The Friends of the Legacy Trail (FLT) Surrey Ride Program, which offers an opportunity for mobility challenged residents and visitors who would otherwise be unable to share in The Legacy Trail experience, returns next month for another season

Starting Wednesday, Jan. 13, FLT volunteers will be pedaling the surrey and passengers on free, 45-minute surrey trips that will leave from Laurel Park at the Sandra Sims Terry Community Center. The surrey rides will be held Wednesdays and Thursdays from Jan. 13 through April 14, with times available each day at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Riders can sit back and enjoy the ride on a four-passenger, four-wheeled, surrey-type bicycle with a canopy cover while FLT volunteers provide the pedal power.

Pre-registration is required for your free surrey ride by visiting www.scgov.net/parks, clicking on “View Activities” and searching for the keyword “surrey.” Space is limited to four participants per ride, per time slot, and participants must be willing to sign a waiver. Sun protection is recommended, as well as a light jacket on cooler days and sturdy walking shoes. Registrants must have the ability to climb up one step onto the surrey bicycle.

The surrey stop location is Laurel Park’s Sandra Sims Terry Community Center, 509 Collins Road, Laurel. Passengers can meet in front of the community center. All Sarasota County nature programs prohibit participants from smoking or bringing pets. The event will be cancelled if it rains and at times when it is very cold. For weather cancellation information, call 941-486-2753.

The Surrey Program has been well received by passengers, and FLT volunteer peddlers have benefited greatly from meeting and visiting with the riders, organizers say. The surrey was a donation by FLT, the ride sponsor, to Sarasota County to promote The Legacy Trail and other county parks.

The Legacy Trail is the regional backbone of a recreational and nature-based trail system connecting communities across Sarasota County and stretching into neighboring Charlotte County. The trail offers several areas to stop, rest, learn about its history or just enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the trail.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.