Vol. 13, No. 2 Spring 2010 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION, INC. Reviewing the April 8 event. Florida Bike Summit brought Lakeland: ProBike/ProWalk advocacy to lawmakers’ doorstep Florida city comes up with the right answers by Laura Hallam, FBA Director

photos: by Herb Hiller Yes, yes, yes and no. Woman’s Club, Lakeland Chamber of Keri Caffrey Keri Four answers to four questions you may be Commerce, fine houses and historical mark- asking: ers that celebrate the good sense of people 1. Shall I attend ProBike/ProWalk Florida who, starting 125 years ago, settled this rail- in May? road town. 2. Shall I come early and/or stay in I might add about those people who settled Lakeland after the conference? Lakeland that they also had the good fortune 3. Is Lakeland not only the most beautiful of having Publix headquarter its enterprise mid-sized city in Florida but also, rare here, so that subsequent generations of among cities of any size, year by year get- Jenkins folk could endow gardens, children’s ting better? play areas and everything else that makes photos: Courtesy of Central Florida Visitor & ConventionBureau & Florida Visitor Central of Courtesy

Above: Kathryn Moore, Executive Director embers of FBA from of the So. Fla. Bike Coalition (right), works around the state gath- the FBA booth. Below: Representative ered with Bike Florida Adam Fetterman takes the podium. at the Capitol for the 2nd annual Florida Bike Summit. Modeled after the high- ly successful National

PAID Bike Summit that recently NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S. PERMIT No. 2840 PERMIT No. JACKSONVILLE FL JACKSONVILLE

4. Is there any way that you can grasp my Lakeland not only Florida’s most beautiful enthusiasm for Lakeland without first going mid-sized city but also justifies all the acco- there yourself? lades cast around by those who fall in love First case for enthusiasm: Retired with it. Lakeland Mayor Tom Shaw will meet you at I’ve previously written about Lakeland’s the Amtrak station on the north shore of Lake-to-Lake Bikeway, its sociably central Lake Mirror and carry your gear to his bed- Munn Park, and the restoration of its land- and-breakfast on the south shore while you mark , most arguably the Lakeland walk the half mile and let this City Terrace Hotel, as notable as the Beautiful-era lake surround captivate you. unique Florida Southern College campus of Second case for enthusiasm: Tom will also Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and Bok Tower transfer you (along with your gear) if you’d Gardens in Lake Wales on Polk County’s far rather hold off your introduction to town till side. you can walk out the leaded glass front door You might also be hearing a lot more that’s celebrated it’s 10th anniversary in of his house into lakeside Hollis Garden or good about Lakeland and its neighboring Washington, DC, the Florida Bike Summit out the kitchen door a block to Lake Morton towns because coming next are (a) Legoland to visit among the seasonal white pelicans, at the former site of Cypress Gardens in P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL Box 32694 Waldo, 718, P.O. generated dozens of meetings to gain legisla- swans, ducks and the other feathered flocks Winter Haven (b) a futuristic university in that share the shore with the Lakeland Public please see Fla. Summit, page 5 Library, Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland Please see Pro-Lakeland, Page 7 ADVOCATING A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY FLORIDA 2 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Lakeland, May 11-13... Register now for PBPW Florida by Dan Moser, FBA Program Manager

ore than likely anyone Nearby attractions, including Bok Gardens reading this knows by and Fantasy of Flight, are places you might now that FBA’s annual consider visiting if you have motorized trans- ProBike/ProWalk Florida portation to get you there. Conference is coming But Lakeland proper has plenty of places to May 11-13. We’re look- spend your time, especially since ProBike/ ing forward to having ProWalk Florida will keep you plenty busy. another excellent event— this Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy for time in Lakeland, one of Florida’s great Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, is one of our towns for , , and . keynote speakers. He’ll be putting in per- There are also many interesting things to spective how the various federal stimulus Kevin’s experience and expertise will o Promoting Bicycling Using Inexpensive do in town and nearby, from experiencing funds and other resource dollars impact the undoubtedly make for an interesting and Techniques the Frank Lloyd Wright architecture of work we do, talk about the Active useful presentation. o Guiding Metropolitan Growth through Florida Southern College, to the unique and Transportation for America Report RTC Our other keynote is Dr. Bob Chauncey, a Development Economics beautiful Hollis Gardens, to recently redevel- developed, and cover the economic benefits dynamic and entertaining speaker, who will oped downtown Lakeland, all of which are of cycling and walking in rural, suburban, share his insight into the economics of bicy- o Louisville Bike Plan within walking or cycling distance of the and urban communities. cling and walking, something he’s focused o Pedestrian Road Safety Audits: A Walk Lakeland Center. on for many years. Prior to his current roles as bike/ped advo- Through Tools, Techniques, and Troubles cacy consultant and college professor, Bob Faced by Pedestrians was the Senior Program Manager for the o The Benefits of the Florida School National Center for Bicycling and Walking, Crossing Guard Program to the Child, Family where he spearheaded efforts such as the and Community Walkable Communities Workshops program and various safe routes to school initiatives. o An Analysis of Florida Physical Education Bob also coauthored publications that are Teacher’s Knowledge of Bicycle and valuable resources to both bike/ped profes- Safety Beliefs: Results of a Pilot Study sionals and advocates. But be forewarned: o “This Biking Stinks, But I Gotta Eat!” The Bob’s showman/thespian background is sure World of the Captive Cyclist to surprise. If you haven’t yet registered, please do so o Tampa’s Fletcher Avenue: Turning the now! For complete conference information, Great Wall of Misadventures into a and to register, visit www.floridabicycle. Pedestrian Safety and Economically Enriched org/probikeprowalk. In the meantime, Zone here’s a listing of conference sessions (sub- o City of Winter Haven Multimodal ject to change, of course), which include Infrastructure Access Plan many that will offer AICP credit: o Lakeland’s Road Diet Program

o Opening Plenary includes state and o Targeted Countermeasures for Pedestrian national updates and keynote speakers Bob Safety Have You been injured Chauncey and Kevin Mills o Latest and Greatest in the 2010 Plans o Luncheon includes FBA general mem- Preparation Manual and Design Standards wHile cYcling? bership meeting and annual awards pre- o Wider Outside Lane Study – or Do women sentations riding pink bikes get more room when being ( i have. That’s why i’ll fight passed? General Sessions: o so hard for you.) o Hillsborough County 9-1-1 Trailways US Bicycle Routes Addressing Program Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury Mobile Sessions: o Bicycle Enforcement Program attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his (Conducted by City of Lakeland and Polk o Trails and Economic Development County Staff Members): experience on the road with his expertise o Connecting Advocacy to Public Policy: o Tour of Hollis Gardens & Common and insight in the courtroom. This unique Case of the 3,000-mile-long Bike-Ped East Grounds Park perspective provides cyclists across Florida Coast Greenway and Institutions of Florida o Lakeland’s Downtown Redevelopment Policy and Opportunity with the representation they deserve. o Polk County’s Multi-Use Trails o University Planning for Multimodal Your race for compensation begins here. Transportation o Conserve by Bicycle and Pedestrian Phase Special Session: II Study o 4-hour Workshop for FTBSEP Regional o Impacts of a Local Bike Industry: Case Trainers & LAB LCIs (Conducted by Dan Studies from Portland, OR, and Other Connaughton and Preston Tyree) 904- 632- 2424 Communities o Evaluating and Planning for Safe Routes Special Input Session: to School o Florida’s 2060 Plan (Hosted by FDOT) o Safe Routes to School “Walking School and Bicycle Trains” o Sidepath LOS Model and Modifications to the Ped and Bike LOS Models Spring 2010 3

Thanks to Our Donors! (4th Q 2009): City names denote board member distribution. Is your Lifetime members area represented? Contact a board member today! Kimberly Cooper dB Technologies Advocating a James Nash Orange Park Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal bicycle-friendly Florida Dr. Joe Warren Gainesville Mighk and Carol Wilson P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694 Waldo (FBA HQ) Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Florida Freewheelers Executive Director Membership Director Program Director Brooksville Titanium Partners ($500 - $999) Laura Hallam Deb Devoe Dan Moser Orlando P.O. Box 718 2738 Gables Drive 1449 Linhart Ave. CPS Express Cycling Club Waldo, FL 32694 Eustis, FL 32726 Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Space Coast Freewheelers Phone: 352-468-3430 [email protected] Phone/Fax: Fax: 352-468-3430 239-334-6417 Golden Gears ($250 - $499) Cell: 407-399-9961 [email protected] Renee Quimby [email protected] Sarasota William R. Hough Delray Bch Charlotte Bicycle Laws Program Director Silver Spokes ($100 - $249) Board of Directors Boynton Bch George Martin Green Mobility Surgery Center 446 Shamrock Road Network, Inc. Timothy and Nanette David Henderson, President Mike Lasche St. Augustine FL 32086 West Orange Trail Winzell 111 NW First Street, Suite 910 PO Box 3746 Phone: 904-392-1183 Bikes & Blades Lawrence L. Jaffe Miami, FL 33128 Sarasota, FL 34230 [email protected] Neal Shear 3 Feet Please Phone: 305-666-4718 Phone: 941-544-7788 American Classic Lake Shore [email protected] [email protected] First Coast Chapter Director Bike/Walk Central Fla. J & B Importers, Inc. Sun Cycle Centers Don Braverman, Vice President Mighk Wilson Jeff Hohlstein Chapter Director Doug and Kate Terence N. Deeks 27A Stratford Lane West 737 S. Mills Ave. P.O. Box 442246 Brad Kuhn Dietrich Ellen Kirtley Boynton Beach, FL. 33436 Orlando, FL 32801 Jacksonville FL 32222 9138 Queen Elizabeth Ct. Suwannee Bicycle Polk Area Bicycling Phone: 561-742-8074 Phone: 407-488-9990 Phone: 904-291-8664 Orlando FL 32818 Association Association [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 321-287-7243 Henry and Cyndi The ALS Association Stevenson (Cris Vidal) Stephanie Striefel, Secretary [email protected] Wheels of Wellington Richard and Belinda 401 W. Atlantic Ave, Ste 0-11 Gordon & Doner, PA Carlson Delray Beach, FL 33444 Advisory Board Bikes and More Seth Krieger and Phone: 561-404-7261 x 152 , LLC Kathy Peres [email protected] Dwight Kingsbury, Historian Louis Rossi Becky Afonso National Multiple Steve Bayard Jodi Hohlstein, Treasurer [email protected] dwightkingsbury@floridastate. [email protected] Sclerosis Society Volusia County MPO 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle com Lisa Blount, Public Affairs Tina Russo Patrick Donovan Vance and Sandra Orange Park, FL 32065 [email protected] Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special [email protected] David Henderson and Lemmon Phone: 904-282-2180 Programs Kim Ogren Wheelers of Kings [email protected] Keri Caffrey, Webmaster Robert Seidler, Filmmaker [email protected] Laser Vue Refractive Point Steve Diez [email protected] [email protected] Jessica Meurer Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99) 20 N. Main Street, Room 262 Paul Casazza, John Sinibaldi, Jr Brooksville, FL 34601 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Rodney and Rachael John and Kathy Phone: 352-754-4057 x 125 Laura Minns Youngblood, Jr. Stamp [email protected] Raphael Clemente Ted Wendler [email protected] Morris and Mikki Andrew Combes [email protected] [email protected] Hope Howland-Cook Futernick Robert Timberman Danny Page PO Box 5295 Dan Connaughton, Director, Randall Williams, Newsletter Tina Russo and Ed Wright [email protected] Gainesville, FL 32627 Florida [email protected] Yvonne Blythe Steven D. Brooks Phone: 352-224-8601 Traffic & Roger Pierce, Florida Touring Paul Lester Michael Stewart [email protected] Education Program Calendar Richard and Robin Michael Nutini Earl Lang [email protected] [email protected] Abedon Mike and Lynn 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Perry C. McGriff, Jr. Woods Hal Downing Carol Pulley Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Thomas N. Hauser Carol Bast [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 941-258-3400 Tom Adler Jerry Webb Allen Peter Ilchuk [email protected] Herb Hiller, Journalist Bianca Pyko Center William Gaines [email protected] [email protected] Christopher Laura Hallam Eggebrecht David Caples/Katie William and Sally Ride For Life Hutchinson Mina and Bob Woltil Join FBA Visit FBA’s Website Messenger Deadlines Dr. Linda Crider Robbin Lorenz Gary Smigiel Robert and Nancy Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Use the application form on the last www.floridabicycle.org Joe and Gay Dix page. Suggested contributions (tax Summer Messenger - June 15 Haldeman Fall Messenger - September 15 deductible): Subscribe to FBA Winter Messenger - December 15 Welcome New/Rejoining Members! News, and FBA Blog Spring Messenger - March 15 Individual $25 Devin Doherty Jesse & Angie Ross Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues A.J. & Nancy Henry AJ Sikes Family $35 with these statewide forums. Inquiries and submissions: & Jere Steele DecoBike, LLC Student/living lightly $15 [email protected] Nancy Davis CPS Express Cycling Charlie McGee Club Bicycle Club $100 To subscribe to Florida Bicycle Corporate/Agency $100 Membership Categories: Dave & Barbara Allen Road Bicycle Association's FBAlink, go to FBA’s Wagner Center Higher donations are greatly appre- home page at the website URL listed Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Bob & Diane Redding West Orange Trail ciated! See membership categories, above and click on the “Sign up for Titanium Partners ($500-$999) Andrew Howe & Amy Bikes & Blades below. FBA News Updates by E-Mail” link. Stone Todd Stephens Golden Gears ($250-$499) Martin & Allison National Multiple FBA's Blog is on the website Costello Sclerosis Society Make check payable and mail to: Silver Spokes ($100-$249) Joe & Nicolle Shalley Conan Bickford Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. & Tildon Smith Mary Dickman www.floridabicycle.org Bronze Pedals ($50-$99) P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694 Gordon & Doner, PA Bud Gaunce Membership includes a subscrip- or join online at floridabicycle.org. Bikes & More Richard Hartman tion to the FBA Messenger. Richard Knight Christopher Brad Kuhn Eggebrecht

continued on page 4 4 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Welcome New/Rejoining Members! President’s message... continued from page 3 Robert Pooler Anderson Tell me a story Craig Anderson Martie Anderson Michael Mason Rick Abbott & Krista Paula Crouch Anderson David Henderson Ingham Brian Andrew Donald Rasdall Nancy Apfel here are lots of ways to sell the But some people are motivated by personal FBA delivered these messages and more to Debbie Raines Albert Arana idea of making Florida more stories: legislators and state officials at this year’s Wayne Daltry James & Margaret bicycle-friendly. We know we o The family that is able to make ends meet Florida Bike Summit held April 8. Herman F. Ebeling, Jr. Arends have the facts on our side: with a single because the kids ride to For the second year FBA members were at Laura Blackwood Donald & Susan o 30% of Floridians don’t drive, school and one parent combines biking and the Capital to fight for your rights and make Brent Ferraro Armstrong either because they are too young, transit to get to work. sure bicycling is part of Florida’s future. Kevin Fennelly Robert Ayers too old, not allowed or choose not o The retiree that is able to live indepen- Even if you were not able to join us in John & Cheryl Troupe Linda Bahlke William R. Furrey, Jr. Bill Bailey to. dently because she prevents disease and Tallahassee you can still reach out to your Carlos Alvarez Kathy Bargar o Two-thirds of Florida adults are over- improves her quality of life through regular state and local leaders and let them know that Susan Amick Carmen Bargraser weight or obese, partly because they do not physical activity. a bike friendly Florida (or county or Bill Best John Crocitto & Beth get enough physical activity each day. o The immigrant that has come to Florida city) is important to you for lots of good rea- Richard A. Cahlin Barnes o Florida is the state most vulnerable to sea but chooses not to drive in order to save sons. What message will you use? Amy McClellan Maria Barrera level rise from global warming that is caused money to send his children to college. Congratulations to new League of Aidan Pope Jim Bartholomew by greenhouse gases from human activity. o The community that has enhanced its eco- American Bicyclists board member and Boca Barry Wright Lucia Bass o Bob Weis Wayne & Dianna Information on good places to bicycle is nomic base by attracting recreational tourists Raton resident Jeffrey Lynne. The LAB rec- Jane Harvey Bates one of the most frequent requests of Florida with a good trail project and by holding an ognized Jeff’s leadership skills, particularly Ira Burns Stuart & Susan Beal visitors. annual cycling event. on the SR A1A controversy in Palm Beach Michael Morgan John Benton o The cancer survivor that dedicates her life County. Phil & Sherrie Nolden Danielle Bentzen to raising money for treatment and research He is also Board President of the new The ALS Association Derek Blakeslee by participating in charity rides. South Florida Bike Coalition. (Cris Vidal) Ellen Bone Facts and stories are both valid ways of Michael Sadowski Clifford Booth Find out more about the SFBC at Steven Kaniuka David Boyett communicating. Knowing your audience is www.sfbikecoalition.wordpress.com. Diane Rix Chris Brancato the key to choosing the best way to be heard Roland Riviere Valerie Brannon and get your point across. Joseph A. Kostansek Linda Breum III Gail Brooks Jody Crews Paul Dupuis David & Kay Geva Medwin Nazif & James Mollenkopf Valerie Jones John Mildenberger Kerry Brown & Mary Tony Cuevas David Dyson Harris Gilbert Stephanie Kirejevas Dave Morris Fred Wascura DeWayne & Jennifer Kostenbauder Bill & Ruth D’Aiuto Dennis & Catherine Armand Girard Georgia Kleinhenz Dick & Muriel Mueller Don & Carol Weeden Carver Mary Bruce Suzanne Daniels Edwards Mike & Candis Tom Kowalski Frank & Cindy Murray Michael Weiss Patrick & Elaine Mary Bryant Sandra Daves Patricia Eldridge Gladwin Ryal Lancaster & Mark Myszak Barry White Rourke Louis Campanelli Richard Davidson John Elliot Chuck Glosson Mary Kozak Ozzie Navarro Paul Wiest Connie Fisher Matt Carton Chris Davidson Gin Erwin & Cindi Reinier Goede Rosellen Kraus Richard & Mary John & Shari Wight Dr. Linda Rubin Penny Ceballos William Davis Riordan Ken Golby Stephen & Debbie O’Connor Bruce & Kenza Wilhite Tom & Linda Wentzell Hugh Chakler Jim Day Gary Esposito William & Heidi Graf LaFreniere Glenn Olivenbaum Rob Wittman Don Crowell & Nanci David Chandler Sarah Day Tom & Sharon Dale Graham Timothy Lamb Michael Orlovsky Edward Wong Adler Lisa Chester Wayne & Francie Dear Faulkner Beverly Green Gary Lampe & Sarah Greg Owens Michael & Nora Wright Tom & Amy Ward Eric & Tammie Bob & LeeAnne Yan Fernandez Scott & Marci Herald John & Diana Sanders C. Amy Palmer Jack & Sandra Christensen Denney Eric Ferree Greenberg Tom LaRitz Tito & Bonnie Bob & Rebecca Finucan Shelley Christian William & Jane Derby Elaine Fisher Ralph & Sandra Eric Larmer Santiago Parsons Tina Hamilton Myrna Clayton Linda Derryberry Tom & Jenny Fisher Greene Annette Lavery Kate Santich Don Patton Diane & Michelle Frank Colaricci Malcolm Deshazo Bob & Carol Flanagan Mark Gregory Steve & Sharyn Al & Rita Sauvageau Robert & Karen Paugh Blake Scott & Margaret Cole Edward D’Eustachio Tom & Margaret Flick Drew Gross Lazare Robert Misael Perez & Cathy Ralph DeCaria Michael Coleman Geoffrey & Ruth Dick Ed Fraser Irwin Grossman Stuart Lilie Schimmelphfennig Schubert Steve & Tami Karlovic Judy Collins Herbert Dickens Alan Freedman Christopher Gruler Jason Long John Selbach Veronica Petralia Earle Richards Crescencio & Kaye Donovan Dean & Rosemary Jessica Gurtowski Geoffrey & Samantha Steve & Debra Shelt Mike & Paula Pettis Aaron Anastacia Bienvenida Colon Chad & Mondania Gay Nicholas Guthrie Longster Laurie Siegel Graham & Beth Pettis Bob & Linda Dave Correia Drummond James & Mary George Elaine Hale John Lowe & Mary Jordan & Marion Harry Phillips Joe Hancock Bivin Skinner James Pierstorff Frank Hancock Mitch & Allison Lyman Ellen Smelser Michael Pilletere Breast Cancer Bill Harmon Michelle Madlener Lawrence & Jeannette Barika Poole Jerseys Ride Again Scot & Eileen Hartle Juan Maldonado Smiglewski Holly Porter-Fair Yvonne Hartley Salvatore & Lori Dawn Smith Penny Potter Bruce Hartman Mannino Gainesville Cycling Club members Robert Snider William & Susan Tracy Henderson Wallace Marcantoni Keith Stanley Pouzar Barb and Dave Thomas designed Howard Henley John Marrocco & V Ron Stephenson & Christine Pozo these great-looking pink jerseys to sup- Kay Herman Kramer Cheryl Race Thomas & Lourdes port research by the Florida Breast Cheryl Hicks Marc Marshall Will Stevenback Prince Cancer Foundation (Barb is a 4-year Keith & Denise Salley Martin John Stevens Greg & Dee Pryor survivor). Hilgenfeldt Carlos & Jackie Rue Stewart Ron & Joanne Pugnet Since 2007 their jerseys have been Bruce Hinckley Matias Dick & Sally Stoner Jeff Rall Dennis & Joyce Glenn & Lori featured in fundraisers and rallies all Robert Storke Frank Rapprich Holloway Matthews Aaron Streimish Christopher & Dawn over the U.S., from Crested Butte, CO, Rick & Maureen Jennifer Matusick Eliot Sugarman Reed cattlemen tough enough to wear pink Hoover Mark & Lisa Mayo Rene Sumner Rodney & Marget to a Gainesville gala. Phillip Ingram Debi McCulley Pamela Sumner Reynolds Not just for cycling, the jerseys make Troy Ismir Diane McGlone Ron & Linda Swiger Earle & Laura great gifts for wearing to breast cancer Donald Jacobs Ken McKelvy Rod & Edwina Terman Reynolds awareness walks and other events. Brian & Donna Jensen Brent McLarty Deborah Tharp Raquel Ribeiro Dutch & Martha Scott & Paige Short-sleeved women’s and men’s Andrew & Suzanne John Rigsby Johnson McLemore Thomas Jean Rivera jerseys are $65, the women’s sleeve- All proceeds from sales support the Tony Nosse & Patricia Richard & Chris Susane Thompson Manny Rodriguez less are $60, and matching gloves are Foundation’s research and the CSCRB, Johnston Merriam Joe & Sue Turnbull Dick & Kathy Rogers $18 (plus shipping if applicable). a group of young scientists at U.F. who Steve Jones Herman & Dana Bill & Laura Umlauf Tom & Delia Rowat Dean Smith & Bernice Meyer Jenny Utz Juan Saldarriaga Once Barb places the order, it takes are helping to find a cure for triple neg- Joyce Edwin Micalizzi Richard Vega Harvey & Ginny about 8 weeks for her to receive it, at ative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggres- which time she will notify you. Joseph DeFronzo & Carl Migden & Karyn Vidic Saltzman sive and poorly understood subtype Grazina Juras- Angel Fernando & Julie Dave Sanderson (www.cscrb.org/CSCRB_main/Pink_ Jurevicius Lisa Mihelich Villanueva Bill Wyman For more information and to place Ribbon_Jersey). Ignatius Kapp Jennifer Milikowsky Dave Viney David Yonchik an order, please contact Barb at Kevin & Polly Keller Greg Miller David Wagner Steve Zimmerman [email protected] or 352-377-4427. Paul Kinser Julie Mills Patrick Walther & Christopher Zydek Spring 2010 5

Fla. Summit report... (continued from page 1) Summit increased awareness, inspired FBA members Laura Hallam tors’ support on pending to enhance safe riding throughout the state. Policy reform is a critical element of our Left: FBA and other Summit attendees set up program and change requires advocacy from booths beside the Capitol Building in Pensacola to Key West. A focus on Talla- Tallahassee. Below: Representative James hassee and state policy is important for all of Bush addresses advocates from the Capitol us, even those who remain focused on local steps. issues, as many FBA members discovered. “Florida has lots of natural advantages that Photos: Keri Caffrey could make it a leader in sustainable trans- portation and recreation—if we make the investment in safer roads, connected trails and communities that support transportation choices,” said FBA Board President David Henderson. Ken Bryan, director of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Florida Field Office, and Representative Julio Robaina announced the Driving Law,” House Bill 41/Senate Bill key leaders and their staff to encourage their creation of the Florida Pedestrian/Bicycle 448, and thanks to a relationship with the support. Partnership Council, made up of state agen- Florida chapter of ABATE (American Bikers The result of this important event are pri- cies, local governments and private groups Aimed Towards Education), “Increased fines marily two-fold: increased awareness among to guide to the State agencies on bicycle and for car drivers who cause serious injury or lawmakers of your rights and concerns as a pedestrian policy and practice. death of a motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestri- bicyclist, and inspired and educated FBA Based on responses to a survey adminis- an, House Bill 875/Senate Bill 1918. members who gained critical hands on expe- tered last summer, FBA established a list of Advocates walked the halls of the Senate rience in effectively advocating for better priority actions. The 2010 Summit agenda and House of Representatives meeting with policies. included the “Florida Ban on Texting While Do you have a question about the laws related to bicycling? As a part of the Enforcement Program, we have established a website to provide a Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org* place to ask questions about the laws. This is a continuing series that will address some of the questions and provide updates about the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. George Martin

We are in the final stages of editing the first FS 316.085 – Limitations on Overtaking, Q: Michael asked: An officer said we are FS 316.2065 – Bicycle few modules of the Bicycle Law Passing, Changing Lanes and Changing required to use a sidewalk or bicycle path if (1) Every person propelling a vehicle by Enforcement Plan (BLEP). Upon comple- Course one is available. I find no reference to this in has all of the rights and all of tion, they will be forwarded to selected law (1) No vehicle shall be driven to the left state law. Is this fact? the duties applicable to the driver of any enforcement officers and their agencies, and side of the center of the roadway in overtak- other vehicle. (See the January 18, 2010 post) cycling groups for Beta testing. ing and passing another vehicle proceeding A: First some definitions: They will cover topics such as: in the same direction unless …. such left side Roadways are for the use of vehicles. o Traffic flow vs. safety is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic. Sidewalks are intended for the use of FS 316.003 – Definitions o When cyclists are not required to keep …. in the event the passing movement pedestrians. (2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely right involves the use of a lane authorized for vehi- There is no state requiring a cyclist by human power …. o When cyclists are required to keep right cles approaching in the opposite direction, to be off the roadway and to use a paved (42) Roadway – That portion of a o Unsafe conditions, both apparent (debris, before coming within 200 feet of any shoulder, a paved sidewalk or a bicycle path. improved, designed, or ordinarily used for etc.) and less so (intersections, door approaching vehicle. There is no state statute prohibiting their vehicular , exclusive of the berm or zones, etc.) use by bicyclists. In some circumstances, a shoulder …. o Substandard-width lanes A driver may not overtake and pass another cyclist may choose to use them. There are vehicle if a bicyclist is closely approaching (47) Sidewalk – That portion of a street hazards associated with the use of sidewalks between the curbline, or the lateral line, of a The following are examples of the kinds of from the opposite direction in the roadway, and side-paths that cyclists should under- roadway and the adjacent property lines, questions Ask Geo has received to date from but may do so if the cyclist is not in the road- stand. intended for use by pedestrians. cyclists, officers and attorneys. These way. Local ordinances may prohibit bicyclists (63) Bicycle Path – Any road, path, or way have been edited for space. See the full ques- from using sidewalks. Local ordinances are Q: James asked: Is it legal to ride a bike that is open to bicycle travel, which road, tions and answers and ask your own ques- allowed, but may not conflict with state stat- with a small motor on the roads in Florida? path, or way is physically separated from tions at flbikelaw.org. utes. A: (See the March 23, 2010 post) motorized vehicular traffic by an open space Bicyclists are never required to use a side- or by a barrier …. Q: Ron asked: Is it correct that a vehicle Motorized bicycles are bicycles as defined walk or bicycle path. (75) Vehicle – Every device, in, upon, or by in a two-lane roadway should not overtake in the , and their operators have the which any person or property is or may be Q: Michael also asked: There is a draw- another vehicle in the oncoming lane if there same rights and duties as other bicycle opera- transported or drawn upon a highway …. bridge on this road with a narrow sidewalk is bicycle traffic in that lane? tors. The basic tenet of cyclists’ use of the road- on both sides with a sign as you approach the bridge stating, “Walk Bicycles Across A: (See the February 25, 2010 post) FS 316.003 – Definitions ways is their treatment as operators of vehi- Bridge.” Can the county restrict bicycle The law prohibits passing if a vehicle (2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled solely cles. Bicycles are vehicles. There are some access like this? (bicycle) in the roadway is approaching from by human power, and every restrictions, none of which apply in this case. the opposite direction in a two-lane roadway propelled by a combination of human power A: (See the January 18, 2010 post) if the overtaking driver cannot return to the and an electric helper motor capable of pro- original lane in a timely manner. pelling the vehicle at a speed of not more continued on page 10 FS 316.082 – Passing Vehicles than 20 miles per hour on level ground upon *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material Proceeding in Opposite Directions which a person may ride, having two tandem provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in (2) Upon roadways having width for not wheels, and including any device generally no way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees more than one line of traffic in each direc- recognized as a bicycle though equipped with of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a of law or on the streets differs tion, each driver shall give to the other at two front or two rear wheels. from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and the FBA are not account- least one-half of the main-traveled portion of able for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. the roadway, as nearly as possible. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. 6 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

National Bicycle Summit 2010 Where were you? by Earl Lang

here were you? You It is a real thrill to watch as they move missed a rewarding from jaundiced “What does this one want?” experience. I have to “Wow! I didn’t know that bicycles were attended three times and good for so many things.” have come away every You know that you have achieved the goal time renewed, re-invigo- when you see that they “get it” and realize rated and ready to step up my that bicycling is worthy of their time and efforts for advocacy. effort. From our enthusiasm, they begin to The first full day is for training and educa- look with favor on any bicycle legislation. tion. After those inspiring and informative When you talk with staff, it is great to hear sessions you come to the real reason for the them say with sincerity, “I will make sure National Bicycle Summit – a full day spent that your Representative or Senator gets this talking to your Members of Congress. message.” You walk out of the office about 6 inches off the floor. What a great feeling, If you’ve never done it – YOU SHOULD! and one only a few ever get to experience. Yes! That is what the trip to the National Being able to sit down, one on one with Bike Summit is about. your representative and senators, or their star staff, and pitching How to make it possible bicycling in If attending the Washington, D.C., is National Bike an experience that is Summit is a beyond imagination. problem cash The first interview wise, give your is a little intimidating local bicycle clubs an oppor- but we are all paired FBA Executive Director Laura Hallam and Gary Mendenhall, of J&B Importers, surround tunity to help up with another Team Representative Bill Posey, District 15, during the National Bike Summit held in Washington, DC. Florida participant you and bicy- who has done it cling advocacy. before. By the 2nd or Offer to give a include a short pitch on how the club can Randy opened up with, “With a nice Italian 3rd meeting you are talk on bicycle help you carry the message to Washington. name like Paolo, you must be a bicyclist.” pumped up and advocacy and Talk to bicycle shops and service organiza- Indeed, Paolo was a bicyclist and said his Kathryn Moore, Executive Director of the So. Fla. winging it on your tions. boss, Kosmas, was a bicyclist, too -- and we Bike Coalition chats with Congressman Bill Young’s own. Anyone or any group involved in health were off and running with our pitch. aide Matt Dickerson. and fitness are candidates to help you carry We also pointed out Florida especially the message. I have managed to receive needs help because our state is number one in financing for all three of my trips. You just the U.S. in bicyclist fatalities. That hit Paolo have to take the initiative and time to pro- hard. Paolo said he went to college in mote it. Sarasota and suffered a great loss when a friend died on a bicycle. Alan Snel’s point of view Making connections comes in all ways. In I had great experiences at the Summit, Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite’s office, legislative including making connections about bicy- assistant Kate Troller loved talking bikes with cling with the congressmen’s aides. Randy and I because her dad back in In one case, Randy Myhre, owner of Cincinnati was a bicycling fanatic and even Oliver’s Cycle Sports in new Tampa, and I her grandparents in Florida rode bikes. We met legislative assistant Paolo Mastrangelo used that connection to lean on Kate to tell for Congress-woman Kosmas. her boss to support our bicycle agenda.

FBA visits The Villages

Professional calligrapher Jim Olson (Sumter Landing Bicycle Club member) personalized Share the Road mini license plates at an FBA booth set up during a recent event at The Villages. Jim went through at least 200 before his supply was depleted. Other visi- tors to the booth include Villages Bicycle Club members Marge Kopp, club president Bob Kopp, and League Cycling Instructor Jack Logomarsino who also taught a bicycle safety session. The Villages has two bicycle clubs and due to continued expansion in this 55+ community, a third club is in the making to meet the bicycle demands of Florida’s Fountain of Youth. Spring 2010 7

ProBike/ProWalk 2010 conference venue... Small-town values not forgotten in Lakeland continued from page 1

Auburndale, and (c) a stop on the new Bullet Mary Ann is also on the city historic pres- Train that will connect Tampa with Orlando. ervation board. Those who keep coming will find Lakeland ”We’re not a police board,” she says. “We also a city of neighborhoods, some 15 dis- work with those who want to modify their tinctly recognized and most of these histori- houses according to their historical stan- cal. Shaw House is in the Munn Park Historic dards.” District; the Lake Morton Bed & Breakfast, A final case for enthusiasm: the historic in the Lake Morton Historic District. preservation board has newly cleared a house “By far most wonderful about Lakeland are designed but never yet built by Frank Lloyd the people,” says Lake Morton B&B owner Wright for construction at the Florida Mary Ann Zender. “They’ll open the door for Southern campus. By next year, that will you. They’ll let you into a lane of traffic. become a visitor center. Even if we don’t know each other, we wave.”

Lakeland knows the answers for how to Terrace Hotel, 329 E. Main St., Lakeland keep its city at the top of its class. 33801, 888/644-8400, 863/688-0800, 88 ooooo guest rooms/suites, all with private bath, $100+. Full service Terrace Grill on premis- Places in addition to Hyatt Place to stay es; http://www.terracehotel.com. before or after the conference: Shaw House For further information about Lakeland, Bed & Breakfast, 605 E. Orange St., Lakeland Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, www.lake- 33801, 863/687-7120, 4 guest rooms, all with landchamber.com, or Central Florida Visitors private bath; nightly rates start under $100 and & Convention Bureau, www.visitcentralfloir- include full breakfast; http://shaws-bandb.20fr. da.org. com/. . . Lake Morton Bed & Breakfast, 817 South Blvd., Lakeland 33801, 863/688-6788, — Herb Hiller lives in DeLand and has 4 guest rooms, all with private bath and kitch- long written about one-of-a-kind Florida. en, rates $80-$90 include full breakfast; http:// www.lakemortonbandb.com/ . . . Lakeland photos: Courtesy of Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau 8 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Another excuse to go cycling... Bicycling and birding by Eric Draper irding is part of my job with Picture a confused black vulture interpreted out of the woods and to see a tree littered Florida Audubon and gives from its road kill being chased down a cano- with the white masses of ibis and egrets? me an excuse for getting out- py road as it looks with increasing despera- Now you might think I would bike and bird doors to experience nature tion for an escape through the trees. These intentionally. And I have done that, hanging with other people. are my own safaris. some binoculars around my neck. But I really Bicycling, however, is my pas- It was from a bicycle that I recognized my love nature’s unplanned gifts. Like the time I sion. One I like to do, the other I first swallow-tailed kite. On a humid summer was treated to the dusk return of cormorants live to do. day I had been dropped by the group and to their roosts. Their gliding patterns made I’ve asked myself how to combine these slowed near a creek to anticipate the hill me think I am not the only one who likes activities. The ahead. There swooping, gliding and snatch- loops. answer greets me ing dragonflies was the sleekest bird I had Birds are not all that I have seen on two almost every time I ever seen. It was as though the bird enjoyed wheels. Coyotes, foxes and bobcats have get on a bike. When flight as much as I enjoyed the descent after crossed my path and deer have leaped close photos: Eric Draper riding, I am an a steep climb. If a bike frame were designed enough to make me brake. Friends talk about opportunity birder and painted for such agility and beauty in the huge alligators on a lakeside trail. I’ve and see more inter- flight, it would be my next purchase. Open fields are a good place see wintering seen too many snakes, skinks, tortoises and esting birds than Bicycling allows me to cover so much ter- sparrows, palm warblers and robins. turtles to count. when searching. I rain and with a clear range of vision so the Sometimes a field can seem absolutely alive Cycling is for me a way to get out and see am alert and atten- variety of habitat is only limited by my legs. with birds. I’ve learned to anticipate spring the world in a different way. Florida has tive and notice so much of what is going on Roadside brush and trees are favorite haunts by the birds in the grasses. 83,000 miles of roads and 497 bird species. I around me. My riding companions have got- for songbirds. One of my most memorable is a great way to sneak up probably won’t get down every pretty road ten used to me shouting out names of birds I experiences was a pair of indigo buntings in on wild turkeys and to flush quail. I always and trail in our beautiful state, and I may not am excited to see—“Redhead!” I’ll cry out or a tumbling aerial dual right beside the road. feel a bit guilty as I am sure that my bounc- see every species of bird. But I know I will “Pileated!” My favorite rides have favorite birds. ing through grasses and brush must fill them see more if I do both. So imagine the thrill of watching from just Ospreys nest and hunt from the powerlines with fear of a attacking predator. meters away one of nature’s most sudden and that lace through a nearby park. Soaring My gets me into parts of the — Eric Draper is Policy Director for surprising spectacles—a red-tailed hawk eagles are often around. And there are rafts woods I would never walk to and are off lim- Audubon of Florida picking off a fat squirrel. This was allowed of ducks on nearby lakes through the winter its to . That means I am in easy reach of www.AudubonofFlorida.org. because I approached the prey with the same months. On coming home I can see buffle- colonies of wood storks and other wading quick, determined silence as the hawk. heads in the pond near my house. In the sum- birds. What is more spectacular than to pull mer there might be little blue herons. Spring 2010 9

Bike/Walk Central Florida FBA Central Florida Chapter announces board, plans by Brad Kuhn, Chapter Executive Director

reetings from the streets of low our progress on our website: www.bike- ject areas, who will work with board mem- Central Florida, where we walkcentralflorida.org. bers on specific task forces. Our plan is to are moving forward at the Our chapter is co-chaired by former combine fun programs and events with seri- speed of life. We’re here to Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, and ous public policy and social marketing to tell you that walking in attorney Hal Downing, former General improve our streets and bike/ped facilities Orange and Seminole coun- to the FBA. Confirmed board mem- and get more people walking/riding for fun ties is fun. bers include a who’s who of local planners, and fitness. Most of our streets aren’t as mean as the advocates, communicators and attorneys, Bike/Walk Central Florida, serving Orange so-called experts would have you believe— including: and Seminole counties, is funded by a gener- ous grant from the Winter Park Health and we’re going to take a serious stab at fix- o Thomas Katheder, Vice President at Walt Foundation, and is the second local chapter ing those that are. Disney Parks and Resorts of the Florida Bicycle Association and the We spent the first quarter dotting our I’s, o Jamie Krzeminski, a Senior first to have a paid part-time executive direc- crossing our T’s, and sometimes crossing our Transportation Engineer with HDR, Inc. tor. eyes. But I’m happy to report that we have o Jody Lazar, community advocate lined up an all-star board with the passion, o G. Brock Magruder, Jr., M.D., eye sur- Your humble Executive Director: planning ability, and political heft to deliver geon, cycling advocate on our vision of a community where families I am a long-time resident of Orange County, o Malisa Mccreedy, Parks and Recreation a professional journalist, author, and media walk and bike because it’s fun, where kids Planning Manager, City of Orlando walk or ride their bikes to school, where consultant. I have worked for The Wall o David Overfield, Environmental Director, Street Journal, The Orlando Sentinel, roads are designed with the needs of all users Orange County Health Department in mind, and adventure is just around the cor- Orlando Business Journal and various busi- o Jon Rawlson, Senior Advisor with Baker ness trade publications. I hold a journalism ner at a neighborhood mountain bike park or & Hostetler interconnected network of recreational trails. degree from the University of Nebraska- where we will brief them on the status quo, o Billy Hattaway, Transportation Planner Lincoln and an MBA from the Crummer and assign tasks and deadlines. By the third This is not a dream. Most of these initia- with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. tives are already underway or in the pipeline. Graduate School of Business at Rollins quarter we hope to be fully operational, hold- Our goal is to move them forward with a In addition to the board, which will meet College. ing events and making a difference in the combination of advocacy, elbow grease, and quarterly, we will have a team of advisors In April, we plan to bring the board and community. smart, sustainable public policy. You can fol- with interest and/or expertise in specific sub- advisors together for a half-day symposium We are proud to be a part of the Florida Bicycle Association and we look forward to bringing you news of our progress in future ASK THE CYCLING ATTORNEY... issues of the FBA Messenger. If I get hit, I’ll just call you by Steele Olmstead, Esq. eah,... you’re right.... you can Let me point out the problems with that.... Mighty long list, eh? Think about that. are $13,000) and you get a hospital visit of hire a if you’re hit.... and why you should never adopt consider This is not some abstract possibility for a around $50,000.00 with CT scans, MRIs, ICP that as a perspective. cyclist. (Intra cranial pressure monitors- yes they I hear on a regular basis of the In my last “ask a lawyer” column I pointed This is what your body and your life will drill a hole in your head and put in a moni- complaints from car drivers about out that a crash between a bicycle and a car be put through if a crash occurs. All the tor.) road cyclists being “obnoxious” or is the difference between a dent and a trip to items on that list are elements you actually THEN comes the surgeries, casts that itch “aggressive” or “jerks” or “thinking the hospital. lose in a bike crash. and itch, shots, pills that make you sick, they own the road.” Put an additional way “between dent and My clients start thinking about these the months of painful rehab, crutches that chafe I hear these and, when I get a chance, I death.” minute they are hit and don’t stop thinking of your arm pits... are you seeing the picture my explain in a polite manner that we do “own A claim for personal injury after a crash them until years—years my friends—later. darlings? the road” just like the complainer does. includes (from the standard automobile injury Is it worth it if you get a big money judg- If the car has zero , you are on the But, I wonder what the actual situation complaint): “bodily injury and resulting pain ment using me, Chris or another cycling law- hook. Everybody got uninsured motorist from the cyclist perspective was in which she and suffering, disability, disfigurement, men- yer? Well, in a phrase, and not to put too coverage on your auto policy? I hope so. The or he reacted to cause this flustered motorist tal anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoy- fine a point on it: “hell no!” number of uninsured cars is increasing. to complain. ment of life, expense of hospitalization, med- Here’s why: What if the motorist who hits To sum up our only philosophy in the Of course being a personal injury lawyer, I ical and nursing care and treatment, loss of you is one of the many uninsured or under saddle should be this: “There is no way I will have concern for the cyclist safety in the situ- earnings, loss of ability to earn money, and insured folks on the road? take chances under any circumstances what- ation. So many times fellow cyclists say: “If aggravation of a preexisting injury or dis- Your average cyclist ER visit is about soever.” From the lips of my injured cyclist I get hit, I’ll just call you.” ease.” $2,000. Without a helmet, they send you on clients I tell you this: Be safe out there, be a chopper: $13,000. (Yes, those chopper rides very safe. 10 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger Cycling heralds Florida’s first ecotourism year—maybe decade by Herb Hiller © 2010, Herb Hiller, Inc., first serial rights. f knowledge is power, let me tell March 27th, initiatives that for years had you a story that will pump up your otherwise developed on their own started car- cycling in general and along the St. oming off each other. Bike Florida rolled out Johns River-to-Sea Loop in particular. its 17th annual mass spring ride. The Florida Florida has entered into its ecotour- Wildflower Foundation celebrated its fourth ism year or (fanfare, please), the annual wildflower festival. Both events took “Florida Year of Ecotourism.” place in downtown DeLand, the hub of the This announcement in the FBA Messenger River of Lakes Heritage Corridor and River will likely be the first and only place where of Lakes Scenic Highway. you will hear about this. The heritage corridor had already inspired I will explain in a moment why I myself the idea of the 260-mile, five-county St. might second-guess what I tell you, but first Johns River-to-Sea Loop, and that in turn things first. inspired a new focus on long-distance, so- Let ’em Know about the Law Order your “3 Feet Please” jersey today from http://fba.3feetplease.com.

It’s a jungle out there.....or maybe it’s Bike Florida. A not-so-typical campsite along the Bike Florida 2010 trail. Oh, my!

called destination trails by the Florida Office Advertising Authority, Main Street DeLand, of Greenways and Trails. Further result is a the Volusia County Agricultural Center, and trails website by Visit Florida that launches the East Coast Greenway Alliance. this October and will greatly boost trails and Benefits of the interplay certainly extend trail vacationing in our state. to regional wildflower seed growers, to local Other organizations central to the 27th Deliver your bold, powerful message in black letters on a bright yel- included the West Volusia continued on page 12 low background. You’ll help remind drivers to share the roads and at the same time help FBA. Ask Geo@ Traffic control devices …. shall be placed Purchase your jersey through the website above and a $5.00 only as authorized by a public authority or contribution will be made to FBA, courtesy of Tallahassee resi- the official having …. for the continued from page 5 purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding dent Joe Mizereck. Questions? Call 800-761--907 or E-mail traffic. [email protected] In a word, no. See also the previous question about bicy- All regulatory traffic control devices shall cles on sidewalks. be supported by laws, ordinances, or regula- In addition to the right to use the roadways tions. described in the post above, there are Counties (among others) are given the requirements about the types of signs that authority to place and maintain traffic control may be used on roadways. Just as the stat- devices in their , but they must utes require uniform traffic standards conform to the uniform system and be sup- We can guarantee you’ll look a lot better in an FBA jersey than this guy, so throughout the state, there are also regula- ported by laws, ordinances or regulations. get yours today. Available by phone or via the FBA Store on the website. tions that require the use of certain traffic FS 316.006 – Jurisdiction $70 (or free with your donation of $250 or more). control devices. Jurisdiction to control traffic is vested as follows: FS 316.003 – Definitions (3) Counties shall have the original juris- (23) Official Traffic Control Devices – All diction over all streets and highways located signs, signals, markings, and devices …. for within their boundaries, except all state the purpose of regulating, warning, or guid- roads …. And may place and maintain such ing traffic. traffic control devices which conform to the manual and specifications of the Department The Florida Department of Transportation of Transportation …. is tasked with adopting such a system of uni- form devices. Unless there is a local ordinance requiring cyclists to leave the roadway to cross a FS 316.0745 – Uniform Signals and bridge, there is no justification for such a Devices sign. Transportation shall adopt a uniform sys- Additionally, there is no sign in the tem of traffic control devices for use on the MUTCD that says “Walk Bicycles Across streets and highways of the state. Bridge,” or anything similar. There appears The uniform system that the Department has to be no authority for the use of the sign in adopted is the national Manual on Uniform question. Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). MUTCD Show your your FBA colors proudly and help promote the new 3-ft law and the Section 1A.08 – Authority for Placement of Share the Road license plate campaign. Supply limited. Order online today! Traffic Control Devices www.floridabicycle.org 352-468-3430 Spring 2010 11

Selected State-wide Contacts Here’s whom to call about your bicycle/pedestrian/transportation concerns. We ran out of room, so many contacts are not included. Go to www.floridabicycle.org/statecontacts.htm for the complete list. AGENCY/FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY NAME TELEPHONE E-MAIL FDOT Central Office State Safety Officer Marianne Trussell 850.245.1500 [email protected] State Pedestrian & Bicycle Coordinator Dennis Scott 850.245.1527 [email protected] State SRTS Coordinator Pat Pieratte 850.245.1529 [email protected] Asst. Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Dwight Kingsbury 850.245.1520 [email protected] Florida School Crossing Guard Program Administrator Carol Pulley 850.245.1757 [email protected] Ped-bike traffic safety grants Ralph Salvas 850.245.1526 [email protected] ADA Coordinator Dean Perkins 850.414.4359 [email protected] Roadway Design Mary Anne Koos 850.414.4321 [email protected]

District 1 Ped-Bike Coordinator Sarita Taylor 863.519.2216 [email protected] District 1 Safety Prgm Manager Michael Kautz 863.519.2522 [email protected] District 1 CTSP Coordinator Debra Stallings 863.519.2347 [email protected] Charlotte County MPO Gary Harrell 941.639.4676 [email protected] Collier County Community Development/dvlpmnt review Russ Muller 239.403.2462 [email protected] Lee County MPO Ron Gogoi 239.338.2550x239 [email protected] Lee County DOT Victoria Griffin 239.533.8580 [email protected] Manatee County Sharon Tarman 941.749.3070 [email protected] Polk County TPO Ryan Kordek 863.534.6558 [email protected] Sarasota County Irene Maiolo 941.816.0891 [email protected]

District 2 Ped-Bike Coordinator Holly Walker 904.360.5629 [email protected] District 2 Safety Engineer Scott Lent 904.360.5629 [email protected] District 2 CTST Coordinator Andrea Atran 904.360.5416 [email protected] City of Gainesville Transportation Services/Bike-Ped Coordinator Dekova Batey 352.334.5074 [email protected] First Coast MPO Elizabeth DeJesus 904.306.7505 [email protected] Duval County Health Dept/Injury Prevention Stephen McCloskey 904.630.3300x2308 [email protected]

District 3 Ped-Bike Coordinator Zena Riley 850.415.9656 [email protected] District 3 Safety Prgm Manager Jonathan Harris 850.415.9516 [email protected] District 3 CTST Coordinator-West Barbara Lee 850.415.9231 [email protected] District 3 CTST Coordinator-East Stanley Rudd 850-415-9488 [email protected] Panhandle MPOs (West Fla RPC) Brian Youpatoff 800.332.7976x224 [email protected] Capital Region Agency (MPO) 850.891.6801

District 4 Ped-Bike Coordinator Larry Hymowitz 954.777.4663 [email protected] District 4 Safety Prgm Manager Gilbert Soles 954.777.4358 [email protected] District 4 CTSP Coordinator Carmen Pullins 954.777.4361 [email protected] City of Boca Raton Municipal Services Engineering/transportation analyst Joy Puerta 561.416.3410 [email protected] City of Boca Raton PD/traffic safety educ Lori Wheeler 561.620.6056 [email protected] Broward MPO/Special Projects & Bicycle Coordinator Mark Horowitz 954.357.6641 [email protected] City of Delray Beach Parking Mgmt Scott Aronson 561.243.7286 [email protected] Indian River County MPO Phil Matson [email protected] Martin County MPO Ann Perrotta 772-288-5484 [email protected] Palm Beach County MPO/Bike-Ped-Greenways Coordinator Bret Baronak 561.684.4163 [email protected]

District 5 Ped-Bike Coordinator Joan Carter 386.943.5335 [email protected] District 5 Safety Engineer Anthony Nosse 386.943.5334 [email protected] District 5 CTST Coordinator Barry Wall 904.943.5324 [email protected] Space Coast MPO Transportation/Bike-Ped-Trails Prgm Coordinator Barbara Meyer 321.690.6890 [email protected] Space Coast MPO Transportation/traffic safety education Kim Smith 321.690.6890 [email protected] Lake-Sumter MPO/Transportation Coordinator Michael Woods 352.315.0170 [email protected] Metroplan Orlando (MPO)/Bike-Ped Coordinator, Smart Growth Planner Mighk Wilson 407.481.5672x318 [email protected] City of Orlando Ped-Bike Coordinator Cristina Cruz 407.246.3347 [email protected] City of Orlando Bike Coordinator/Planner Charles Brown 407.246.3325 [email protected] Seminole County Public Works/Principal Engnr David Martin 407.665.5610 [email protected] Volusia County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Stephan Harris 386.226.0422x34 [email protected]

District 6 Ped-Bike Coordinator Ken Jeffries 305.470.6736 [email protected] District 6 Safety Engineer 305.470.5722 District 6 CTST Coordinator Carlos Sarmiento 305.470.5335 [email protected] Miami-Dade County MPO David Henderson 305.375.1647 [email protected] Monroe County Planning Townsley Schwab 305.289.2506 [email protected]

District 7 Ped-Bike Coordinator Lori Snively 813.975.6405 [email protected] District 7 Safety Engineer Peter Hsu 813.975.6251 [email protected] District 7 CTSP Coordinator Jeanette Rouse 813.975.6256 [email protected] City of Clearwater/Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator Felicia Leonard 727.562.4852 [email protected] Hernando County MPO Steve Diez 352.754.4057 [email protected] Hillsborough County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Gena Torres 813.273.3774x357 [email protected] Hillsborough County Public Works/Engrg Tech, bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Deborah Carreno 813.307.1852 [email protected] Hillsborough County Public Works/Manager, Bicycle, Ped & School Safety Prgms Gary Tait 813.307.1871 [email protected] City of Pinellas Park/Planning Ron Hull 727.541.0704 [email protected] Pinellas County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Brian Smith 727.464.8200 [email protected] City of St. Petersburg Transportation & Parking/bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Cheryl Stacks 727.892.5328 [email protected] City of Tampa Public Works Jan Washington 813.274.8303 [email protected] City of Tampa/Parks & Rec Dept/Greenways & Trails Coordinator Karla Price 813.274.5134 [email protected]

Other state & federal agency staff Florida Traffic Safety Education Program/Director Dan Connaughton 352.392.4042x1296 [email protected] FTBSEP assistant John Egberts 352.392.4042x1370 [email protected] FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails Jim Wood 850.245.2052 [email protected] FDOE Student Transportation/Director Charlie Hood 850.245.9924 [email protected] Florida Tech Transfer (T**2) Center/Co-directors Janet Degner, Nina Barker 352.392.2371x227 [email protected] FHWA Fla Div Safety Engineer Hussein Sharifpour 850.942.9650x3024 [email protected] Florida Pedestrian/Bicycling Safety resource Center Wanda Wilson and Jennifer Nguyen 352.392.9537x1544 [email protected] 12 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Bicycle Law Enforcement Program Two citations: nearly identical circumstances...opposite

In the upheld case, there was an allegation In the case in which the cyclist was found fic in the adjacent lane. It is troubling that by George Martin of rude and disrespectful conduct on the part guilty, the officer indicated in court that there such similar cases could be decided so differ- of the cyclist. was a sidewalk that the cyclist could have ently. That does not bode well for education Although the cyclist denies such behavior, been using, indicating ignorance of the rights and enforcement of the laws about bicycling. my uninformed opinion is that those allega- of cyclists as operators of vehicles and the This is the second such case in that com- tions affected both the decision to award the additional hazards of cyclists riding on side- munity that has resulted in a guilty . ecently, a cyclist was cited citation and the court case. walks. In neither case did the state how nar- for violation of the “keep We should know that is not a positive way The cyclist read the substandard-width pro- row a lane must be to be substandard-width, right” provisions of FS to impress an officer or the court, and should vision in the statutes, and a quote from the and therefore entitled to treatment as an 316.2065-Bicycle Regulations. never be a part of our roadway interactions. Department of Transportation about a wide unsafe condition under that provision of FS It was upheld in traffic court. There were some minor differences in the curb lane being a minimum of 14 feet wide 316.2065, nor recognize cyclists’ discretion It was similar to another citation about a year circumstances. with narrower lanes being not wide enough to do as the statutes say, avoid unsafe condi- ago in another jurisdiction. Both cases were One was a multi-lane roadway and the for a motor vehicle to safely pass a bicycle tions. nearly identical in the circumstances and the other was a roadway with one lane in each within the same lane. Florida is among those states with the very presented by the bicyclists to the direction, which should have no bearing. The officer stated that virtually all lanes in highest casualties, and some communities, court. Both lanes were less than 12 feet wide. that city are less than 14 feet wide and including that with the upheld citations, have The cases are notable because one cyclist Both met the substandard-width lane, unsafe cyclists would be able to ride in the center of been repeatedly identified as those with was found guilty and the other the case was condition exception to the “keep right” provi- the lane everywhere, which seems to imply “Mean Streets” in 2004 and more recently, dismissed. There were some differences in sions of FS 316.2065 (5)(a)3. that since that community has narrow road- “Dangerous By Design”. We know from the situations. Some of the statements allegedly made by ways, Florida law does not apply. studying crash reports that a significant num- Both cyclists were advised to write to the officers in both cases stress the need for edu- About 90% (my estimate) of Florida road- bers of crashes result from cyclists riding too department, retain counsel, and file a motion cation about the laws. The statements were ways have lanes that are less than 14 feet far right when they are not required to do so to dismiss before the court date. The cyclist reported by the cyclists and I have no way of wide. I believe that was the intent of the by law. Cyclists need law enforcement and who was found guilty chose to proceed with- verifying some of them. My guess is that “unsafe conditions” language in the Bicycle the to support their legal right to pro- out counsel. they were accurate since I have heard other Regulations that allows a cyclist to leave the tect themselves from common crashes. The other retained counsel and filed a such reports that I know to be true. right side of the roadway and become more If the image—and reality—of Florida as motion to dismiss, which was decided in his In both cases, the officer indicated that the visible, thereby encouraging safe and legal having the most dangerous communities in favor before the court date. cyclist could not impede traffic. The statute overtaking and passing by motorists. the U.S. is to change, we must begin by con- I believe that the time and proper setting of about impeding traffic applies only to motor The statutes reflect and should encourage cern for safety over traffic flow. a pre- motion will enable full exploration vehicles. safe cycling practices. In both cases, there is The uniform understanding and application of the circumstances, facilitating a better FS 316.183 – Unlawful Speed a lack of understanding of the principles of of the laws about bicycling in Florida will decision. (5) No person shall drive a motor vehicle safe cycling, and that riding far right in a nar- come from implementation of FBA’s Bicycle The environment in traffic court is not con- at such a slow speed as to impede or block row lane encourages motorists to illegally Law Enforcement Program. ducive to thorough examination of the laws the normal and reasonable movement of traf- and dangerously attempt to pass within the and circumstances of a case. fic. lane with oncoming traffic or conflicting traf-

Show Your Support and Florida’s eco-tourism year Help Get the Word Out continued from page 10 lodgings and to main street retailers. The better we feel, and the better that bicycling entire regional community surely strengthens makes us feel, the more likely we are to con- Educate other users that bi- when people gather from near and far for sider our bikes for getting to and from work. activities centered at the regional heart. Then, the more likely we are to call for bikes cycle drivers are allowed the Mainstream tourism for the most part orga- on buses, bikes on trains and for showers in full use of the lane on most of nizes differently from this. Hotels, the workplace. SunRail will reach West our roads* with an FBA static and rental cars drive what we call tourism. Volusia in 2014. Advocates will become People focused on putting heads in beds more empowered. cling. $2.00 (mailing included). organize often inauthentic events. Indeed, For at least some, however, the notion of a New and renewing members mainstream tourism doesn’t even include as Florida Year of Ecotourism might bring to get this free! tourists people who don’t stay at least night mind turn-of-the-19th century Coconut away from home. Grove. There, Ralph Munroe had organized Ecotourism takes a different approach. sultan-comfortable tents at a vacation com- Ecotourism asks, How can we use the pres- pound he called Camp Biscayne. His guests Order via FBA’s online ence of outsiders, temporarily among us at helped locals harvest sponges and otherwise store at leisure, to benefit local priorities? Ecotourism learn about ecological lifestyles that their vis- recognizes the desire we all share to look itors’ presence helped sustain. Soon came www.floridabicycle.org beyond where we live for enjoyment and Kirk Munroe (no relation to Ralph), who up knowledge. north had founded the League of American So, for example, if you’re a farmer looking Wheelmen and, in the Grove, made bicycling to raise a new cost efficient and sustainable familiar. crop, might you not want to know about rela- If bicycling helped center the first Florida tively high yield and profitable native wild- ecotourism decade in Coconut Grove, maybe flower seed? Wouldn’t you want people to cycling will also help West Volusia start the come learn about what you do and then go second. home extolling the utility and beauty of wild- flowers? Do ecotourists not become virtual — Writer Herb Hiller is southeast region bees, pollinating beauty and a conserving program consultant to the East Coast way of life? Greenway Alliance and serves on the FBA Ecotourism – especially -- Advisory Board. He has been a Florida focuses on energy resourceful travel. ecotourism leader. *Florida Statute 316.2065(5)(a)3. Moreover, the more we ride at leisure the Spring 2010 13

Reflections on the book Fighting Traffic by Peter D. Norton (MIT Press, 2008) New frames for new ages (part 3) by Mighk Wilson

he automotive city took (In a way we are even better organized than avid cyclist. President Obama reportedly though they see the streets as “belonging” to back much of the freedom it motorists; but then motorists have the entire “gets it” when it comes to cycling: them, want to act safely when encountering promised…. culture behind them.) Stan Day, president of SRAM bicycle com- cyclists and pedestrians. The problem is they [W]hen street users are free to use Financial support is growing, but still min- pany, said Obama “gets it,” referring to the often don’t know what bicyclists and pedes- cars, the freedom of all street iscule compared to motoring interests. We try role the bicycle can play in solving big prob- trians are allowed and expected to do by law. users (including motorists) to to use moral power (freedom, safety, environ- lems like obesity and sustainability. “He does So we’ll keep handing out those little yellow use anything else is diminished. A ment, community), but the voice needs his homework and he can connect the dots.” books.*** Altering our culture’s construct of city rebuilt (socially and physically) to amplification (which takes money). – Momentum Magazine what a street is for, of who “owns” them, is accommodate cars cannot give street users Commanding the lane is an expression of Do Obama and Oberstar understand the essential if we are to truly have multi-modal the good choices a truly free market can pro- personal power combined with the power of necessity of changing the frame? Do public communities that support our environmental vide.” expectation; you’re telling the motorist you health and environmental leaders understand? and social values and goals. Motorists got – Peter Norton expect him to treat you as an equal. Critical It will take a strong coalition. their Freedom in the 1920s by diminishing The Use of Power Mass – like it or not – is an expression of And the “opponent” is weaker than ever: the Freedom of pedestrians and bicyclists; it’s physical power. (Motorist and law enforce- time to take it back. If 1920s motordom had used today’s domi- ment complaints that groups of bicyclists are “I don’t think the car is sustainable as the nant bicycle advocacy strategies, they would occasionally “hogging the road” sound hys- primary form of personal transportation. It’s ** Credit Keri Caffrey for this reference. have said: “Give us a place to drive where terically funny when one steps out from not just about petroleum or global climate *** FBA’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Law we won’t get in the way and harm others.” behind the current motorist-dominated change. It’s also about congestion and safe- Enforcement Guide But they knew that such a strategy would frame.) ty.” severely constrain their freedom. The bicycling movement needs a serious – Larry Burns, head of research and devel- What we can learn from their story? First internal discussion on opment for General Hangtags and Stuffers... and foremost is the need to reframe our what types of power The bicycling movement Motors, 2009 promote FBA and Share the Road streets back to their original concept of pub- it can and should use, ... needs a serious internal license plates and help increase aware- lic space. Today, as in the 1920s, a “new age and how. In the 1920s many, if ness of the fun, benefits and responsi- has dawned.” The age of Climate Change In an essay I wrote discussion on what types not most, pedestrians bilities of bicyclists. and Peak Oil has begun; the Age of Sprawl inspired by Malcolm of power it can and and transit riders aspired has ended. In this new age, bicyclists slow- Gladwell’s book to become motorists. Look for the tags in your local bicycle ing motorists is a good thing. It’s an age for Blink, I quoted should use, and how. Today many are finding shop, or encourage your dealer to get reclaiming the crosswalks, for building Harvard psychologist the automobile to be as some. Ask FBA how you can get the pedestrian-oriented streets (to counter free- Mahzarin Banaji: much a burden as a tool of empowerment. It stuffers to use at your next bicycling ways). It’s an age for letting bicyclists drive “You don’t choose to make positive associ- takes up about a quarter of their annual event. Contact: laura@floridabicycle. in the safest possible manner, which often ations with the dominant group, but you are income, threatens the climate, continues to org means in the middle of the lane. It’s an age required to. All around you, that group is kill over 35 thousand Americans a year (just in which the definition of “efficiency” must being paired with good things. You open the through crashes; that doesn’t include air pol- change from speed to space, from speed to newspaper and turn on the television, and lution), and driving is increasingly seen as a real energy conservation. you can’t escape it.” chore. Building “walkable communities” and Before we can change the frame, we must More and more I hear from people who “complete streets” is a good effort – it pro- move out from behind it ourselves as cyclists wish they could become bicyclists. Ironically, vides incremental improvements for non- and pedestrians. becoming a bicyclist today is easier than motorized travelers – but it’s not enough. It Bike and pedestrian advocates have been becoming a motorist was in the 1920s. It’s doesn’t change the frame. I watch the behav- trying, and in some cases succeeding in pass- just seen as being difficult because the motor- ior on Orlando’s supposedly pedestrian- ing laws in some states which would suppos- centric frame says it is. The real task of friendly and cyclist-friendly streets and still edly return some balance to our streets, but cycling and walking advocates is to help see far too much “we own these roads” these laws are like mosquito bites on the more people — as Morpheus said in The behavior by motorists. In the 1920s motorists back of an unharnessed elephant. Matrix – “take the red pill.”** changed the frame of what we today call Does anyone have the slightest bit of evi- “You take the blue pill, the story ends; you “walkable communities” into motor-domi- dence that the 3-foot passing law has changed wake up in your bed and believe whatever nated cities. Only later did they rebuild our anything? Has even one motorist (not you want to believe. You take the red pill; cities to accommodate the auto. involved in a crash) been cited for it? you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how Motoring interests used every form of Please understand I am not proposing a deep the rabbit hole goes.” power available to them. They didn’t have return to the pre-1920s laws or customs. “Taking the red pill” in part means trusting much in the way of numbers, but they had Automobiles aren’t going away too soon, and the power of our cultural norms. Salter- political connections, strong financial back- we need good order when such dangerous Mitchell also found that most motorists, even ing, and organization. They developed things are on our roads. “moral” power by playing the “freedom” and Indeed, for the most part our existing laws “future” cards. Finally, after they had are quite good. The problems are the frame The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and changed the rules of the game, they could through which our laws are interpreted, and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well being through bicycling. use physical horsepower to intimidate with the general ignorance of them. When I The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable relative impunity. explain the laws to those with suspended purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Pedestrians today are the weakest street licenses attending the Alternative Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the user group. Their little political strength is Transportation course, many have a hard time current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694. To join FBA complete the form in this newsletter and send with your dues, or join “bottom up;” their financial support is scant. accepting them; they don’t fit in the “proper online at www.floridabicycle.org. Few people identify themselves as “pedestri- frame.” The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to mem- ans,” so their organization is minimal except The Time is Now bers and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the in places like New York City. Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694. There has never been a better time of oppor- We bicyclists could be much stronger if we www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail:laura@floridabi­cycle.org; Phone: 352-468-3430. took full advantage of the forms of power we tunity for cycling and walking interests. We Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the Messenger. have at hand. Unlike pedestrians, we are have a New Age. We offer healthy, economi- The Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for rates and quite well organized; we have the Alliance cal, green, and enjoyable options. We repre- specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review adver- for Biking and Walking (formerly sent real efficiency, by accomplishing many tising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither in the Thunderhead Alliance), the League of goals at once instead of mere . best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Although we carefully review arti- cles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information or opinions con- American Bicyclists, numerous state and We have the chairman of the House tained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. local advocacy organizations, and still more Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on our side; Jim Oberstar is an local clubs, groups rides, and web forums. © 2010 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved. 14 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the contact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from a calendar maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected]. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, and all the hype we edited out at www.floridabicycle.org/fbtc/.

April bike in lieu of the $30 donation. www. Over 170 miles of quiet back roads 5218.Active.com Online Registration ride. Tandem riders are welcome, just tourderanch.us to Linda Pedersen Park in Hernando add $15.00 for the extra rider. For info, April 17-18 Tallahassee County. Minimal support with only July please call ride coordinator, Trish at Tour of Southern Rural Vistas April 25 (Sun) Venice 4 unmanned SAG stops with energy @863.640.1024. 200 miles/200 km in two days. Start Sharky’s 8th Ride the BeachesSupport- drinks and water. You will need to July 31 (Sat) Panama City Beach www.bartowchamber.com/ in Havana, FL, overnight in Albany, ing: LIVESTRONG Lance Armstrong depend on convenience stores for most Fuller Center Bicycle Adventure GA. Limited camping available. www. Foundation. 65/35/15 miles. Includes of your food and hydration. See event Part of a 50 day, 50 person ride from October cccyclists.org beach side breakfast, well stock rest website for full details about this ride. Niagara Falls to New Orleans for the October 17 (Sun) Dade City stops, and BBQ lunch at Sharky’s on www.spacecoastfreewheelers.com/ 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Tampa Bay Freewheelers Hilly April 17 (Sat) Amelia Island the Pier. T-shirt for those who register xfl2010.htm To raise money and awareness for Hundred Katie Ride For Life before 4/15/10, waterbottle for the first the ongoing need for housing in New 18/34/63/100 miles through the chal- 400. Registration and breakfast start at May 15 (Sat) Gainesville 30/60/100km and a Century (100 Orleans and around the world. The ride lenging hills of Pasco and Hernando 7:00am. 1600 S. Dr. Venice Fl. Ride To Remember 4 miles). Nine barrier islands from Amelia on July 31st will be about 56 miles and Counties. Pasco-Hernando Community through Ft.George islands. Pre-ride Mail to Sharky’s on the Pier, PO Box Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, or a road end in the Fort Walton Beach area. Fully College, 36727 Blanton Rd., Dade City, breakfast, special edition T-shirt. Short 267, Venice Fl 34285 Phone 941-488- ride into the Ocala horse farm territory supported. FL 33523. Registration and light break- loop available for families and newer 1456. www.sharkysonthepier.com/ of 50/75/100 miles. A benefit for Elder- www.fullercenter.org/bikeadventure fast snacks 6:30 am. Mass start 7:30 riders in Fort Clinch State Park. Special Care of Alachua County and Al′z Place, am. All ride routes close and support April 25 (Sun) Jacksonville providing Alzheimer′s Day Care. lodging rates available. Ride proceeds September ends 3:00 pm sharp. underwrite an organ donor educational Tour de Forts North Florida Bicycle http://gccfla.org/rtr/ http://TBFreewheelers.com Club. 18/30/62/75/100 miles. Members Active.com Online Registration program Start: 2500 Atlantic Ave. Rec September 18 (Sat) Bartow $25, non-members $35, Day-of-ride October 18-22 Cross City center.on Amelia Island. Call Vicki for Tour de Tow - Road Tour & Crite- registration without complementary May 15-16 Lake Wales Gulf Coast Highlight Tour details (904) 491-0811. www.active. rium An on- tour along T-shirt ($45) begins 6:30 AM. Post-ride Bike MS: The Citrus Tour 2010 Tour package consists of 5 days and com/cycling/amelia-island-fl/katie-ride- the scenic back roads of southern Polk for-life-2010 lunch. http://nfbc.us/Active.com Online Bok Tower Gardens to Caribe Royale four nights cycling on Florida′s beauti- County. Lunch served at finish. Watch ful Gulf Coast, Visit Historic Yulee Registration Resort. the Florida Cup Race Criterium on Sugar Mill; see the Mermaids perform April 17-18 Homestead http://bikeflc.nationalmssociety.org/site/ Main Street. will be going on for at Weeki Watchee Springs and the April 30 - May 2 White Springs PageServer?pagename=BIKE_FLC_ Bike MS: Zimmerman MS Bike Ride this exciting Cup Series into the night. Manatees at Crystal River...and more. SBA Spring Festival homepage Presented by Mack Cycle and Fitness The Road Tour will feature a 17 mile www.gulfcoasteventstours.com/ Ride the roads, walk the trails or Start: 7am, BankUnited Center at the Family Fun Ride, 35 mile & 65 mile University of Miami. 50/75/85/110/150 down the Suwannee River with friends May 19 (Wed) Sunrise miles. Overnight: John Pennekamp and members of the SBA. 50 miles of Ride of Silence Home buyers get unique perspec- Coral Reef State Park. Register online: off road trails. Saturday triple loop cen- 12 miles at 14mph. Ride strives to www.msbikeflorida.org tury. Events start Friday at 9 am with a HONOR those who have been injured tive from two wheels 40+ mile road ride. Registration at 8 am or killed, to RAISE AWARENESS that April 17-22 Live Oak Friday and Sunday and 7 am on Satur- we are here, to ask that we all SHARE by Craig Anderson Florida Bicycle Safari day. Bagels and oat meal will be served THE ROAD. Starting at 6:30 pm from A camping/motel ride. First three days at 0700 at SBA Hq. Social on Friday, Markham Park 16001 W. State Rd. 84, at the Suwannee Fairgrounds in Live 6:00-7:30 pm. Saturday: Chocolate Sunrise and riding through the City of Oak Florida; the last three days are at Obsession at the SBA club house from Weston. FREE but you MUST SIGN the 4H Camp Cherry Lake. Six-day rid- 7:30-9:00 pm. Stephen Foster State RIDE WAIVER before the ride. Hel- ers leave cars at fairgrounds (no charge) Park will have “Art in the Park” and mets required. (954)830-0098 (Celia) and return on Thursday. Registration “First Saturday Coffee House.” Camp http://rideofsilence.org opened in January...... six-day sells out sites are on a first come first serve basis quickly - only 250 spots; 3-day ride and registration fee is based on shared May 22-23 Jacksonville unlimited spots. Check in 3pm Friday camp site. Local hotels available. www. Tour de Cure 2010 - Jacksonville 4/16. www.floridabicyclesafari.com suwanneebike.org/sbf.htm. Presented by the St. Augustine Indepen- dent Restaurant Association (SAiRA) April 18 (Sun) Clermont FL May to STOP diabetes! 4 different route Breakaway to Sugarloaf options. For registration, volunteer or Clermont Waterfront Park. Scenic bike May 1-2 Flagler Beach sponsor information, contact Kimberly routes take cyclists up Lake County’s Cycle Flagler 7th Annual Rotary Sce- A. Lewis, Tour Director at klewis@ famed Sugarloaf Mountain. http://tri- nic Highway Tour diabetes.org, 888-DIABETES x3061 florida.com/ 40 mile FREE ride Saturday starting at or 904-730-7200 x3061 or visit http:// the ocean in Flagler Beach. Registra- main.diabetes.org/jaxtour. Shuttle April 18 (Sun) tion : 8:30 a.m. Ride to western Flagler service for 1-day riders back to the start Space Coast Early Intervention Center line from St. Augustine Beach. Three County and back to Flagler Beach. Sat- When Realtor Matt Kolb helps clients find their next home, he brings along “Cycle Jam” urday evening dessert social. Sunday departures on Saturday, May 22, on the 100/62/33 mile ride options and a fam- 25/40/62/100 mile tours traveling scenic hour at 2:30-3:30-4:30 pm. Luggage a small fleet of cruiser bikes for exploring the surrounding neighborhood. ily fun ride. Start and finish at the Hilton A1A and historical byways of Flagler valet service to hotel, guarded parking Kolb founded Pedal to Properties® to make house hunts more enjoyable and Melbourne Rialto Place, 200 Rialto County. Mass start at 8 a.m. from the at all venues, guarded bike storage Sat. give clients better insight on neighborhood amenities. Place, Melbourne, FL. Registration: 6 Chamber of Commerce building, 20 night, Safety Escort Riders of Florida “It definitely allowed us to feel the neighborhood out instead of riding by am Start: 7:30 (Century), 7:45 (Metric Rd, Palm Coast. Five rest stops. (SERF) patrols, Taste of St. in a car [where you can’t see as much],” said Kelley Cluzel, who recently Augustine - Saturday night’s celebration Century), 8:00 (half metric), 8:30 T-shirts for the first 300 registered worked with Kolb while buying a home with her husband Bill. “House buy- (family ride). Event cost and T shirt features a dinner smorgasbord courtesy cyclists for Sunday event. Picnic at ride ing is stressful, but the bike service makes it fun.” guarantee is $35 if registered by April end. Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, PO of SAiRA, and San Sebastian Winery 1, 2010. After April 1, and day of event Box 2005, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. will be on hand to pour complementary The bicycle approach offers a valuable perspective, stressed Kolb. They registration cost is $40. Event coordina- (386) 846-5493 (Kim). local vintages. Required fundraising can more easily spot a neighborhood’s good and bad points. tor David Ryan, sceic.cyclejam@gmail. www.cycleflagler.org minimum is $150 (does not include your This fresh approach has led Kolb and his partner, Tim Majors, to dramatic com.www.sceic.com/ Active.com Online Registration registration fee). http://main.diabetes. success since the business opened in 2006. The company grew 200 percent org/jaxtour over the past two years. Majors’ focus has been on franchising. The service

April 24 (Sat) Ozello May 1-2 Punta Gorda now operates in Boulder, CO, Charleston, SC, and Northampton, MA. Ozello Adventure Race Pedal and Play in Paradise May 22 (Sat) Ocala “If we don’t open an office or two in Florida this year, I’ll be shocked,” (near Crystal River/Homosassa) Events Supported bicycle rides and tours of Frank Polack Memorial Ride to Ben- include: kayaking (1.5 miles), bicycling varying lengths, and countless cool efit Hospice presented by Ocala Eye. said Majors. “We are talking with realtors in Orlando, Tampa/St. Pete, Key (7 miles) and running (2 miles). Indi- things to do in Punta Gorda. Registra- Metric century (62 miles) 30 mile op- West, Naples, Miami, and several other cities.” vidual or team entry. Kiwanis of Crystal tion fee for the event provides you with tion available. Post-ride feast and FREE Majors has also been busy building relationships with organizations that River sponsoring. Barry Schwartz 352 discounts to many of our local shops massages will be offered by FSMTA. promote safe bikeways and green practices. 795-4780. http://bschwartz.net/OAR/ and restaurants! Riders registered by Wednesday 5/13/10 Majors, who first met Kolb on a bike tour for a home in Boulder, said the are guaranteed a t-shirt. 8:00 am mass www.pedalandplayinparadise.com timing is right. “There is a growing trend in real among buyers and April 24 (Sat) Lakewood Ranch Active.com Online Registration start at Hospice of Marion County Cen- Tour de Ranch 2010 ter for Education will be for both routes. sellers for green practices, less carbon footprint and healthier lifestyles. 20/35/50/62/100 miles. Fee: $30 for all May 2 (Sun) Cocoa Beach Register via active.com or request — Craig is a new FBA member and works with Pedal to Properties® through his ride lengths. Your contribution is 100% Spacecoast Freewheelers 29th Cross a faxed registration form by calling company PCMS Consulting. If you’d like to reach him, call (954) 805-9952 or visit tax-deductible. Donate a new or used Florida Bicycle Ride Hospice of Marion County at (352) 854- the website at www.pedaltoproperties.com. Spring 2010 15

Eco-tourism at its best... Is paddling Florida the state’s newest growth industry? by Bill Richards, Paddle Florida Director

ince our first Suwannee Floridians built communities on the rivers. Our third Suwannee River Wilderness Trail We will then move to the panhandle where River event in March, 2008, We take pride in building a community on adventure is in October. Over Christmas another week long event will be held over Paddle Florida has set the the river, if only for a week or a weekend. break we will host an event somewhere in the spring break in March, followed by our standard for world class pad- Each morning, campers have breakfast, St. Johns River Water Management District fourth annual Spring Paddle Florida on the dle touring in the state. So far strike camp and load their gear onto a truck (central Florida). In January, 2011, we’ll Suwannee River Wilderness Trail in April. we have introduced more than that is driven to the next overnight stop. The again paddle the Peace River, followed by an We are busy preparing for each of these 350 paddlers from 22 states to the next campsite is made ready for their arrival event in the South Florida Water events. Please visit www.paddleflorida.org Suwannee River and, more recently, to that afternoon. Management District over the President’s for updates, or call Bill Richards at the Peace River in Polk and Hardee counties. On the river, paddlers have a lunch stop Day weekend. 352.377.8342. Recently, Paddle Florida submitted a pro- and paddle at their own pace, with a group or posal to Florida’s Department of alone, taking in the sights and sounds of Environmental Protection (DEP), whereby Florida’s best rivers. Dinner and evening pro- After-dark cycling a contributor we would host events in each of Florida’s gram await at day’s end. five water management districts; with one We work diligently to provide a program to ‘deadliest state’ honors? each spring and fall on the Suwannee River, mix of outstanding musical entertainment and by Dwight Kingsbury a total of six events from October through informative lectures. April each year. The DEP was impressed In addition to promoting nature-based la. deadliest state for walk- sunset cyclist fatalities (with Florida results enough to offer its assistance in promoting tourism and driving visitation to Florida ers, cyclists,” announced a excluded) is usually close to 45 percent. these events. State Parks, Paddle Florida seeks to inform recent headline in USA Today. Consider the only other state that regularly What is Paddle Florida? Why do partici- participants about water conservation and The article wasted little time in has more than a hundred fatally injured pants rave about the experience? Think of wildlife preservation. assembling the usual suspects in its cyclists each year: California. Bike Florida or the Safari on a river. The Paddling in Florida is a growth industry; line-up: “torrid population growth,” tour- In 2008, according to NHTSA, 108 cyclists format is similar, but there is something people from all around the globe come to ism, and climate. were killed in traffic crashes in California. Of more. paddle our pristine and wild rivers. Part of One factor not mentioned, and seldom these 108, 68 (63 percent) were killed in day- For over 12,000 years people have been our mission is to promote the state as the mentioned in other media coverage of the time crashes. In Florida, just 49 (39 percent) traveling on Florida’s rivers, sitting around international paddling mecca we know it is. problem, is Florida’s unusually large per- of the 125 cyclists fatally injured in traffic in campfires at night and playing music. Early centage of after-sunset cyclist fatalities. 2008 were in daytime crashes; the rest were The Sunshine State’s after-sunset crash riding after sunset. problem is probably due in part to one of the If no crashes occurred after sunset, commonly recognized factors—climate. California would have more cyclist fatalities However, the “perfect storm” combination than Florida. Florida would still have a high- of moderate year-round temperatures (even er cyclist fatality rate, relative to state popu- on winter evenings, when conditions for lation, but it would be much closer to cyclists in most other states are often chilly California’s rate—not more than twice at best), higher crash risks of nighttime rid- California’s rate, as at present! ing (especially for cyclists without lights or A logical response to Florida’s after-sunset reflectors), and development patterns that bicycle crash problem would emphasize the often make it necessary to use higher-speed use of reflectors, headlamps and tail lamps. roads to reach many or most destinations in Many cyclists who ride after dark are so urban areas—is seldom noted in “deadliest equipped, or at least have lights. state” media coverage. Unfortunately, many more do not. For many years, more cyclists have been Although crash data on cyclist use of lights fatally injured in traffic after sunset than is sketchy, available evidence suggests that during the daytime in Florida—usually about non-use of lights is probably one of the most 60 percent of the annual cyclist fatality total. common contributing factors in fatal cyclist The national average percentage of after- crashes that occur after sunset.

Add your voice Name: E-mail: for the future Address: of bicycling City: County: State: Zip: in Florida. Tel (H) (W) Bike Club Affiliation(s): Member Category: ❑ $15/student/living lightly ❑ $25/individual ❑ $35/household ❑ $100/club/corporate/agency Ride Preferences: ❑ On-road ❑ Off-road ❑ Touring ❑ Racing ❑ Commuting JOIN FBA I have taken a Road I (formerly Effective Cycling) class ❑ Yes ❑ No; Approximate year taken: I have taken a Road II class ❑ Yes ❑ No; Approximate year taken: I am a League cycling Instructor (LCI) ❑ Yes ❑ No TODAY May we contact you about volunteer opportunities? ❑ Yes ❑ No List any special skills or interests: Membership includes Charge my ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard the FBA Messenger! Please make checks payable and mail to: Card No: Expires: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694 Signature: Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Spring 2010

Earl Lang joins FBA Board of Directors

ty is now installing STR signs were needed, advocacy and promoting bicycling. She From retired and living the easy life on a and the City of Punta Gorda has been award- agrees that the best promotions are ones that sailboat to bicycle shop owners and advo- ed “Bicycle Friendly” status by the League of “make the pie bigger” and in doing so we all cates is a big jump. American Bicyclists. I’v found that advoca- prosper. I can only explain it by saying, “We failed cy for a good cause is much more rewarding Karen has organized an annual women’s at retirement,” but we love what we are y wife, Karen, and I and fruitful at the local level. ride, called “Wheelin’ Women” a weeklong doing. became Bicycle Shop As I became more and more involved in event covering 350 to 400 miles in April. You can find more information on www. Owners after living advocacy, I found the Florida Bicycle No men allowed, the ladies do it all acmebicycleshop.com and while there sign- onboard our sailboat on Association, became a member and was because, they want to stop “to smell the up for our twice-monthly newsletter, “The the East Coast and the invited to join them for the 2007 National roses.” Acme Advocate.” Bahamas for nearly four Bicycle Summit. years. I have attended three National Summits and We came from Ohio on recently joined the FBA Board of Directors. the boat and enjoyed seeing Two years ago a local organization, TEAM STEP UP TO THE PLATE all the sites, but eventually we Punta Gorda asked me if I would help them came ashore in Punta Gorda and found that in promoting the city through bicycling. Ralph’s Bicycle Shop was for sale. From that conversation, TEAM now has a From that start, Hurricane Charley helped Spokes and Trails Committee working on us relocate, and eventually we opened a sec- developing trails in the city. ond bicycle shop in Port Charlotte. They have 15 miles of trails in various I have always wanted to ride a bicycle stages of completion and are working with across the country and my first long trip was Rails to Trails to establish trails along the to be from Philadelphia to Punta Gorda. Seminole Gulf Railroad right of way. I didn’t make it the whole way. Outside of I am now chairman of the Bicycle Event Jacksonville I got hit by a truck and the trip Committee and we are planning a three-day ended there. I was only bruised and scraped, event starting April 30, 2010. but I was mad, and that is what brought me “Pedal and Play in Paradise” will be a Alan Snel did. He’s one of the Southwest Florida Bicycle United Dealers to Bicycle Advocacy. Bicycle Festival on Charlotte Harbor with (SWFBUD), a group of store owners and one attorney who advocate for bicyclists, On this first trip I had begun to notice that activities for the whole family. promote cycling and act as watchdogs on cyclists’ behalf. in areas where there were “Share the Road” Events will range from a full signs drivers treated me better than in other to Solomon’s Castle, a Metric Century, and Bike Florida and FBA share in promotion of and proceeds from sale of Share the areas. down to rides as short as five miles to see the Road specialty license plates. Income from the plates is earmarked specifically for education and awareness programs for bicycle and motorist safety. So, I began to press the state for more STR sights of Punta Gorda. signs. Frustrated by the Florida DOT, I began All of this takes a lot of time away from Get your own Share the Road license plate at your county motor vehicle registration working on Punta Gorda and Charlotte the bicycle shop, but my wife Karen really office. For a list of county offices, go to www.dmvflorida.org/dmv-offices.shtml. County with much better success. The coun- manages the stores and knows the value of

Good News, Mr. Smith! The IRS now allows your employer to give you a tax-free reimbursement of up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle related expenses as a qualified bicycle commuter.*

We can keep you up to date with the latest rulings affecting cyclists everywhere, offering quality tax and financial accounting services with the confidence and solid reputation that comes from over 30 years of quality service to the Central Florida business community. We're proud to support FBA and its mission to promote good health and well-being in our communities through bicycling. Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Kenneth L. Scearce, CPA David A. Satcher, CPA Carla M. Hansen, CPA 243 W. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 647-6441 Office (407) 645-0099 Fax *See Publication 15-B at www.irs.gov for more information.