedestrian paths throughout the area. The section through the Independence community from Ficquette Road to Independence Community Park is the most pleasant. The path then runs along a powerline with no shade before feeding back onto New Independence Parkway where it runs alongside the road to the Hamlin community. Although mostly located roadside, there is a buffer and trees planted which when mature will provide shade. Note: Here we show biking on the main trail at Independence - a small portion of the total biking available throughout Horizon West.

Ficquette Road to Independence Community Park

This section starts at the entrance to Independence at Ficquette Road, and runs along New Independence Pkwy. The wide path runs past several ponds and passes the residents' town club and elementary school, ending at Independence Community Park.