Fast Track NON-PROFIT ORG. Ask Geo Winners Award Bicycling Of-Road 25 Years ofBike FL Membership ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 www.foridabicycle.org U.S. Postage

PAID to... BICYCLE ASSOCIATION www.foridabicycle.org EST. 1997 Tampa, FL Permit #2899

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OFTHEFLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC.

8–9 10 14 4 6 2 O o icesn euain n safety and education increasing for sworn ofcers.thirty-seven only of department a in amazing truly is records communityevents, trafc the control, and much more. Tis fngerprinting, patrols, department, marine patrols, of with up assist who volunteers 80 made over is police which the decades, of for part department Program, integral an VIP been has Te (VIP) Policing Program. an in with Volunteers blessed amazing been has Department community on . the in out get to ofcers for opportunities fewer and fewer been have there service, for calls with dealing time more and more spending are ofcers and grown the has city as however, ofcers, trained had bicycle long has Department Police Gorda for Punta need Te presence. police greater and education a and concerns safety additional come pedestrians and bicycles more with course, Of . and by biking town around get to people for ability RecreationalTrail hasgreatly the increased Multi-Use a and parks, Harborwalk, a pathways, as such spaces public of Te addition community. pedestrian and bicycle Bike Patrol Punta Gorda Police LaunchesVIP Department William Wood, JosephGoldie,Robert Troise Left to Right:Daniel Kain, Ofcer JosephFarley, Leitsch, Herbert JohnMiller, BarryMiller, Ronald Dressler, LucyLinet,HankPorten, hl sacig o solutions for searching While Police Gorda Punta the Luckily, od hs otne t go a a as grow to continued has Gorda Punta of City the decade, past the ver Building aBicycle-Friendly Florida Messenger experience and expertise and that several several that and expertise and experience was bicycling extensive had volunteers current it department’s the pedestrians, of many that discovered and bicyclists for month, but they have been receiving a good education. a public days twenty about patrol Currently, they and laws, pedestrian and bicycle Florida operations, bicycle in training additional undergone have they cyclists, experienced are Unit Patrol Bike any issues. Although all members of the VIP report and location their provide to order in dispatchin the centerdirectlycontact with are they that so radios with equipped are and volunteers department police as them identifying uniforms wear day. Tey City the where they can be ofof most use on any given areas diferent on focus safety and for pairs in patrol Tey common. districts where bicycles and pedestrians are residential neighborhoods and commercial as well as pathways and parks city patrol most used by cyclists and pedestrians. Tey community the of areas those in presence greater much a have to department police Unit Patrol Bike o fcially began VIP patrolling in March of the 2019. work, of deal good a afer and Davis, Pam Chief Police volunteer program. With the support the of Punta Gorda joining in interested were community the of members savvy bicycle Public Information Ofcer, Punta Gorda Police Department by Lieutenant DylanJ. Renz #476, Administrative Services SectionSupervisor, Te VIP Bike Patrol Unit is allowing the Vol. 22, No. 3•Summer2019 to patrol daily. members enough have soon will they that is hope the andattention favorable of deal department and community! the police the to addition incredible an been has UnitPatrol Bike VIP Te department. police more their with interact to members opportunities community giving and safety, promoting courtesy, and etiquette encouraging proper and pedestrian community the in presence added an are children in the area. Most importantly, they and adults both for classes safety holding begin soon to hope also respond. Tey can and potential safety concerns so that activity ofcers suspicious reporting department, “eyes police ears”the the forand be to and provide safety and educational information, or Instead their is purpose to assist the public, cyclists observe. detain they violations for citations not issue do Tey action. Unit Patrol enforcementanylaw take not do members Bike VIP the enforcement, Punta Gorda Police Department was awarded Pinnacle Business of the Year. be the can of Renz Lt. Business Pinnacle ESTABLISHED 1997 reached at 1410 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce 2013 2013 Commerce of Chamber Gorda Punta ih h ecpin f parking of exception the With Florida 33950, (941) 575-5503 Direct. 575-5503 (941) 33950, Florida

Page 2 Florida Bicycle Association Building a Bicycle-Friendly Florida We Love Our Members! Thanks to the Support of our Donors and Members Lifetime Members Supporter: Friends of River of Grass Jef Gow Duke Breitenbach Cheri Crawford Greenway (FROGG) Gary Granik Kimberly Cooper Steven Diez Gainesville Cycling Club Mark Greenberg David Henderson Mary Beth Garcia Highlands Pedalers Bicycle Club Randall Haws BICYCLE ASSOCIATION Patricia Huf Bud Gaunce Jack the Bikeman Lance Howard North Florida Bicycle Club Doug Hutchins www.foridabicycle.org EST. 1997 William R. Hough Laura Hallam Walter Long Fif Huang Ocala Michael Jacobson Dan Moser Sandra Jolly Association Michael Kasper James Nash Ellen Kirtley Orange Cycle Barry Katz Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal Erin Lauer Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club June Kobayashi Join FBA Today! Earle & Laura Reynolds Paul & Lois Lester Spacecoast Freewheelers Paul Lynch Dr. Joe Warren David Nagy Bicycle Club Nancy & Donald Malson Your membership makes a diference Mighk & Carol Wilson Al & Heidi Parker N. Mancini New Clubs/Shops/ Charlene Mangialardi for all bicyclists in Florida. Karin Sanders Individual/Family Phillip Scanlan Business Mariam Marcus Visit: www.fbamembership.org High Donors Tom & Linda Wentzell Bonita Bay Bicycle Club Webster McDonald Lake County Sherif’s Ofce, Angelina Meza-Suarez Student/Living Lightly ...... $15 Legacy: Club/Business Major Christopher De Libro Caryll Moore Snowbird ...... $15 Tomas DeMarco High Donors New Members Harlan Press Carla Quiggle Champion: Premier Partners: Robert Alderman Individual ...... $25 Alert Today Alive Tomorrow Laura Ries Donald & Sandra Brody Pilar Alva Polk County Sports Marketing Karina Rodriguez Family ...... $35 Kenneth Barnett Bicycle Club ...... $100 Benefactor: Bob Roll Hugh & Laura Aaron Champion: Jelsson Batista Bruce Rosenzweig Bicycle Shop ...... $100 Jason Aufdenberg Florida Freewheelers Bicycle Gloria Batule Paul Schloneger Barry Bratton Dave & Sue Breckenfelder Club Ori Schwend Business/Organization ..... $100 Patrick Carlin Peter Davitt Advocate: Joseph Siegel Government Agency ...... $100 Mark G. Dillon & Susan Austrian Donna Carlson Kyle Simpson AAA - Te Auto Club Group Satish Chauhan Higher donations are most appreciated! Patrick Donovan Bike/Walk Central Florida Bob Singer Morris & Mikki Futernick Douglas Coupar Kurt & Barbara Sisson Pay conveniently online or make check Boca Raton Bicycle Club Rich DiGirolamo payable and mail to: Bud Gaunce Te Bond Foundation-Derek Aurora Sloan Patrick Neale John Donlon Wilfredo Suarez Florida Bicycle Association Blakeslee Ryan English P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar FL 34677 Stephen Perz Jim Dodson Law Annette Taylor Michael & Lynn Pilato Pamela Ferguson Michele Veilleux Attorneys Fine, Farkash & Richard Ferguson Individual/Family High Stephen Steck Parlapiano PA Mirella Villasuso David Fisher Pete Weld Donor Memberships: Florida Greenways and Trails David Flaks Foundation Randy Wiesner Lifetime (contact FBA) Karen France Robert Williams Legacy ($500+) Champion ($250-$499) Benefactor ($100-$249) Supporter ($50-$99) Business/Organization Categories (annual donations) Premier Partner ($10,000+) Champion ($5,000-$9,999) Patron ($2,500-$4,999) Advocate ($500-$2,499) Member Clubs & Shops ($100) Memberships include a subscription to the quarterly Messenger, access to online member forums and general sense of satisfaction for supporting bicycle education and advocacy in Florida. Stay in Touch with FBA! Subscribe to our weekly blog from the FBA website: www.floridabicycle.org Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ FloridaBicycleAssociation Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/FloridaBicycle Summer 2019 Page 3 Board of Directors City names denote board and program staf member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! Patricia Huf, President Edward Mingus, Treasurer 10

P.O. Box 617 3393 Mahogany Pointe Loop 10 Everglades City FL 34139 Lakeland, FL 33810 Sopchoppy 239-695-2397 863-370-0273 [email protected] [email protected] Gainesville

Courtney Reynolds, Vice President John Egberts 75 100 Myrtle Street, #106 P.O. Box 118208 Longwood Longwood FL 32750 Gainesville FL 32611 321-439-2781 352-294-1685 Oldsmar 4 [email protected] [email protected] BICYCLE ASSOCIATION (FBA HQ) Lakeland www.foridabicycle.org EST. 1997 Clearwater Tampa Jim Dodson, Secretary J. Steele Olmstead 310 Wildwood Way 14517 N. 18th Street Clearwater FL 33756 Tampa FL 33613 75 727-446-0840 813-979-4949 Working Together to Everglades [email protected] [email protected] City Build a Bicycle-friendly Florida 75 Staf Becky Afonso, Executive Director – [email protected] OUR MISSION: 813-748-1513, 174B State Street E, Oldsmar FL 34677 is to encourage more people to bicycle through education and advocacy. Laura Hallam, Administrative Assistant – [email protected] 407-399-9961, 367 Buckhorn Creek Road, Sopchoppy FL 32358 OUR VISION: is for bicycling to be safe, accepted and encouraged Mary Beth Garcia, Ride Leader/Ride Marshal Program Director in Florida. [email protected] OUR PURPOSE: Henry N. Lawrence, III, • Protect and advance the interest of bicyclists Advisory Board Past President & Founding Member, Tim Bol, Past Board Member, FBA, [email protected] • Educate the public about sharing roadways and paths with people on bicycles FBA, [email protected] • Encourage the creation of great places to ride Laura Minns, Central Florida Chris Burns, Chair, Jacksonville Regional Transportation Authority • Continue to grow as a fnancially stable, well-managed organization Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Com- (LYNX), [email protected] mittee, [email protected] Keri Cafrey, Co-Founder, Dan Moser, Bike/Ped/Trafc Help Us Grow the Base! Give to FBA CyclingSavvy. Program Safety Consultant, Consultant, American Bicycling [email protected] he Florida Bicycle Association was founded by people like you who want to make Florida a Education Association, Tbetter place to ride a bicycle. Our projects and programs that beneft bicyclists are made [email protected] Roger Pierce, Florida Bicycle possible primarily through membership and sponsorship to our organization. Simply put, without Chris LeDew, City of Jacksonville Touring Calendar, [email protected] membership, sponsorship and donations, the Florida Bicycle Association would not exist. Keep Chief of Trafc Engineering bicycle enjoyment alive in Florida and help us in the fght against bicycle fatalities, Join FBA! [email protected] Paula Saracki, FBA Messenger, Dan Connaughton, Director [email protected] Did you know your membership donation to FBA is tax-deductible? Florida Trafc & FBA is a 501(c)(3) education and charitable nonproft corporation. You can join FBA online or Education Program, John Sinibaldi, Jr. download and mail an application from our website, www.foridabicycle.org. You can request an [email protected] St. Petersburg Bicycle Club, application to be mailed to you by contacting Becky Afonso at 813-748-1513. Steve Diez, Hernando County [email protected] MPO, [email protected] Lisa Walker, Public Afairs, Does your place of employment ofer matching gifts to non-profits? David Henderson, [email protected] Think FBA! Past President, FBA, Bicycling is one of life’s simple pleasures to enjoy, not fear. Join or donate to the Florida Bicycle Miami-Dade County MPO, Randall Williams, former [email protected] Messenger editor, [email protected] Association and let’s ride together for Florida bicycling excellence. Contact Becky Afonso at becky@ foridabicycle.org for more information on ways to donate to FBA. City Councils across Florida proclaimed March as Florida Bicycle Month, including the City of Venice – received by FBA award recipients (see pages 8-9) The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable purposes. FBA is a not-for-profit, tax- exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA. To become a member supporter of FBA, join online at www.fbamembership.org The Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the: Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 www.floridabicycle.org • e-mail: Becky@floridabicycle.org • Phone: 813-748-1513 Messenger Copy and Advertising Information and Deadlines: FBA Membership includes a subscription to the Messenger. The FBA accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the website for rates and specifications or e-mail: Becky@floridabicycle.org. Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of Deadlines: the Association, is neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Winter Issue – November 15 Although we carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for Spring Issue – February 15 the information or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as ofcial policy of FBA. Summer Issue – May 15 ©2018 Florida Bicycle Association all rights reserved Autumn Issue – August 15 A copy of the ofcial registration and financial information (ch9008) may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. http:/www.800helpfla.com/ Page 4 Florida Bicycle Association A Toast to Bike Florida’s Past President’s Message... Biking “Businesses” By Joy Hancock, Bike Florida Executive Director and Future by Patty Huf, FBA President years ago, a group of visionaries has used this reputation to challenge s I sit writing this article and enjoying a healthy 25 dreamed up the idea of an event with potential hosts to pressure their city Asandwich at the Fit & Fuel Bicycle Café in Naples the purpose of raising funds and awareness governments to fund better and more (see photo), I am reminded about how far we (the cycling for cycling in the state of Florida. Following bicycle facilities in order to attract our community) have come in the past 20 years since I started the model of similar tours around the event to their towns. bicycling around this country. Traveling by bike back country, the annual Bike Florida Spring At the same time the Bike Florida Board then, we encountered very few towns that were committed Tour had its inaugural ride in the summer of Directors began to examine whether to accommodating cyclists. I have watched, with pleasure, of 1994. or not our organization was meeting its the evolution and acceptance of bike travelers in so many Since then this week long bicycle ad- full potential. If this much good can be urban towns around Florida. With the inauguration of the Trail venture has been championed by a count- done through one week-long event a year, Towns by the Florida Ofce of Greenways & Trails just a year and less number of volunteers, staf and bicycle what else is possible? What could our a half ago, more cities are realizing the benefts of adding amenities that cater to outdoor riders to keep the ride going for 25 years. organization do beyond the Spring Tour? activities such as biking, hiking and paddling. From those that were there from the begin- What is the best way we can use our talents I remember cycling through Clermont making the presentation to Mayor Howie ning, to those that just participated in the and expertise to serve our communities and in 2000 where my husband and I had Grimm. It was a beautiful day to celebrate Spring Tour for the frst time, the love for our state? Afer months of soul searching, planned to stay overnight at a chain hotel along with the Museum of the Everglades’ this tour continues to burn just as bright (if strategic planning and thinking outside until we were told our bicycles were not 21st Birthday and the 91st Anniversary of not brighter) than when it began. the box, we found a new mission for our welcome. Now, Clermont draws attention the Opening of the Tamiami Trail. Over But the face of Bike Florida was beginning organization to guide us into the future. to many cycling events and in 2018 was 400 visitors attended the event that included to change as part of a nationwide trend that Tis mission is to help Florida designated a Florida Trail Town. It is a bike ride around town, music and lunch began to see that bicycles mean business communities improve their economic halfway on the state’s Coast-to-Coast Trail in the community park as well as other (in 2017 alone $83 billion of business). Bike health, bicycle infrastructure and safety and plans to be a destination that attracts activities at the Museum. Saturday evening Florida therefore decided to measure the through bicycle tourism. And as the tourists, visitors and event attendees to several of us enjoyed a sunset cruise around fnancial benefts the Spring Tour brings Executive Director of Bike Florida, I am highlight the center of the trail. the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island to its host communities, and in 2011 the so excited to let you know all the great Businesses like Fit & Fuel Bicycle where we hiked through an old Calusa economic impact surveys were born. things this mission has set in motion. We Café that received FBA’s 2018 Bicycle mound to the family cemetery of the owners Te results of these reports provided have already begun collaborating with Business of the Year Award (see page 9) are of the Everglades Old Timers Charters who numbers that were beyond our wildest towns across Florida to put on festivals recognizing and supporting the increasing hosted the boat tour. Tis is a new business in expectations. Revenue generated during that feature not just bike riding, but also trend in Florida to provide more services our town, one that also recognizes the need each individual event was in the hundreds concerts, carnivals, kayaking, hiking and to cyclists. When you travel to any of the to ofer unique experiences for nature lovers of thousands of dollars, with this year’s more. Our of-road tours ofering is going nine designated Florida Trail Towns, you’ll and takes advantages of the beautiful boating tour bringing in over $900,000 alone. Our to keep expanding so we can meet the fnd shops, restaurants and hotels that are opportunities in our area. Each of the Trail cumulative impact as of 2018 is measured growing demand of gravel grinders and attracting outdoor enthusiasts. Virginia, Towns has their own distinct attributes and at more than $7,500,000, and we wonder mountain bikers. We are working on a Kentucky and Pennsylvania have had trail Florida will only beneft from the growth what the number would be had we started tour that will be exclusively in state parks. towns for many years and now it is exciting of this program and should be encouraged, keeping these records back in 1994. We are becoming more involved with the to see Florida acknowledging the value especially by those of us who enjoy hiking, Te word of Bike Florida’s enormous development and promotion of the Coast of this program. When more trail towns biking and paddling around our state. economic impact soon got out. Grants to Coast bike trail. On top of all of that, we are on board, more businesses will be Congratulations to Fit & Fuel Bicycle were awarded, resources donated and are hosting the frst annual Florida Bicycle established, reaping the economic benefts. Café and all the other businesses that the red carpet was rolled out every time Tourism Conference in 2020. On April 27 my town of Everglades City provide healthy alternatives and services to we interviewed a potential host town But this is just the beginning. And none was ofcially designated a Trail Town with those who love to get out there and enjoy or county. Not long afer that the state of this would have been possible without Eric Draper, Director of Florida State Parks, life by riding. as a whole began to get in on the action. the visionaries of 1994 who put Florida on Organizations such as Visit Florida, Florida the map for bicycle advocates, educators Bicycle friendly interior of Fit & Fuel Cafe State Parks, Ofce of Greenways and Trails, and tourists. Trough their passionate Alert Today Florida and others wanted to work they have improved the awareness, be part of the growing positive impact our safety and quality of bicycling in Florida. ride was having on our state. As we go forth into the next chapter of Bike Troughout this process Bike Florida Florida’s story, we will honor their legacy in has become known as a driver of economic all that we do. transformation in addition to increasing So let’s raise a glass to the last 25 years, bicycle safety and awareness. Bike Florida and another to the 25 years to come!

We found these gems in the 1994 Bike Florida scrapbook. Summer 2019 Page 5

Executive Director’s Corner... Ride Leader/Ride Marshal Texting While Driving Public Session Law by Becky Afonso, FBA Executive Director Saturday, June 22 he year was 2013 when then Governor Rick Scott BICYCLE ASSOCIATION Tsigned Senate Bill 52 into law; it was known as the www.foridabicycle.org EST. 1997 11:30AM – 4:30PM “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law.” Huh? We have had this law since 2013? Yes, although it had this RIDECenter LEADER for/ RIDE Urban MARSHAL Transportation Research (CUTR) rather interesting caveat: enforcement as a secondary action. CUT100 UniversityPROGRAM of South Florida • 3800 USF Alumni Drive, Tampa, FL 33620 Tis means another trafc infraction had to take place before law enforcement could cite for texting while driving. [It’s OK $20.00 FOR FBA MEMBERS • $35.00 FOR NON-FBA MEMBERS if you need to pause a moment to consider how this ‘ban,’ at a Deadline to register is Wednesday, June 19 - don’t miss out! secondary ofense, truly addressed texting while driving.] THE 5-HOUR CERTIFICATION INCLUDES: Fast forward to today: Governor Ron public safety on public roads to Save Lives. • Bike safety and Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian laws and cyclist rights on the road. DeSantis signed House Bill 107 into law We look forward to working with you • Preparation from bodies to bikes, helmet fitting, and nutrition; all participants bring their on May 17, 2019 (efective July 1, 2019). during the 2020 session to continue positive personal bike helmets to the workshop. Although this bill doesn’t have a fancy title eforts for Florida transportation. Here are a as the 2013 “Florida Ban on Texting While few items FBA would like to address: • Communication from to how to give great pre-ride tutorials, on the ride coaching and how to brand your club or organization through cycling professionalism. Driving Law” Senate Bill 52 did, it does • Expand the current Move Over law to tweak the 2013 measure in a few key ways: include PEOPLE. • Advanced cycling skills for 17 mph group rides like paceline etiquette and how to control skill • Removing the requirement that – Tis consideration will protect f rst with speed. enforcement be accomplished as a responders and other people (pedestrians) • Accident and rider down tips and preparation. secondary action. working in our roadways. It will also • Community and family ride leader skills (if applicable). • Prohibiting a person from operating replace the current 3-Ft passing law • Completion and passing of written test required for certification. a motor vehicle while using a wireless for bicyclists, deemed unenforceable by Light snacks and beverages will be provided. More information on our website: communications device in a handheld numerous law enforcement agencies. https://floridabicycle.org/fba-ride-leader-ride-marshal-program manner in a designated school crossing, – Reinforces the importance of drivers to school zone, or work zone. pay attention while driving. Bottom line: 2019 marks the true • Clean up statutory language with enactment of the “Florida Ban on Texting regards to defnitions of sidewalks, While Driving Law” by making texting crosswalks, lane position of bicyclists Naturally Good-Natured while driving a primary ofense. Say what and other related matters. by Patty Huf you will, the bottom line is that as a primary – Te Florida Department of ofense, law enforcement will now be able Transportation, through the Pedestrian Bicycling is a friendly to enforce texting while driving. Period. and Bicycling Focused Initiative (Alert sport. It’s a way to meet Florida hasn’t had that. Ever. It took six Today Alive Tomorrow) safety coalition people whom you may years, but when it goes into efect on July has developed simplifed language for not normally stop and 1, 2019, we will have what we should have better understanding of Statutes that does talk to unless you’re had all along. not change laws. walking or on a bike. This It also opens the door, ever so slightly, • Clean up statutory language concerning happens whether I’m for a total ‘hands free’ law. We state ‘open seat height, use of bells and whistles for cycling with all my gear in the door’ as this bill only applies ‘hands bicyclists and an outdated expiration a new city and strangers free use’ of a wireless communications date for helmets. stop to ask questions device to school crossings and school and Yes, we are thankful for what Florida about where you’re from work zones. Say what you will, and chances legislators gave us this session and we move or where you’re going, are we are in agreement: Why not hands on with our other initiatives including or just biking around free all the time? Will it take another Move Over. Do you need a more tangible town running errands SIX YEARS for Florida legislators to pass approach to the legislative process? Te to the post ofce or what we should have had all along – an Florida Bicycle Association will have its grocery store. You enforceable law that applies to hands free annual membership meeting on Saturday, meet neighbors who wireless communications device use while July 27 from 1PM – 4PM at the St. Petersburg are walking their dogs, driving at all times? main library (see announcement on page tourists who stop and I can’t answer that, in fact, I’m hoping 15). We welcome all members and soon- ask for directions or just for less than six years. Meanwhile, FBA to-be members to attend and share with new people in town. Every few weeks I bike to our restaurants and motels distributing has put the wheels in motion for the 2020 us your cycling concerns face-to-face as we legislative session by sending a thank you continue to educate and advocate as your FBA information and brochures about cycling in the Everglades. This week I started letter to all the Florida legislators who put voice in Tallahassee. a conversation with another cyclist that I had seen riding around town with buckets their name on House Bill 107 and Senate Te next Florida legislative session will attached to his bike. He said he was currently living on a boat in town and had ridden Bill 76 (72 in total), stating the following: start on January 14, 2020. Much like the his Wal-Mart seven-speed Schwinn over 3,000 miles traveling around the U.S. from Te Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) December holidays, it will be here before Canada to Everglades City, carrying everything in his buckets with a tarp cover. He wishes to thank all our Florida legislators we know it. Tankfully, FBA, with your has lots of stories to tell of his adventures. Naturally. who put their name on the bill in support of help and membership support, is on it.

Patty Huf leads the bike tour to the Chokoloskee Bay and the FBA Request Everglades City airpark where bike rental is available. > Sometimes, the FBA request is to be a guest, and FBA was a guest to the recent Trail Town designation in Everglades City. The event included Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper, Florida Ofce of Greenways and Trails staf, the Mayor and proud residents of the town known as the gateway to Ten Thousand Islands. The day included a bicycle tour of the area (led by FBA president and Everglades City resident Patty Huf) in addition to the 21st birthday celebration of the Museum of the Everglades, live music, an antique show and an appearance of the FBA table of goodies at the art and crafts show. Page 6 Florida Bicycle Association Finding the Wild in Florida’s High Visibility Law Enforcement Wilderness – An Of-Road Cycle by Pieter Van Dien, Naples, FL Across South Florida (part 2 – See part 1 in Spring ‘19 issue) he next morning, I set of from the parked lef by tourists looking for TValueJet Memorial and continued alligators. Further, while the shoulder west. Te levee had ended so the obvious was by no means wide when originally way forward would be to ride the paved laid down, it has become even narrower shoulder of US 41. Satellite maps, however, from neglect with grass growing over the had revealed a faint double track between underlying pavement in many places. I US 41 and the canal. Tis wisp of a track turned on my rear fasher and rode this disappeared entirely at times leaving no section as fast as possible. Most drivers were choice but to ride on stif grass that sucked courteous and moved over; others seemed up every pedal stroke and brought speeds to come even closer, whether intentionally down into the single digits. Tis would prove or not, I do not know. to be the slowest and most tiring portion Fortunately, I made the 11 miles to my of the entire journey. A quick stop at the stop for the day unscathed. Te Ofcial Miccosukee gas station on US 41 for fuid Skunk Ape Headquarters may not seem replenishment was prudent as that turned like an obvious stopping point for a multi- Kenneth City police briefing prior to engagement with Scott Lagassee and Mayor Wanda Dudley. out to be the last available stop for the day. day ride across Florida, but the neighboring Te tire sucking grass continued for Trail Lakes Campground certainly does. n May 17, the Town of Kenneth injuries on all our roadways. Outreach that nearly eight miles before solidifying into Boasting the only hot showers in the area, OCity Police Department celebrated uses a positive, proactive approach with a solid double track. Another couple of this campground provides both tent sites National Bike Month by hosting a Bike one-on-one contact can make a diference miles brought me to the start of Loop Road. and cabin rentals. Te friendly staf were Safety event for other local law enforcement in reducing injuries and crashes. Running south of US 41, Loop Road cuts helpful, and I was quickly checked-in to agencies. According to Chief Kevin Riley, Alert Today Florida spokesperson of a large bend in Tamiami Trail. Te east my small cabin which I had reserved to he invited the other agencies so that NASCAR driver Scott LaGasse, Jr, along seven miles are paved while the rest is well- avoid having to carry camping supplies. they could see frsthand how the Florida with representatives from the Florida Law groomed gravel. I am not going to add the I also learned a bit about the Skunk Ape Department of Transportation’s High Enforcement Liaison Program, the Center pavement on Loop Road to my pavement and was assured sightings had occurred Visibility Enforcement program works. for Urban Transport Research at USF total as there are no cross roads and only but not recently. Although no food is Te two-hour event at RaceTrac on 66th (CUTR) and Florida Bicycle Association sparse trafc (my ride, my rules). I found available other than small sundry items St N gave law enforcement agencies from assisted with educational outreach. the graveled portion to be in good condition in the gif shop, Joanie’s Blue Crab Café is Pinellas Park, Gulfport, Largo, Treasure Te event was followed directly by an with minimum wash-boarding making for a only one mile further west on 41 and ofers Island and the Florida Highway Patrol the actual high visibility enforcement detail fast ride over 24 total miles. My best gator an excellent lunch menu. I was not lucky opportunity to engage the community one- (HVE) funded through a contract with the sightings were on the east end of Loop Road enough to see a Skunk Ape during my stay, on-one on bicycle safety tips and rules of Institute for Police Technology (IPTM), in suggesting Loop would be a less crowded but I did spend a comfortable evening in the road while ofering great giveaways partnership with the Florida Department alternative to Shark Valley if you want to my cabin under a sky full of stars. (RaceTrac provided Free ice cream) to of Transportation (FDOT). show out of state visitors the real Florida. I set out early the next morning enhance safety education. Chief Riley’s For more information on High Loop Road terminates at Monroe and pedaled an easy mile back along a goal was to have everyone work together to Visibility Enforcement for Pedestrian Station, an of-road vehicle (ORV) parking thankfully quiet US 41 to Turner River increase awareness of and compliance with and Bicycle Safety, please visit the Alert area of US 41. From there, ORV trails run Road. Afer a quick check for gators along trafc laws in an efort to reduce pedestrian Today Alive Tomorrow website at www. north into Big Cypress National Preserve. the boardwalk at the HP Williams Roadside and bicyclist crashes, fatalities and serious alerttodayforida.com/hve.html. Maps of Big Cypress show double-track Park, I headed north on Turner and then roads going north and west all the way to crossed west, south and west again on on Janes Scenic Drive I pedaled another at Miller Boulevard and took a right to Turner Road and the outskirts of Ochopee, Wagon Wheel Road all the way to State mile to the park entrance. Afer paying the continue north. Miller is still mostly paved my destination for the night. From prior Road 29. While certainly adding miles by modest entrance fee, I continued northwest but large craters have formed over the years trips into Big Cypress, however, I knew going north then south, this route avoids on Jane’s Scenic, a well-maintained gravel that have been flled in with varying amounts that many tracks are fooded entirely or a good stretch of US 41. Unfortunately, on road. While I saw little wildlife, I found the of sand and gravel. Although progress north heavily rutted with deep pools of water. I this trip both Turner and Wagon Wheel surface to be excellent and a relief from the was quick, I had to keep a sharp eye out to reluctantly turned west on US 41 to start were heavily wash-boarded, extremely so harsh corduroy of Turner & Wagon Wheel. avoid putting the front wheel in a hole and what would be by far the most terrifying in some areas, making for rough going. Eleven miles passed quickly, and I arrived going over the bars. portion of my trip. Emerging on State Road 29, I headed at Picayune State Forest. Tree miles or so on Miller brought It’s not just the high-speed trafc along south towards Copeland and the entrance Picayune is a failed planned me to the east end of Sabal Palm (also this stretch of road that is so disturbing, it to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, a Florida development — one of the “swampland labeled 78th Avenue) and the homestretch. is the combination of a narrow shoulder, state park. I logged 1.5 miles on 29 which in Florida” scams — that was eventually I turned lef and headed west towards frequent bridges with no shoulder and was quiet that morning. Taking a right purchased by the state. Te forest ofers Naples. For the most part, Sabal Palm rides a mix of gravel roads, sandy double- well and would classify as a typical gravel track and some potential for single-track road except for a horseshoe shaped detour riding, although fooding and fres change heavily rutted with large sofball sized conditions almost yearly. Te roads are rocks and loose sand. At the terminus of generally rough, much rougher than Jane’s the horseshoe, Sabal Palm continues west Scenic, with sofball sized gravel, broken for another uneventful mile to the Sabal pavement, large craters, sand pits and Palm hiking trailhead which would be seasonally fooded roadways. a natural start or end point for this trip Entering the forest on the far east side of (don’t forget to pay the “iron ranger” in the Stewart (also called 100th Avenue), there is parking area). Stopping the odometer at no pay station, so you are on your honor to the Sabal Palm trail parking lot, I logged a pay the small user fee on the way out. Tis total of 145 miles over three days. area is ofen fooded but the lack of any Reviewing my notes, I calculate 15.7 signifcant precipitation over the preceding miles of road riding to cross the entire weeks lef only large puddles that were easily state of Florida. We’ll call that 11% of the avoided. Afer riding west for six miles and journey. Finding a passable route through Entrance to Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park traversing several deep sand traps, I arrived (continued on page 11) Summer 2019 Page 7

Joyride Bicycle Collective FBA Positive Spin On Saturday, May 4, the City of Tallahassee Planning Department, in partnership Whether you’re with Joyride Bicycle Collective of Tallahassee, hosted the 3rd Annual Tour de Farm. FBA was invited to attend and did so only to discover this is a real food bicycle tour. cycling along The group met up at Cascade’s Park and traveled to the Downtown Tallahassee Farmer’s Market, the Frenchtown Farmer’s Market and then to Lake Ella for their side the horses Saturday Market. The premise of this annual event is to learn great bike routes connecting all these areas of the city so that one can visit a farmer’s market by bike and carriages anytime during season. The tour lasted all of three hours and gave near Nazareth, everyone time to shop and socialize. City planners on the ride gave insights on PA… infrastructure current and future while Joyride Bicycle Collective members kept the ride safely flowing through Tallahassee. If you are interested in the Tallahassee area bicycle infrastructure, visit www. talgov.com/place/planning. If interested in shopping by bicycle but missed the tour, contact Joyride Bicycle Collective via Facebook.

…or strolling along the ancient roadways in

A cargo bike ready to go. Jerusalem, Our mission at FBA is to encourage more people to bicycle through education and advocacy. Our free presentations are available to the public. Contact becky@floridabicycle.org for more info. Israel…

The Striping Business …it’s a small world when it comes to the common courtesy of SHARE THE ROAD.

Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FBA business member Angco Striping of Longwood recently shared, via email, a video link of their Kenneth L. Scearce, CPA work – they install green bike lanes (among other treatments). Here are a few photos David A. Satcher, CPA of their work in progress. To learn more, attend our Annual Membership Carla M. Hansen, CPA Meeting on July 27 (see page 15) (407) 647-6441 Office (407) 645-0099 Fax to meet business owner Steve Mitchell. 1030 W. Canton Ave., Suite 210, Winter Park, FL 32789 Page 8 Florida Bicycle Association Summer 2019 Page 9

FBA Secretary Jim Dodson with Law Enforcement Agency winner Town of Kenneth City Police Department transparency and no drama. As a result, Citizen Bike Advocate: Mark Schiefer, Gulf Coast Velo Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club GCV membership has grown rapidly. president Bud Gaunce 2018 Annual Award Recipients Members of GCV enjoy safe group rides Congratulations to our Florida Bicycle Association Honorees! and safety classes including frst aid and how to react if a crash were to occur. GCV (part one) also began organizing a women’s charity ride, Te Tour De Femme, which takes place in May (National Bike Month). Mark also founded and organized the Safe Cycling Coalition which coordinates clubs from Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee Counties as well as representation from the Sarasota/Manatee MPO and the Florida Bicycle Association. Te group is focused on working toward improving safe cycling identifying local opportunities to promote safe cycling education and support FBA at the state level for good legislation. community-based policing philosophy Bike Club: Sarasota-Manatee Educator: Lucy Gonzalez-Barr Mark is also a cycling enthusiast which has been implemented throughout Bicycle Club Lucy Gonzalez-Barr serves as the Safe who rides 230 miles per week, races and the organization. Te Community Te Sarasota-Manatee Bicycle Club Routes to School Coordinator for Lake, participates in any worthwhile charity Policing team is responsible for increasing (SMBC) is dedicated to bicycling for Marion and Sumter Counties, in addition event. He has been a go-to source of interaction with the community by recreation, ftness, exercise, sport and to working at the Center for Urban information for fellow club members or deploying the use of a police bicycle Special Recognition: Michelle Avola (center) Bicycle Business: Mark Trudeau (far right) transportation. Te club is also committed Transportation Research in Transportation any cyclists about anything cycling in the detail for proactive neighborhood patrols to bicycling education and safety. Demand Management. Outside of her job, Gulf Coast area. and contacts. Tey plan and coordinate Members receive safety information via Lucy goes out of her way to inspire girls the County was named to be the most dangerous In 2018, this annual Central Florida collection of many crime prevention and educational Bicycle Business: Fit & Fuel Café email on a monthly basis, videos are posted and young women to bicycle. She works place to ride a bicycle by the Wall Street Journal, outreach events for safe multimodal transportation programs and events to foster a stronger on the website and ride leaders are present with volunteer women riders that serve as and was deemed a League of American Bicyclists choices went statewide. Te 2018 FDOT Mobility Mark Trudeau opened Fit & Fuel Café partnership between the residents, business at every club ride to go over best practices. mentors to ride with girls ages 6 through bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community. In Week featured the Mix-It-Up Challenge which in 2011 in North Naples, just two doors owners, local leadership groups, school Te club has League of American Bicyclists 16. Te groups go out and ride together and 2018, Forward Pinellas received fve applications invited all Florida residents to explore riding a bus, down from his bike shop, Naples Cyclery. representatives, church leaders and other Cycling Instructors (LCIs) in leadership develop cycling skills in a safe, judgement- for their Complete Streets program; up to $100,000 taking the train, a bike, walking, ride sharing and Mark took the opportunity to combine local organizations. positions. Beyond the club activities, free environment. is available for the development of concept plans teleworking. Tere were also proclamations from the separate units, increasing the size and Some of the many events include members and LCIs volunteer to serve the Lucy is also part of the core founding and up to $1 million is available for construction the City of Orlando and the City of Casselberry to doubling the number of seats available. “Cofee with a Cop,” “Walk with a Cop,” community via educational programs team of Florida NICA – National projects in coordination with the Florida support Mobility Week. Te café, which reopened in June 2018, “Shop with a Cop,” “National Night Out,” with the North Port Parks and Recreation Interscholastic Cycling Association – to Department of Transportation. Te program was welcomes guests with a casual, warm “Halloween treat trail,” “National Walk Citizen Bike Advocate: Ray Booth, Department and the Boys and Girls Club bring the sport of to started in 2016 and clearly is making a diference. atmosphere and a menu that ofers many to School Day,” “Casting with a Cop” and of Sarasota County. Tese programs schools as a competitive sport, much Pinellas County is a great place to bicycle, Suncoast Cycling Club healthy, organic choices as well as locally “Biking with Badges.” beneft youth by engaging them in active like football or baseball. Florida NICA thanks in no small part to Forward Pinellas staf Ray Booth has been a member of the Suncoast roasted Panther Cofee. Some of the Te Community Policing Team is transportation and educating them on trafc creates an equal, inclusive environment to always working and always seeking to align goals Cycling Club for many years serving in multiple sandwich items on the menu are “Granny commitment to the department’s core principles to become better future motorists. promote health and ftness as well as trail and actions across jurisdictions to make it so. capacities. He currently serves as treasurer and Gear” with roasted turkey and brie, the values of knowledge, compassion, SMBC coordinates with other local stewardship. membership director and is afectionately known “” with roast pork, ham and Special Recognition: Michelle attends MPO meetings as well as monthly professionalism, and dedication and Program: Mobility Week, Libertad cycling clubs and the City of Venice Police as ‘Mr. Saturday morning.’ His leadership in Swiss cheese, “Te Tour” with roast beef Bike/Ped Advisory Committee meetings continue to aid in our success. Tey Supporting Agency: Forward Avola, Naples Pathway Coalition Department to host the Gulf Coast Ride of Acosta-Anderson, Florida Department promoting safe cycling is seen weekly as he and provolone cheese and “Te Century,” a and Naples City Council meetings. bring real meaning to the words in their Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC) works to Silence. Te ride annually attracts over 100 Pinellas, Whit Blanton Executive of Transportation District 5 organizes the group rides, communicates with black bean veggie patty. Naples Pathways Coalition is the mission statement, “Provide proactive create safe, bikeable, walkable communities cyclists and is conducted with the upmost Director In 2016, Central Florida kicked of its inaugural members and takes responsibility for everyone’s In the back of the café, a ftting studio is recipient of 2017 Best of Naples Award in and innovative law enforcement services in Collier County. Tey analyze data and respect, silently and slowly. Te club is also It is reassuring that Forward Pinellas, Mobility Week as a celebration of activities safe return. Ray teaches safe bicycling skills and is a hub of cycling activity. Using the Retül Fit the Associations/NonProfts category by the to our community through a partnership legislation to make a case for roadway represented on the Sarasota County Bicycle under the leadership of executive director intended to promote multiple transportation an inspiration to Suncoast Cycling Club members System, ftters help cyclists and triathletes Naples Award Program. Each year, the Naples which consists of trust, understanding and improvements or enhancements, serve on Pedestrian Trail Advisory Committee Whit Blanton, understands the complexity options and encourage safe travel behavior. Te for his ability not only to do the right thing, but to of all experience levels fnd the right ft for Award Program identifes organizations collective results.” key committees that implement change and whose purpose is to review plans, develop of transportation crashes and does not driving force for this celebration came from FDOT encourage others to do the right thing by example. their needs. Te two businesses together that have “achieved exceptional success in Chief Kevin Riley recently held a High attend and testify at public meetings to afect ideas and make recommendations to shy away from fulflling the mission District 5 Transit and Rail Supervisor Libertad now occupy approximately 7,000 square their local community and have enhanced Visibility Enforcement event for other Citizen Bike Advocate: Mark Schiefer, change and raise awareness of issues. NPC the Board of County Commissioners to to forge efective partnerships among Acosta-Anderson. feet total with an 8’ x 8’ free fow opening the positive image of nonprofts through law enforcement agencies to witness Gulf Coast Velo educates motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians improve bicycle, pedestrian and trail access public agencies, citizens and the business In 2017, the event grew to 45 partners working that connects the cycle shop and the café. outstanding service to their constituents frsthand how community engagement through programs and special events. and safety throughout the county. community for improvements. together to host 36 events across Central Florida Mark Schiefer has been a strong supporter, Fit & Fuel is a great place for cyclists to and our community. Tese exceptional can be rewarding for all. Tis event was to NPC works with the Collier Forward Pinellas staf engages the to promote safe multimodal transportation advocate and motivator towards bicycling meet up before and afer a ride. Several clubs organizations help make the Naples area a showcase how everyone works together to Metropolitan Planning Organization to Law Enforcement Agency: Town public, fosters creative problem-solving and choices. Highlights from the week included fve awareness and education in Charlotte, Sarasota gather for happy hour and camaraderie. Fit great place to live, work and play.” Naples increase awareness of and compliance with create its Comprehensive Pathways Plan. of Kenneth City Police Dept. cultivates a team environment. Tey are group bicycle rides, fve walking tours with elected and Manatee Counties. In 2018, Mark founded the & Fuel continually supports and promotes has received the League of Bicyclists Bronze trafc laws in an efort to reduce pedestrian Executive Director Michelle Avola regularly Te Kenneth City Police Department accessible, knowledgeable and sincere, even ofcials and the public, professional workshops Gulf Coast Velo (GCV) cycling club with a focus cycling and cycling activities. Award for 2015-2019. and bicyclist crashes, fatalities and serious has developed a comprehensive when things are not going well. In 2018, and over 28,000 FREE transit rides. on three cornerstones: cycling safety, operational Annual Awards will be continued in the Autumn 2019 issue injuries on all our roadways.

Educator: Lucy Gonzalez-Barr Supporting Agency: Forward Pinellas Executive Program: Mobility Week, Libertad Acosta- Citizen Bike Advocate: Ray Booth, Suncoast Cycling Club Director Whit Blanton and Board Chair Anderson, FDOT District 5 Commissioner Dave Eggers Page 10 Florida Bicycle Association Velomobiles by Nancy Sanford “Tat’s so cool!” riders hear this A LOT. Velomobiles look cool standing still and are fun to ride; it’s the comfortable seat that’s the bonus to the speed and efciency. And yes, they really ARE cool. To answer the “Isn’t it hot in there?” question, the air rushes in from air vents or foot holes and under the roof of the shade top. Some riders even have small fans. Te look demands attention – just one velo can stop a surprised driver in trafc, imagine the Record breaking day! Seven statement a line of them makes. velomobiles in one place for the first time! Velomobiles are a type of bike, Withlacoochee State Trail–4/13/19 (l to r) Carl Elston/HP Velotechnik Trike; Dana Thompson/WAW; Charlie Weill/DF; Clif Rufner/AeroBullet over Catrike; specifcally a recumbent trike with a Nancy Sanford/RotoVelo; Allan Adderley/AeroBullet(maker)over Catrike; Dan Hansen/DFXL; Rick O’Brien/Stitch ‘n glue plywood (maker) over ICE VTX. fairing, the colorful part that surrounds them. Tere are over a dozen owners in the Tere is one basic velo shape but the Te velo fairing can be mounted either activate. Around town, my cruising speed growing Florida Velomobile Club. Tree, number of wheels varies. Te 2-wheeled on a free-standing trike or with a full or is about 12 to 16 mph. Setting aside law including myself, are in St. Petersburg models, called ‘streamliners,’ are primarily partial ‘monocoque’ design (chassis is and circumstance, how fast a top designed which can boast having the highest number used for racing. Tere are also 4-wheeled integral with fairing). Te beneft of the velo can go is limited by the rider’s ftness, in one city in the state. We are ofen seen velomobiles. Te standard velo is three fairing, apart from comfort and protection wisdom, courage and the performance in downtown because we live nearby. wheels (common ‘tadpole’ design is two from the weather, is in its aerodynamic level of the velo. A reasonably ft rider Other velo owners live as far north as Te wheels in front, one back. A ‘delta’ trike is shape that kicks in its beneft above 15 mph can sustain a speed over 60 mph in a fast Villages, as far south as North Port and east one wheel in front, not ofen used in velo when the efort to match speed with an un- machine. Streamliners racing on salt fats to DeBary. designs). faired conventional cyclist moving at that and tracks have topped 86 mph. Respecting same speed is reduced by about 13%. the legal limit set at 20 mph as well as Te fairing can be made of anything circumstance, common sense and courtesy that conforms to the general shape you see that are the real limits. in the photo. Everything from aluminum, Most velomobiles are made in Te plastic and wood, to high tech composites Netherlands with other models made in have been used. Fiberglass and carbon Europe and beyond. Tere are more than 20 fber are most common with integral use of being manufactured, even more in smaller Kevlar or Innegra. Steering is either a ‘tiller’ quantities. Te least expensive way to buy a (center post) or ‘tank’ (2-side handlebars). new one is through one of the companies, Many have suspension on all three wheels. like AeroBullet in Floral City, FL, that make All velos are multi-geared and human fairings to ft over standard recumbent powered. Some have electric pedal assist trikes, and of course the homemade velos. which requires the rider to pedal to Some models have waiting lists to buy them (continued on page 12) Volunteers Sought for Tandem Bike Skill Development Program HAT: Te Broward County Parks In tandem partnership, the volunteer Wand Recreation Division’s Special captains the front seat while the individual Populations Section is seeking volunteers who is blind or visually impaired sits in for a Tandem Bike Skill Development the rear in the stoker position. Tandem Program which is designed for adults who partners are matched based on their are blind and visually impaired. strengths and weaknesses to complement Bicyclists who are blind or visually each other. Both captain and stoker are impaired are paired with sighted volunteers equally important to the partnership. We on tandem bicycles (bicycles built for two meet for fve consecutive weeks 1x per week riders) to form a partnership. Participants for two hours. We have not determined the Serving AAA Members, learn basic biking skills, safety, bicycle start date yet. mechanics, trust building, and group WHO: Adults, 18 and over even on two wheels. riding etiquette. Te program also provides HOW: Consistent attendance is adults who are blind or visually impaired required in order to participate. Take the worry out of your journey — even when you’re on a bike. with opportunities for physical activity, Call Special Populations at 954-357-8160 AAA now offers roadside assistance for bicycles. fun, ftness, and social interchange. or [email protected]. AAA Bicycle Service is a new benefit with every membership, that provides transportation for you and your bicycle if it breaks down on your ride. It’s one more way AAA helps members relax and enjoy the ride!

Not a member? Join today! AAA.com/Bicycle AAA Bicycle Service is available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and portions of Illinois and Indiana. Bicycle transportation service is counted toward your allotted roadside assistance service calls per member, per membership year. AAA will transport you and your bicycle to any point of safety within the limits of your coverage. AAA Bicycle Service is available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and portions of Illinois and Indiana. 18-PR-0975B Summer 2019 Page 11

As told by Becky Afonso and Wheels of Justice – Ask the Attorney Black Girls Do Bike Yvonne Nyakana “To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.” – Confucius See What We Can oday I am one step closer to true Jacksonville, Tampa, Central Florida and Tknowledge; I now know there is a Tallahassee). I asked Yvonne to share her Do Together by Steele Olmstead group of cyclists out there called Black story of the Miami chapter and of her Girls Do Bike (BGDB). Black Girls Do Bike becoming a ‘Shero’ (chapter leader): his is supposed to be a column by news. Afer fve years or more of false is an organization created with the mission It’s better to start at the beginning. I started Tguest attorneys who give advice about starts, faults hopes, discouragement, of growing and supporting a community riding as an adult in my late 40’s to recover law. Labor law is not my feld of expertise. disappointment, this I am fush with joy: of African American women who share a from a back injury from a car accident. I However, recently I have been preparing for the signing of the texting as a primary passion for cycling. According to the BGDB loved it right away because it took me back a presentation of union songs. When I say ofense law by the current governor. Tis website, “It’s like a pep rally for black girls to when I zipped around on two wheels as a the union songs I’m not talking wedding, has been a great success of the FL DNT on bikes!” Te group champions eforts to little girl. At the time, I lived in North Central I’m talking about labor unions. I am a TXT N DRV coalition. Your association, introduce the joy of cycling to all women, Florida where I could cycle on open roads musician and enjoy playing old songs. I was THIS association, the Florida Bicycle but especially, women and girls of color. with minimal trafc (compared to Miami!). really struck by the dramatic diference in Association, is a prominent member of My knowledge of BGDB comes from When I moved to Miami, I learned very the lives of workers that unions made back that coalition. Our executive director, Yvonne Nyakana, a member of BGDB and quickly that my cycling style had to shif from in the eighteen hundreds to the nineteen Becky Afonso, has worked tirelessly for the co-founder of the Miami Chapter, who an open county road mentality to ‘urban thirties. As you may know, large business last fve years in conjunction with the other participated in our January Ride Leader / roadie.’ I got used to trafc, lots of trafc. I also entities, back then known as trusts or safety advocates and other interest groups Ride Marshal certifcation public session discovered amazing of-road paths and trails. “concerns,” controlled much of the lives of who were sick and tired of the deaths of and expressed an interest in ways to One Tursday evening, a car hit me the workers. From the amount of money people in cars, on bicycles and walking collaborate with FBA. during a ride. I sufered multiple injuries and they made, to the working conditions, to caused by distracted driving. Tinking back to January, Yvonne was of the road for a while. When I started the type of things they were paid (scrip – See what working together can recalls that, “I became interested in the RL/ cycling again over a year later, I wanted my “company money”) down to the housing accomplish? Tis is a BIG DEAL. RM program afer I became the co-founder cycling to carry a message. that they had nearby the mines, factories or Together, as a union, you and your of the Miami Chapter. My reason for getting Tis is where BGDB comes in. I reached sweatshops where the workers toiled. fellow members of the Florida Bicycle the certifcation was to put some credentials out to Monica (BGDB Founder), because I was It became a world of diference in their Association can accomplish great things. under my cycling experience. Also, if I was looking for a ‘Women of Color’ group unique lives when the workers united together. Like this bill, now law, the texting ban is going to be responsible for adding new to Miami-Dade. Monica asked if I would be Working conditions improved dramatically. now enforceable. cyclists to the Florida cycling community, interested in co-founding Miami with her. Safety was a priority. A 40-hour work week Tere is a lot of work to do in the years to I needed all the help I could get. It was at I thought, “I don’t have time and am still in came into standard usage afer years of come: We need bicycles to become a greater the certifcation session that I connected recovery,” but I also knew that as a survivor, fghting for better hours. Workers had to part of the transportation solution in the with Becky Afonso and grasped how vital my story has a message. So, I accepted. Since be paid in cash, which they could spend state of Florida. We need parking places at collaboration with FBA would be.” then, I have met some amazing women from anywhere they wanted to instead of the every business location, park, government It would take a little time before I would Miami, Florida and nationally. I have great company store. Child labor was outlawed, building, in every town and in every park. have the opportunity to ride with Yvonne friendships with Sheros from all over, too. the National Labor Relations Board was We need protected bicycle lanes, we need and the Miami chapter of BGDB. In that Recently, I hooked up with BGDB ladies at established, workplace became much safer more greenways, we need the SUN Trail time, I met Black Girls Do Bike founder the New York 5 Boro Bike Tour. and the middle class was born. All of this Coast-to-Coast connector trail completed, Monica Garrison during the National Bike BGDB Miami promotes a monthly was accomplished by the union members we need bicycle bridges for bicyclists Summit in March. Founded in spring of ‘Leisure Ride’ as a way to enjoy a fun, laid joining and supporting their union, over the interstates and other really busy 2013, there are over 80 chapters of BGDB back activity, build riding skills, create a speaking with one voice to the powers roads. So, my advice as the attorney in this in the US and Antigua with 14k Facebook cycling community and discover amazing that be, supporting the union by paying guest column is to join your union, THIS Followers and 19k Facebook Group paths and trails in the 14+ parks and green union dues and sticking together with their UNION, Te Florida Bicycle Association, “Members.” It should be noted that there spaces in Miami-Dade. We also ofer more common interests when concerted action and make your bicycling community and is no ‘membership’ – there are no fees advanced options such as “Hills & Trills” needed to take place. your life on the bicycle safer, more fun and charged to those participating in the rides. and “Homestead Farms” rides. We have As I was writing this I got the good more fulflling. Te chapters work somewhat like a “Meet loaner bikes (BGDB Leisure Rides only) Attorney J. Steele Olmstead practices law statewide from ofces in Tampa. He has been helping bicyclists Up” group, just on a national level. Florida for members without bikes. Our Facebook back on the road since he was a tech in his brother’s shop in Tallahassee. Now he does it in front of a jury. has six chapters (Miami, South Florida, page has over 30 members, but our local core is small yet committed. Te goal is to build on this strong core, which takes more Of-Road Cycle Across South Florida (continued from page 6) time but has greater long-term impact. For Big Cypress would eliminate almost all more weight on the arms and shoulders and example, a core member fnally bought a those miles. So, in the end I had found a takes some weight of the seat. Te multiple bike and participated in Cyclofemme for way to cross Florida mostly trafc-free, a hand positions ofered also combat cramping her frst Leisure Ride. All a prospective and numbness. Further, a rider can get low on strong testament to our county, state and the drops ducking under a headwind. member needs is a passion to ride. Federal park systems. I hope you will try BGDB Miami can help transform With a short my mountain bike exploring a bit of the wild Florida on your adapted to road bars just fne and took a load this passion into a practice. bicycle. I know you will enjoy it. even better with some 25 pounds of gear on Today, we have a resource the back seeming to disappear when underway. partnership with FBA. We have About the Bike Picking a bike for this journey was difcult given the varying terrain, Tubeless cross-country mountain bike tires also established relationships load carrying requirements and potential on 29-inch rims rolled fast and never fatted. with two local bicycle shops so for headwinds. I settled on a hardtail (front In fact, over the entire trip I had not one far. Locally, BGDB Miami was suspension only) mountain bike but I knew the mechanical issue rendering the fve pounds of represented at Cyclovia 305, the straight handlebars would never do. Yes, I put pump, spares and tools total dead weight but still essential for a backcountry excursion. I Ride of Silence and Bike to Work drop bars (road bars) on my mountain bike. Why such blasphemy? Comfort and did note that cell phone reception was available Day. Do black girls bike? Yes, over just about the entire route although getting black girls do bike! aerodynamics. If you have ever sat on a mountain bike for hours on end you may have found it a car in for pickup would be impossible in some On Saturday, March 23, I somewhat uncomfortable on the derriere. A areas. If you attempt this route, be sure to bring participated in my frst Black Girls road bike, with its lower hand positions, puts a reasonably sized frst aid kit and reserves of Do Bike: Miami ride. It was the “Ride water and nutrition with you each day. the Surf(side) Leisure Ride.” I must say it was fun: Route information and time for these types of bicycling meet ups Editor’s Note: For more information visit www. BGDB stretching before the ride, a great scenic and certainly hope to be more available for blackgirlsdobike.com. For more on the Miami Surfside ride along the beach and a delightful post any and all the Black Girls Do Bike Florida chapter, click the location (blackgirlsdobike.com/ Valuejet Memorial ride rest stop ride chat over cofee. I only wish I had more chapters. chapters) and ask to join the Facebook group! Page 12 Florida Bicycle Association

the access to the working parts on a velo is POLK COUNTY NEWS Velomobiles (from page 10) challenging but not impossible. Some bike that usually take many months to fulfll. shops may not have the room to work on Te average cost in the US for a new basic them though most shops welcome them. Cycle a Nature Preserve just Minutes velo is $7000-12,000. It’s not impossible to Velomobile riders are passionate about by Jack Cormier, Communications Specialist, Central Florida’s Polk County Sports Marketing fnd a used velo but it may take a while. their bikes. Riding them is a joy. We like from Civilization In the US, there are about 150 velo making people smile when they see us. rom blazing red and orange sunrises trail system includes the Shady Oak Trail riders. Most, like in Europe, are men. Like many cyclists, the hardest part afer a over Lake Hancock to soaring bald (1.3 miles), Lost Bridge Trail (0.5 miles); Riders in Europe number over 2500 by F day’s ride is going home. eagles and rustic trails that slice through Alligator Alley (1.0 miles); Marsh Rabbit now and are growing fast in Scandinavia. To learn more about velomobiles search authentic swathes of Florida fora, Run (0.7 miles); Heron Hideout (0.5 miles), In Europe, it’s common for over 150 velo online on Google, YouTube, Instagram and Lakeland’s Circle B Bar Reserve is ofen Eagle Roost (0.7 miles), Wading Bird Way riders to show up for a ride of over 100 Facebook. Many riders, including me, have dubbed one of the best places to see wildlife (0.7 miles), Windmill Whisper (0.4 miles) miles a day riding together in long chains posted videos on YouTube. You can be an in Florida. and the Otter Trail (0.2 miles). Many of the of velos. armchair velo rider seeing what we see Sure, you can walk the up to six miles of trails interconnect to provide for longer Tere are, however, hazards. When you as you roll through the tulip farms of the trails if you’d like – but you can also traverse hiking or biking opportunities. ride a very recognizable bike you have to Netherlands, through trafc in London or this slice of Florida nature by mountain Please note that the paths are not paved, stay alert and ride defensively nicely. You along the St. Pete waterfront on the North bike. Just make sure to pay attention for the rather, they are a combination of dirt and don’t want people to remember you for the Shore Multi-use Trail! main attraction, alligators. stone blend. While the paths tend to be wrong reasons. It’s almost compulsory to (A special thanks to friend Josef Janning, If the state’s most popular reptile is packed down, there are plenty of roots. be nice, answer questions, smile and wave a German velo owner of a Quest and on your must-see list, Central Florida’s Additionally, many of the paths along ‘hello.’ Surprised or curious drivers (or Quatrovelo, YouTube videographer and Polk County ofers ample opportunities. Alligator Alley are sandy. As with all nature pedestrians) do unexpected things exactly organizer of US and European velo tours Home to more than 550 fresh water lakes parks, wet weather translates into sloppy because a velo is something they haven’t who contributed to this article.) and 25,000 acres of unspoiled recreational paths. It is recommended that whether seen before. Tey do stop in the middle of parks, the unrivaled jewel – and perhaps the hiking or cycling, you pack your own drinks. the street to take a photo for instance. Nancy Sanford has been carless for over a year, an best place to observe alligators in the wild Circle B Bar Reserve is also home to Also, unique to velos, is that high crown observer of the St. Petersburg Mayor’s Bicycle and – is Circle B Bar Reserve. Comprised of the Polk County Nature Discovery Center. roads tilt 3-wheeled bikes sideways which Pedestrian Advisory Committee and former Vice President of Water for the International Human nearly 1,300 acres, the park has numerous Te Nature Discovery Center provides is annoying when riding in a bike lane. Powered Vehicle Association (IHPVA). She is trails, with the most popular trail being, hands-on educational opportunities (2-wheeled bikes remain straight up.) Since a member of FBA and organizer of the Florida without a doubt, Alligator Alley Trail. for visitors and school groups to learn most velos use 20-inch wheels, cobblestone Velomobile Club. Her motto is, “Pedal power – the Te trail runs along alligator-inhabited more about Florida’s environmental and roads can rattle you and hitting potholes pace for the human race!” Lake Hancock, and the star attractions hydrologic natural resources. Te center is can be painfully jarring. may be observed at a distance from shore loaded with interactive exhibits as well as Despite being a bigger target, or from a number of piers. Ranging in size knowledgeable volunteers armed with trail we still hear drivers say, “I from mere inches to nearly as long as your maps and information at the front desk of didn’t see you,” even with a average hatchback car, the alligators are the Discovery Center. fag, lights and as a rolling, at home in the oak hammock, freshwater Conveniently located, Circle B Bar brightly colored thing. Te marsh, hardwood swamp and the lakeshore Reserve is just minutes from downtown velo’s fairing has saved the on the reserve. Lakeland or Florida Southern, so there life of many riders, or at least With all the alligators around, it’s are ample opportunities to stop for reduced the human damage the perfect place to bring a camera – but refreshments on your way home. Concord because the fairing ‘skin’ can don’t miss out on everything else around Cofee, with its variety of cafeinated and take a lot abuse. you. Circle B Bar Reserve, with a series of cafeine free beverages, could serve as your Te maintenance on velos well-maintained marked trails of diferent artisanal drink oasis. Or if you’d like a salad is much the same as for con- lengths, provides countless opportunities or something a little heavier, downtown ventional bikes. Sometimes for photographers and painters looking Lakeland ofers everything from salads and to capture the beauty of nature. Te pizza to an Irish pub and, yes, even more tremendous bird population includes a cofee options. variety of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys For more ideas on things to see Join FBA Today! and bald eagles. and do while visiting Circle B, go Your membership makes a diference. And no matter your ftness level – or to visitcentralforida.org. For more Add your voice for the future of all bicyclists in Florida. how hot it is – there is a trail that’ll be just information on Circle B, go to polknature. the right length for you. Te extensive com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve. Name ______Gender: Male Female

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Membership type: Individual ($25) Family ($35) Membership Student/Snowbird ($15) Supporter ($50) includes a FREE Club/Business/Agency ($100) Benefactor ($100) subscription to the Champion ($250) Legacy ($500) FBA Messenger! Other/additional donation ______

Please mail check to: Florida Bicycle Association, PO Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 Or go online to: www.floridabicycle.org Take a bike ride on Alligator Alley Trail Summer 2019 Page 13 FBA certified Ride Leaders/Ride Marshals Florida State Parks Update Where Have They Been Leading? by Eric Draper, Executive Director by Mary Beth Garcia, RLRM Program Director t a recent trail event, I had Athe pleasure of joining s of May 2018 – just 18 months afer Year award recipient – for sponsoring members of the Florida Awe launched the FBA Ride Leader/ the Tour de Feme ride this past April. Bicycle Association and the Ride Marshal (RLRM) certifcation Tere are eight Gulf Coast Velo club Executive Director Becky program – we have certifed 150 ride members who are certifed FBA RLRMs. Afonso. I’m always drawn to leaders and ride marshals from throughout • Many clubs participated and hosted these events as the attendees the state and in many of Florida’s bicycle Te Ride of Silence on May 15, 2019, and organizers have such an clubs. So, what have they been up to since and many FBA certifed ride marshals infectious optimism about the certifcation? Many of the ride marshals participated in these rides. FBA future of trails. Te Florida who attended the workshop and passed the executive director, a certifed RLRM, Department of Environ- certifcation exam have been volunteering participated in the Venice Ride of Silence mental Protection’s Florida and leading rides weekly for their clubs and which had club members and certifed Park Service is planning for their bicycle club’s larger event rides. Due RLRMs from Coastal Cruisers Bicycle the future of Florida’s trails. to their certifcation and experience as a Club, GCV, Village Idiots and Sarasota Te Florida Greenways and ride leader and ride marshal, many of our Manatee Bicycle Club. Trails System Five-Year Plan certifed ride leaders have served as ride Tank you to all the bicycle clubs and and the soon-to-be-released marshals for large charity rides as well. organizations such as Velo Sports in South Statewide Comprehensive • Te Dolphin Cycling Challenge hosted Florida who have sponsored the training Outdoor Recreation Plan Cutting the ribbon to over 5,000 cyclists, runners and walkers for their ride marshals. We truly appreciate are two important tools for coordinating eforts open a new section of the and raised over $4.4 million to fght your support and your commitment Palatka-to-St. Augustine State cancer during their event in April. Tere to making Florida a safer cycling state. and making a case for trail Trail near Hastings, FL. were over 100 ride marshal volunteers We are proud to have such great and development to the public for the event and 12 of the ride marshals skillful cyclists, ride leaders and marshals and leaders. were FBA RLRM certifed marshals. participating in these grand events across Recently at three events, I saw trail plans come to life thanks to tremendous collaboration • Te Bike MS Breakaway to Key Largo, the state of Florida. We look forward to between local and state government and local businesses. In Hastings, we celebrated a new MS Citrus Tour and upcoming MS more representation of FBA’s Ride Leader / section of the Palatka-to-St. Augustine State Trail. At celebrations for two new Florida PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore, all with Ride Marshal certifed marshals in Florida’s Trail Towns, Palatka and Everglades City, I saw considerable energy and enthusiasm from over 1000 cyclists for each event, have cycling events in 2019 and 2020. the community. It was satisfying to see the eforts of trail champions bear fruit, backed by 12 FBA RLRM certifed marshals who Please contact me if you are interested compelling arguments about trails’ economic and health benefts. participate in these great charity rides to in sponsoring a class in your cycling When I have the opportunity to speak at events like these, I try to make two main fght multiple sclerosis. community. I look forward to working points. Te frst is that outdoor recreation and bicycling improve local economies and • Te Royal Palm Event hosted by the with you and don’t forget our next FBA community health. Tat message ofen resonates with people as it recognizes that trails Caloosa Riders out of Fort Myers had Public RLRM Certifcation Workshop is beneft the community, not just trail users. fve FBA RLRM certifed ride leaders scheduled for June 22 in Tampa. Go to At the Hastings trail opening, a local barbecue was open for the event and there were and marshals leading rides during their foridabicycle.org for more information many eager customers. Many cyclists and trail advocates make the claim that trails improve 2-day event this past March. and to register. Until next time, enjoy the local economies, but it doesn’t happen automatically. Tis is the second point I make: We • Gulf Coast Velo (GCV) —and summer and please take care to hydrate in must get of our bikes, take out our wallets and spend some money. You might just get some congratulations are in order to founder the summer months twice as much as you delicious barbecue out of it! Mark Schiefer, a FBA certifed RLRM would in the cooler Florida months. I’m look forward to more celebrations. My favorite part of these events is putting some and our 2018 Citizen Advocate of the Tailwinds!! time in the saddle, so I always try to bring or borrow a bike. I’d like to give a special shoutout to FBA Board President Patty Huf. At the Everglades City Florida Trail Town celebration, Patty and her husband loaned me a bike and led a great ride. Tere’s nothing quite like riding the fresh asphalt of a new trail section alongside others excited for the future of Florida’s trails.

Ride of Silence Poem Tonight we number many but ride as one In honor of those not with us, friends, mothers, fathers, sisters, sons With helmets on tight and heads down low, We ride in silence, cautious and slow Te wheels start spinning in the lead pack But tonight we ride and no one attacks Te dark sunglasses cover our tears Remembering those we held so dear (top) Ride Tonight’s ride is to make others aware Marshals at Velo Te road is there for all to share Sport Event, To those not with us or by our side, March 2019 (left) Riders cue up at May God be your partner on your fnal ride Venice Ride of Silence Page 14 Florida Bicycle Association

Questions about the laws related to bicycling? (1) Except as otherwise provided in this term does not include traction engines, road chapter, every owner or person in charge of rollers, personal delivery devices and mobile * a motor vehicle that is operated or driven carriers as defned in s. 316.003, special Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org on the roads of this state shall register the mobile equipment as defned in s. 316.003, by George Martin vehicle in this state. that run only upon a track, bicycles, Te shoulder is part of the “road” as swamp buggies, or mopeds. As part of the Enforcement Program, FBA maintains FLBikeLaw.org to provide a place to ask defned for registration. With a couple of exceptions, only questions about the laws. Questions come direct to FBA via the “Contact FBA” form from floridabicycle. s. 320.01 – Defnitions, General vehicles powered solely by org as well as other sources. Herein is a very limited sample of questions and answers found on the site. may be used on the sidewalk or bike path. Go online for more. (16) “Road” means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way s. 316.1995 – Driving upon Sidewalk or CDD Bike Parking roadways, the standard width of a bufered or place of whatever nature when any part Bicycle Path bicycle lane is 7 feet. For high-speed curbed thereof is open to the use of the public for (1) …. a person may not drive any Alan asked: I live in a CDD community arterials, the standard width of a bufered purposes of vehicular trafc. vehicle other than by human power upon Qwhich means that the interior bicycle lane is 6.5 feet. a bicycle path, sidewalk, or sidewalk area, roadways are public and maintained by Your vehicle is considered a motor For RRR projects, the distribution of vehicle by the statute concerning except upon a permanent or duly authorized the CDD taxing authority. We have a temporary driveway. clubhouse with a pool, gym and 6 tennis available roadway width may require a registration, but does not meet the courts. Our community, the Venetian bicycle lane other than the standard bufered requirements for a type of vehicle that may Te City of Fort Lauderdale passed a Gold and River Club located in North bicycle lane (refer to Section 25.4.19.2 of this be registered. local ordinance allowing certain dockless Volume). When providing a bicycle lane on Venice has 1377 units. At the clubhouse s. 320.01 – Defnitions, General – As mobility devices (electric scooters). a RRR project, the options in the order of there has always been a small parking used in the Florida Statutes, except as https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/home/ priority are: area for bicycles and golf . Tere are otherwise provided, the term: showdocument?id=31619 4 bicycle racks that can accommodate 1. 7-foot bufered bicycle lane (1) “Motor vehicle” means: Operators must comply with s. approximately 25 bicycles and there were 2. 6-foot bufered bicycle lane 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations. I could about 8 spots for golf carts. In season, Nov (a) An automobile, motorcycle, truck, not determine if the ordinance and rules to April, there are usually about 40 bikes 3. 5-foot conventional bicycle lane trailer, semitrailer, truck tractor and also apply to privately owned scooters or that need parking between the hours of semitrailer combination, or any other vehicle 4. 4-foot conventional bicycle lane just those owned by the designated rental 8-11AM. Recently, they redesigned this operated on the roads of this state, used to Trafc Lanes are typically 10 to 12 feet organizations. small parking area and added 6 spots for transport persons or property, and propelled wide depending on many factors. A 15-foot golf carts (total 14) and cut the parking by power other than muscular power, but the wide curb lane is normally shared by many for bicycles by 40%. Are there any law that types of vehicles. require sufcient spots for bicycles or that *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no way constitute or be construed as legal advice prohibit golf parking to be integrated 27. Trafc Lane/Traveled Way: Te by the ofcers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or with . designated widths of roadway pavement, on the streets difers from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and FBA are not accountable exclusive of shoulders and bicycle lanes, for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You should seek legal advice Tere is no FL law that requires bike on a particular situation. marked to separate opposing trafc or vehicles racks. In a Community Development A traveling in the same direction. Trafc lanes District the decision of what services are include through travel lanes, auxiliary lanes, ofered and which facilities are constructed turn lanes, weaving, passing, and climbing is up to the landowners/residents. You lanes. Tey provide space for passenger cars, Upcoming Bicycle should address your concern to the trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and, in board of directors, which represents the some cases, bicycles. residents. Touring Events in Florida Roadway Width for Bike Scooter in the Road This printed version is 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 Quinton asked: I have a hover 1 Lanes for more details about each ride. Data are gleaned and summarized from an online calendar database scooter electric that has 3 speeds – 1 Robert asked: What is the minimum Q maintained by Roger Pierce and published on the FBA web site. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, 7: mph I think, 2 10: mph and 3 15: mph. I road width that allows a bike lane? In e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including Q had a cop pull me over for driving it on the other words is a 15 foot lane width or a 12 many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, at www.floridabicycle.org/touring. sidewalk and he said that goes on the road foot lane width enough to allow a 5 foot but if I go on the road I will be ran over! It bike lane to be incorporated within it? JUNE only goes 15 mph. June 15 (Sat) Spring Hill Crankin’ Out Cancer I’m afraid the answer is not as simple Your scooter cannot be legally operat- Starts at 7:30am at Evom Lounge, 14251 Powell Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. 30, 42 & 61 mile options. as the question implies and I cannot A ed on a sidewalk, the roadway or the https://raceroster.com/events/2019/21399/crankin-out-cancer?af=0CWS4&af=0CWS4 give a comprehensive answer. Roadway A right of way. See this post: design is complex and dependent on July 14 (Sun) Punta Gorda Wheels and Wings numerous factors, including proximity Te vehicle you describe cannot be Starts at 7:30am at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s 1105 Taylor St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. 15, 31, 50 & 62 mile to urban centers, travel volumes and used on sidewalks, the roadway or the options. http://www.peaceriverridersbicycleclub.com whether the roadway is new construction shoulder of the road. A bike lane is part of or rehabilitation. Te following is some the roadway. AUGUST information from the FDOT Plans s. 316.2128 – Operation of Motorized August 31 – September 2 (Sat-Mon) Sebring Tour of Sebring Preparation Manual. Scooters and Miniature Motorcycles; Starts at Highlands News-Sun Center 781 Magnolia Avenue Sebring, FL 33870. Multiple days & 8.4.1 Bicycle Lanes Requirements for Sales distances. https://www.memberplanet.com/events/highlandspedalers/tourofsebring2019 Where required by Table 8.1.1, provide (1) …. motorized scooters or miniature SEPTEMBER a bicycle lane for each direction of travel on motorcycles …. are not legal to operate September 8 (Sun) Fernandina Beach Endless Summer Watermelon Ride the roadway. Te bicycle lane is defned as on public roads, may not be registered as Starts at 7:30am at Fernandina Beach Recreation, 2500 Atlantic Avenue. Fernandina Beach, the area between the edge of travel lane and motor vehicles, and may not be operated on FL 32034. 20, 30, 53, 73 & 100 mile options. https://raceroster.com/events/2019/21735/ the edge of pavement. Bicycle lanes are to be sidewalks …. marked in accordance with Design Standards, endless-summer-watermelon-ride Index 17347 and the MUTCD. Shared use Motor vehicles operated on the roadway must be registered with the DMV. September 21 (Sat) Key Largo ReMARCable Tour de Keys paths do not meet the requirement for bicycle Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Holiday Inn Key Largo, 99701 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL lanes. For new construction or reconstruction s. 320.02 – Registration Required; 100 miles solo or as a team. https://raceroster.com/22433?af=0CWS4 projects, both curbed and fush shoulder Application for Registration; Forms Summer 2019 Page 15

FDOT Statewide Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator: Mary O’Brien, 850-414-4283 FDOT Districts www.floridabicycle.org/resources-by-the-f-dot for more FBA member club & shop info. District 1 Schwinn Cyclery, SQB LLC Electric District 3 Cities: Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, Bicycles, Road & Trail Bicycles, Pedego Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Sarasota Electric Bikes (2 locations, Naples), Road Tallahassee and Mountain Bikes, Bicycles International Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, District 2 Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, Jeferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa FDOT Bike/Ped coordinator: David St. Augustine Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington Agacinski, 239-225-1959; Bike/Ped Safety Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Olen Pettis, Club, Spacecoast Specialist: John Kubicki, 863-519-2447; Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, 850-330-1543; FDOT Bike/Ped Safety Freewheelers SUN Trail Coordinator: David Agacinski, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Specialist: Andrew White, 850-330-1653; Bicycle Club, 239-225-1959 Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: Olen Pettis, Ocala Mountain FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Caloosa Riders 850-330-1543 Bike Association FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Derek Bicycle Club, Highlands Pedalers Bicycle Dixon, 904-360-5653; FDOT Bike/Ped FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Capital City FBA Member Bicycle Club, Peace River Riders Bicycle Club, Safety Specialist: Jennifer Graham, 904- Cyclists, Emerald Coast Cyclists Shops: Village Cycles (2 Sanibel Bicycle Club, Sarasota-Manatee 360-5636; FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: locations), Orange Cycle, Fox Bicycle Club, Gulf Coast Velo, Bonita Bay FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Te Great Barney Bennette, 386-961-7878 Fire-stone Bicycle Shop, Te Bicycle Club Bicycle Shop FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Gainesville Ride Xperience FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Acme Bicycle District 4 Cycling Club, North Florida Bicycle Club, District 6 Shop, Bike Route (Fort Myers), Fort Myers Suwannee Bicycle Association Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach Cities: Key West, Miami Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe Palm Beach, St. Lucie FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Shereen FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Larry Yee Fong, 305-470-5308; FDOT Bike/ Wallace, 954-777-4208; FDOT Bike/Ped Ped Safety Specialist: Isis Sotolongo, 305- Safety Specialist: Tomas Miller, 954- 470-5187; FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: 777-4073 and Tracey Xie, 954-777-4355; Shereen Yee-Fong, 305-470-5393 FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: Wibet Hay, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Key West 954-777-4573 Bicycle Association FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Boca Raton FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Mack Cycle & Bicycle Club, Vero Cycling Club, Treasure Fitness, No Boundaries Sport, Bike Tech (2 Coast Cycling Association, South Broward locations) Wheelers Bicycle Club District 7 FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Orchid Island Cities: Brooksville, Clearwater, Port Richey, Bikes and , Conte’s Bike Shop (Boca St. Petersburg, Tampa Raton, Ft. Lauderdale), Bike Tech Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, District 5 Pasco, Pinellas Cities: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Alex Henry, Kissimmee, Melbourne, Ocala, Orlando 813-975-6405; FDOT Bike/Ped Safety Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Specialist: Ginger Regalado, 813-975-6970; Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: Alex Henry, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Michael 813-975-6405 Ziarnek, 386-943-5251; FDOT Bike/ FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Florida Ped Safety Specialist: Chad Lingen- Panthers Tandem Club, St. Petersburg felter, 386-943-5336; FDOT SUN Trail Bicycle Club, Suncoast Cycling Club Coordinator: Heather Garcia, 386-943-5077 FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Bike Sport, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Florida Chainwheel Drive (Clearwater, Palm Freewheelers, Sumter Landing Bicycle Harbor), Jim’s Bicycle Shop

FBA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Saturday, July 27 1-4 PM St. Petersburg Main Library BICYCLE ASSOCIATION 3745 9th Avenue N www.foridabicycle.org EST. 1997 St. Petersburg, FL 33713 Members and non-members are invited to attend this meeting featuring Forward Pinellas Executive Director Whit Blanton and a special presentation from FBA Business Member Angco Striping – they install green bike lanes! Snacks and other goodies provided along with information and idea sharing from YOU! One Foolish Act Can Ruin a Thousand Other Great Ones ue never expected the beach party to end up like this...She joined her friends for a fun day at the beach flled with laughter and a few Take a stand: Stoo many cocktails. You see, Sue didn’t realize how impairment interferes with balance and good judgment. On the ride home she ran Have a plan before impairment through a stop sign and it nearly cost her life… becomes a factor! Everyone expects to arrive at their destinations safely, and people who are impaired ofen feel invincible. Don’t be foolish! Have a plan BEFORE you head to the party! For additional bicycle safety info: People walking or biking while under the infuence of drugs or alcohol accounted for 23% of all impairment related trafc fatalities in www.AlertTodayFlorida.com Florida in 2017. Most people recognize the dangers of driving while under the infuence of drugs One Foolish Act Can Ruin or alcohol, but seldom consider the dangers of riding a Thousand Other Great Ones! a bicycle or walking along a roadway while impaired. Drugs and alcohol interfere with balance, coordination, and judgement. To put it simply, your brain may not be able to “sync” your body with the simple task of walking or biking safely if you are impaired. Impaired bicyclists may ride against trafc, weave into oncoming trafc, or forget to use bicycle lights at night. Every crash, injury, and fatality afects those involved, their family, friends, and community. Please be personally responsible. Don’t drive, walk, or bike while under the infuence of drugs or alcohol and remind your family and In real life we don’t get a do-over. Don’t drink and ride. friends to do the same. www.AlertTodayFlorida.com Funded by FDOT

are Your

If so, spin down to Central Florida’s Polk County– your hub for some of the best and most diverse cycling experiences in Florida. Road, mountain, single track, rails-to-trails, bikepacking – with some surprisingly heart-thumping elevation changes. Why not stay here and ride them all? Plan your velo-escape at ChooseEverything.com

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