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Vol. 11, No. 3 Summer 2008 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC. A1A exits the courts but issue remains to be resolved

The Spring 2008 issue of the FBA Boca Raton Bicycle Club and League of Messenger [Vol. 11, No. 2] reported the good American Bicyclists decided not to carry the and bad news for Florida bicyclists in the issue to the higher court. ProBike/ProWalk A1A bike lane issue. You can search the Internet with Since 2003 bicycling advocates had “Rosenzweig v. Department of challenged (in district offices, state head- Transportation” for summaries and forums quarters and the media, and before local related to the issue and find enough reading governments, an appeals committee and the material for a month of Sundays (one inter- First District Court of Appeal) the Florida esting source is www.bikeforums.net/archive/ Department of Transportation’s decision not index.php /t-400977.html). to include bike lanes on a stretch of highway In light of that abundant resource, we “Making Your Community Healthy, Safe improvement. alternatively offer some insight from some of The First DCA’s ruling made FDOT more the main players in this ongoing drama. and Green” Oct. 20-23, 2008 at the Hilton accountable to affected cyclists and pedestri- ans, but did not order the agency to add the ooooo St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel bike lanes on A1A. The score after five years of controversy: George Martin, an FBA Advisory Board The conference promises to be another Registration fees: Statewide Bicyclists: 1, FDOT: 1, Palm member and past president of the West Palm outstanding gathering of people who Early Bird, postmarked before 9/1/08 Beach County Residents along A1A: 1, Palm Beach Bicycle Club, learned of the pending care about improving community plan- FBA Member – Full Conference: $275 Beach County A1A Cyclists: 0, decisions on A1A through his seat on the ning, protecting public health, safety and Non-member – Full Conference: $325 The First DCA suggested in its ruling that local Bike/Ped Advisory Committee (BPAC). the environment. Sessions will focus on an issue of contradictory law existed that “I tried to get local cyclists engaged in the ways to move your community forward Open Registration, after 9/1/08 might be grounds for taking the issue to the process politically, but few people wanted to through well-designed transportation FBA Member – Full Conference: $325 Florida Supreme Court. As the Spring 2008 stick their necks out,” says Martin. “In 2003, projects. This conference is for anyone Non-member – Full Conference: $375 Messenger went to press bicycling advocates we learned that a friend, John McCurdy, who wants to make their community had appealed to the First DCA for a rehear- was struck and nearly killed by a hit and run healthier, safer, better functioning and Anytime registration daily rates for one ing and were considering the Supreme Court driver while riding his bike on A1A. That more alive with people. In addition to the or two days: option. was a major turning point for me.” Martin educational sessions, participants will Tuesday only: $175 Toward the end of April the First contacted Raphael Clemente, bike/ped enjoy walking and biking tours, dynamic Wednesday only: $175 DCA denied the motion for rehearing. manager for the local Metropolitan Planning keynote speakers and vendor exhibits. Thursday only: $125 Subsequently, appellants Bruce Rosenzweig, Please see Parties, page 4 Keynote Speakers Tentative Schedule: Dan Burden, Partner and Senior Urban October 19, Sunday, Share the Road Designer, Glatting Jackson Kercher Ride and Bicycle Bash by the Bay event Anglin – Internationally recognized October 20, Monday, Pre-Conference authority on walkability workshops October 21, Tuesday, FBA Annual Ian Lockwood, Principal and Senior Meeting and Awards Presentation Transportation Engineer, Glatting breakfast, Plenary Session, 2 sets of 3 Jackson Kercher Anglin concurrent sessions in the afternoon; Pioneer and leader in the field of traffic rides and walks in the evening calming October 22, Wednesday, Marketing Sara Isaac, Strategist and Senior for Change social marketing training in Copywriter, Salter>Mitchell: Marketing morning session for all attendees, key- for Change note luncheon featuring Dan Burden, keynote plenary session featuring Ian Tait Martin, Ph.D., Director of Research Lockwood, 2 sets of 3 concurrent ses- Salter>Mitchell: Marketing for Change sions, rides and walks in the morning DETAILS and evening Hotel: Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront October 23, Thursday, 2 sets of 3 con- 333 First Street South current sessions in the morning; Post- St. Petersburg FL 33701 Conference workshops 727-894-5000 LAB president Andy Clarke (front row with the wine glass) recently attended the U.S. Visit the website at www.stpetersburghilton.com Conference of Mayors in Miami. He and others involved in the lawsuit met for dinner in Ft. www.probikeprowalkflorida.com for more Room rate: $139/single-double Lauderdale. Back, l. to r.: Bruce Rosenzweig, Mike Greehan, FBA president Dave Henderson, details. attorney Jeff Lynne. Front, l.: attorney Larry Silverman from the Akerman Miami office. Advocating a bicycle-friendly Florida 2 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

City names denote board member distribution. Is your Thanks to Our Donors! (2nd Q 2008): area represented? Contact a board member today! Lifetime members Advocating a Kimberly Cooper bicycle-friendly Florida dB Technologies James Nash Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694 Dr. Joe Warren Mighk and Carol Wilson Waldo (FBA HQ) Titanium Partners ($500 - $999) Executive Director Membership Director Palatka North Florida Bicycle Club Laura Hallam Deb Devoe Brooksville P.O. Box 718 2738 Gables Drive Orlando Golden Gears ($250 - $499) Waldo, FL 32694 Eustis, FL 32726 FPZA (Florida Planning & Zoning Phone: 352-468-3430 [email protected] Association Fax: 352-468-3430 Cell: 407-399-9961 Silver Spokes ($100 - $249) [email protected] North Florida Bicycle Jeanne L. Coleman Ft. Myers Club Denis and Nina W Palm Bch FPZA (Florida Beaulieu Planning & Zoning John Mildenberger Boynton Bch Association) Maureen Morley Board of Directors Miami Steve and Lisa James Teryl Blount Ken and Martha David Henderson, President Dan Moser Mighk Wilson East Pasco Habitat Scearce 111 NW First Street, Suite 910 1449 Linhart Ave. 737 S. Mills Ave. for Humanity John Boyle Miami, FL 33128 Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Orlando, FL 32801 Clearwater Cycles Byron V. Reid, VMD Phone: 305-666-4718 Phone/Fax: Phone: 407-898-4137 Retro City Cycles Coastal Cruisers [email protected] 239-334-6417 [email protected] Suwannee Bicycle Bicycle Club [email protected] Club Panama City Flyers Raphael Clemente AICP, Vice President Emerald Coast Cycling Club 301 Clematis St, Ste. 200 Cyclists Sarasota-Manatee West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Randall Williams Bicycle Club Phone: 561-833-8873 Richard Berkowitz David Henderson [email protected] Advisory Board Mike Greehan

Don Braverman, Secretary Ken Bryan Laura Minns, Scrapbook and Memory Book Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99) 27A Stratford Lane West Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Florida Field Office [email protected] Boynton Beach, FL. 33436 [email protected] Kristin Kalwara DeWayne and Roger Pierce, Florida Touring Calendar Phone: 561-742-8074 Larry and Margaret Jennifer Carver Keri Caffrey, Webmaster [email protected] [email protected] Weatherby Beth Knizer [email protected] Carol Pulley, MPO/BPAC Gary and Kathy Rief Daniel Lehmann Steve Diez, Treasurer Paul Casazza, Law Enforcement [email protected] Al and Heidi Parker Murray and Susan 20 N. Main Street, Room 262 [email protected] Donald Bryan Hann Brooksville, FL 34601 Tina Russo, Education James Shirk Donna Tucker Phone: 352-754-4057 x 125 Hal Downing, Legal Affairs [email protected] Elmer Parent Bob and Joan [email protected] [email protected] Fred and Marion Dioguardi Robert Seidler, Filmmaker Korzec James Henze Herb Hiller, Journalist [email protected] Linda Crider, Ph.D. Rob Hill Richard Goldman [email protected] 116 Kirkland St. John Sinibaldi, Jr Jake Renfroe, III Lewis and Judith Palatka, FL 32177 Dwight Kingsbury, Historian [email protected] Laura L. Beagles Barger Work Phone: 352-392-8192 [email protected] John and Janet Greg and Melanie [email protected] Randall Williams, Newsletter Swanson Esser Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special Programs [email protected] Whitney Fredric Berger [email protected] Garlinghouse Amado Li Kate Smith James O’Reilly George Martin, Law Enforcement Training Willy and Amy Van [email protected] Gent

Club, Corporate, Gov’t, Shops East Pasco Habitat for Humanity Clearwater Cycles Retro City Cycles Messenger Deadlines FPZA (Florida Planning & Zoning Join FBA Visit FBA’s Website Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Association) www.floridabicycle.org Summer Messenger - June 15 Use the application form on the last Fall Messenger - September 15 page. Suggested contributions (tax Winter Messenger - December 15 Welcome New and Returning deductible): Subscribe to FBA Spring Messenger - March 15 Members! News, and FBA and Inquiries and submissions: [email protected] Alexander and Sue McSwizzy Individual $25 Deborah White- Roger Striker Family $35 FORBA e-mail lists Labora Peter Olsen Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues Student/living lightly $15 Membership Categories: Paceline Georgia Wood Samantha Lamar Bicycle Club $100 with these statewide forums. Betsy Hoover Debra Akin Leaders ($1,000+) Debra Knuth DeWayne and Corporate/Agency $100 Bill Richards Jennifer Carver To subscribe to Florida Bicycle Titanium Partners ($500-$999) Higher donations are greatly appre- Thomas Whitehair Paul R. Ingold Association's FBAlink, go to FBA’s ciated! See membership categories, Golden Gears ($250-$499) Peter Morehouse Dan Connaughton home page at the website URL listed below. Keith and Suzanne Marushka Jilek above and click on the “Sign up for Silver Spokes ($100-$249) Lord Richards FBA News Updates by E-Mail” link. Bronze Pedals ($50-$99) Bill Hemme David Lewalski Make check payable and mail Mimi Alvarez Tony Otte to: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc., FBA Blog on the www Steve and Lisa Dave Peterson P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694 http://flabicycle.blogspot.com Membership includes a subscrip- Blount Janine Callahan Sheldon Busse Dave and Barb or join online at floridabicycle.org. tion to the FBA Messenger. Dan Albert Riley Thomas Helen Murphy Jason Rock Summer 2008 3

Welcome New and Returning President’s message... Members! (continued)

Wayne Miller David Lasdon David Henderson Noel Moore Scott Silverman Facelifts for FBA web Lucy O’Connor Sandy Bockman Gerard Hackett Joan Notes Judith Teller & David Norman Murphy Kaye John Kwasnieski heck out our rede- Randall Williams, two of FBA’s former Tom Coghill Sr. Neal Shear signed websites at webmasters. Peter Flatow Steven Fork Barbara Weldon Robert Glassberg www.floridabicycle.org Roger passed the baton to Randall Julio Artau Simon & Carole and www.probikepro in 2002 resulting in a redesign. Now, Marta Revilla Haskel walkflorida.com (no six years later, Randall has handed off Diana Yates Letty Covar spaces). We are keeping up website duties to Keri Caffrey following Bob Pinsly Ulises (Lee) Covar Howard & Mary Alan & Janice with the times and possibly even a search for a webmaster available to Eckert Silverman getting a little bit ahead of the curve. devote more time to the site. es who devoted so much pro bono effort Scott Cihak William Bogard You may be noticing that bicycling is Keri, as the owner of Keri Caffrey, toward the A1A suit (see the wrap-up Peter & Justin Hearn Jim Long all of a sudden getting pretty cool again. Inc., operates a professional design stu- Mario Guillen David Moylan beginning on page 1) and Bill Bone, Patrick Monleuade John Kling And we just want to help. dio with a national client base. Better Esq. of West Palm Beach. Richard Mendelson Norman Goldin The new sites are easier to navigate yet, she’s a bicycle advocate, educator And we can’t forget FBA Advisory Philip Studer Barry Apfel with drop down menus for logical and commutes most days to the office. Board member Hal Downing, Esq. who Eric Wallace Steven Aliperta exploring to find the content you desire. Take time to thoroughly explore the Mark Dubrow Jeffrey Wade keeps a constant eye on bicycle issues Sean Colgan James Mabry And if you can’t find what you need, new sites and let us know what you for us. Michael Shepherd Betty Loyd let us know and we’ll help you find it or think. FBA wants to develop more victim Ann Calder-Schmidt Darryl Troy add resources. One item where we need your help assistance so your suggestions are & Bob Schmidt Susan Schulz Special thanks go to Roger Pierce and is in building a list of bicycle-friendly Neil Lustig Brent Proctor appreciated. Jerry Fuchs David Kirsh attorneys to assist people in finding expe- Providing names of attorneys upon Tony Meere JoAnne & Jim Robert Pfarr Marvin Levenson rienced legal assistance in their area of request does not mean FBA is a referral Bill & Brian Cranston Mitseas Rorie Anderson Neil Katz the state. You’ll find articles in this issue service but merely a place to start when Keith & Stephanie Geir Ingolfsrud Kevin Collins & George Ottinger by two of them, J. Steele Olmstead and Snyder Bruce Clipson searching for counsel. Bonnie Stein Herb Stein Christopher Burns. Julia & George Helen Kane Bill & Mia Bunker Melissa Wu Contact Laura Hallam at laura@flor- Pincus Bill Horstman George Kessel Scott Wu Three other staunch supporters are Jeff idabicycle.org with your recommenda- Harold Forman Lee Hirsch Cora Stagg Liz Stewart Lynne and Larry Silverman from the tions. Miriam Benardette Lee Tout John Dawkins Barry Cott Akerman Senterfitt & Eidson, P.A. offic- Clive Lloyd Peggy McKenna Leonard & Bernice Gloria Stark Jodi Rosen Michael & Lorene Goldstein J.T. (Chip) Bryan Eugene Berman Kravit Bill Beckerleg Robert Siegel Jay Cohen Everald Buckley Bruce Kreindel Jerry Rubin Dottie Nussbickel Eric Knight Walter Linde Robert Bergen Max & Vicki Joseph Kasimer Paul Morrison Gloria Forster Bluestein David Dembling Fran & Susi Christian Kristy Lopez Fred Mandell Torigian Jacobson Freddy Viera Geri & John Murtagh Alexandra Mager Joanne Stanford Francisco Nasser Mark Young Jamie DeVita Randy Stockton Barbara Conjar Cameron Caton Larry Rivera Carlos Cubillos Janet Proietto Joseph Bailey Michael & Bettina John Bates Frank Iannotti Jean-Michael Helft Sid Marder Tere Camacho Cabanes Dan McGavin Kathy Knaack Kristine Dinnen Stephen Salzman Kenny Mikey Carlos, Jr. Mitchell Solomowitz Jill Smithson John Stebbins Sanchez Joseph Cox Maureen Koss Rick Rattray Bernie Schroder Eric Rothchild Randy Ziss Suzanne Mair James O’Reilly Howard & Carol Irwin & Renee Eric Liner Harvey Gersh Bach Silverman Basil (Biz) Jim Threlkeld & Michael Duvall Bruce Rosenzweig Kamener Sheree Thomas Nick Nistico Liselotte (Liz) Hoyer Fred Davis Gregory Kirkland Michael Schaffer Richard Lubasch Sue & Jim Reese Barry Les Perkins Lew Lepene Robert Gold Bassingthwaighte Douglas & Pamela Len Perry Arnold Berliner Anthony Barone Jones Norman Weinstein Linda Ehrlich Alberto Ramudo Natalie Takiff Navroze Mehta Roland Mazzotti David Richwine Robert Bader Geert Broe Robert (Bob) Timothy Robert Katten Eileen Winkler Manze Brindamour Marilyn Friedman Frank Tricoli Camillo A. Allen Gaslow Art Gutfreund Gordon Linn Tascione Lawrence Kenneth Schack Mark Colasante David Kamin Moncrief Richard Kovner Jerome Samuels Joel Cohn Joe Riello Mitchell Goldstein Jeffrey Deutch Irwin Isert Rick Schwarz Jim Guido & Robin Patricia Friedman Robert DiStefano Benjamin Kert Brenda Richey Jeffrey Meral Shenkman Gerald (Gerry) Stern William Tribble Herb Cohen Susan Philbrick Oriol Cruzeta Stephanie Farmer Bob & Esta Joy Puerta Bernard Robin Eustace Tonge Goldstein Lauri Richman Harlyne Hantman Norman Shulman Jerry Schiff Pete Lucas Austin Kazinetz Douglas Faig Christopher Day Steve Hutcherson Nadia Fogel Robert Cunane Kevin Adams & Fran Caporaso Christine Levy Karen Birt Bernard Kite William Norris & Mary Jo Harris Carlo Scalia Bill Mayoral Rhonda Dix Bill Lutes Paul Pietras Ed & Lorie Rowan Peter Baronoff Dan & Conchi Fuoco Sanford Sadja Bruce Anderson Norma Skye & Robert Porter Adam Galicki Calvin Kline Irving Budd John Palmquist Rob & Lynn Smythe Carol Clayton Tom Thayer Avi Fuchs Luis Saboya Joanne Brenner Herbert Gimelstob Kristin DeLuca Michael & Ben Cross Malcolm David & Eunice Robert Spieler Markowitz Dickler Jorge Cestero 4 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Parties to the lawsuit talk about their involvement, hopes for the future continued from page 1

Organization (MPO), and currently VP of the Currently FBA’s Board of Directors secre- says. “It’s a precedent setting case and we’ve will tell a lot about what we can expect in the FBA Board of Directors. tary, Don Braverman is a past president of got it in our arsenal now.” future.” Clemente actually had been keeping track the Boca Raton Bicycle Club, a plaintiff in Bruce Rosenzweig is not completely opti- of the issue since 1997, when FDOT began the suit. mistic. ooooo initial A1A planning. Says Braverman: “I got involved when I “The ruling means nothing just written in “As soon as I heard some of the proposals requested documentation from Delray Beach the books,” he says. “The State, meaning the Those involved on the bicycle side of the and the statements from town officials, I was regarding the village’s stance on the pro- people, meaning us and ours, need to see that lawsuit have asked FBA to be involved in in the battle 100%,” Clemente says. “No one posed A1A bike lanes. the ruling is known, respected and adhered various ways to help support the gains made else was speaking up back then so I decided “Along with George Martin and Raphael to.” in this lengthy legal exercise. that I would.” Clemente, we reviewed seven boxes of mate- The court’s opinion, however, is a victory “FBA should lay the groundwork for meet- Attorney Jeff Lynne of Akerman Senterfitt rial furnished by the village.” for the citizen, according to Don Braverman. ings with each district office,” says Lynne, & Eidson, P.A., the firm that brought exten- Indexed by Braverman’s wife, attorney “It means that a citizen’s voice can be “to discuss all planned roadway projects...” sive pro bono legal assistance to the case, in Marianne Coulton, the material proved to be heard, he says. “It also reminds state agen- to ensure designs meet legislated standard or 2003 was Assistant City Attorney for the City an important part of planning for and con- cies that legislative statutes cannot be disre- that legitimate reasons exist not to do so. of Boca Raton. ducting the litigation. garded.” Clemente would like to see the association As counsel for the city Lynne could not be Don had represented the bicycle club at George Martin, who now lives in St. pursue remedies where sub-standard road actively involved in the issue. Nevertheless FDOT hearings in Delray Beach. He and Jim Augustine, believes the impact on the rest of design and construction is being done. he attended strategy meetings with Martin Smith of SAFE campaigned to make bike the state “remains to be seen.” George Martin feels FBA has a great and another cycling advocate, Attorney Bill lanes a reality by gathering over 7,000 sig- Martin is looking at a repaving project on opportunity to increase its advocacy role and Bone in West Palm Beach. natures on a petition calling for inclusion of US 1 in St. Augustine that could be a test presence in Florida, helping cyclists become “The more I learned, the more I felt that bike lanes and sidewalks on A1A as part of of FDOT’s willingness to adhere to the new more aware of what they can accomplish this was larger than simply a bike issue,” the impending design. “requirements.” through perserverance. says Lynne. “I perceived it to be a real injus- The League of American Bicyclists “I called [FDOT] and was told that bicycle LAB’s Greehan would like to see FBA tice and amounted to a lot more than simply joined the suit relatively late – in 2005 facilities were not going to be installed, since produce a “what-to-do” to help citizens pre- bike lanes. The ‘rule of law’ was apparently – according to LAB past president Mike there wasn’t money for the “extras,” says vent future FDOT decisions and actions that being ignored and we were not being given Greehan. George. “We are pursuing it now to see if don’t adhere to the ruling. equal access to be heard.” “I called [current president] Andy Clarke FDOT is going to honor the court’s decision Lynne approached fellow cyclist and fre- to ask the League to get involved.” says on this project. Their response on this case quent A1A rider Bruce Rosenzweig with the Greehan. “He ran it by the board who quick- possibility of legal action, wondering if he ly said yes.” would be plaintiff in the event of a lawsuit. Rosenzweig rides A1A at least three times ooooo On cyclists’ education and a week. “I know the dangers,” says Rosenzweig, Spin doctors from both sides of the contro- “Jeff didn’t need to develop the case for me. versy would have you believe that the rulings empowerment by Keri Caffrey I knew he and all [the rest] were right in absolutely are in their favor. They are right. doing this.” “I would not be honest if I didn’t say I was My priorities for cycling education shifted on cycling group in Central Florida, had been As the issue continued to heat up Lynne really depressed for a while,” says Attorney a century training ride last September. focused on teaching paceline skills and eti- became more and more vocal. Lynne. The group contained a mix of newbies and quette to help new riders become confident “I began to get carried away by my sense According to Lynne, bicycling advocates experienced riders, with more of the latter. and skillful in groups. But we had overlooked of this ‘injustice’” Lynne says. “I started may have won the larger war, but lost the We were winding our way back into town on a critical component in the education of new making phone calls and sending e-mails to more immediate and tangible battle. residential roads with light club riders — the best practices of safe and elected officials.” The larger issue is that FDOT in traffic. The group was rid- legal operation on the public roads. That activity eventually landed Lynne in Tallahassee may pay more attention to the ing two abreast at approxi- I had never taken Road I, but I the hot seat. decisions of its local district offices and mately 20 mph with no understood the basic principles of Lynne e-mailed then-Delray Beach Mayor encourage more direct response to local citi- difficulty. vehicular cycling — some from Jeff Perlman, demanding that he not be zens, specifically in regard to its statutory As we entered a short study and some from trial and swayed by the winds of politics and “step mandates. section of road where the error as a bike commuter. up and do the right thing” on A1A. “The Closer to home, the agency was not narrow lanes are sepa- I was organizing a Road next thing I knew,” says Lynne, “I was being required to go back and put in bike lanes on rated by a center median, I class with the goal of called into the City Attorney’s Office, shown state-owned right-of-way. Property own- a minivan approached becoming an LCI. I thought a copy of my e-mail to Mayor Perlman ers along A1A get to keep their landscaping behind. Immediately mem- the credential would be (which I had sent from my home, using my encroachments and A1A bicyclists don’t get bers of the group began to useful since I was already personal e-mail account!) and given an ulti- their bike lanes. call “car back, single up!” doing a lot of cycling matum: either give up this bike advocacy Raphael Clemente is optimistic about the Despite my efforts to instruction. This incident thing, or find a new job.” outcome. counter the call with “hold refocused my intentions Jeff, of course, did what you would have “We’ve got a ruling to back us and can the lane,” I looked back to and reshaped my thinking done: “I left,” he says. ensure that A1A doesn’t happen again,” he find the entire group riding about the roll of education on the gutter pan seam. I was and empowerment in club the only rider holding the lane. cycling, as well as cycling Fortunately, that was enough advocacy. ‘Bicycle Bash’ and ‘Share the Road Ride’ to coin- to keep the motorist from With the help of Mighk cide with Pro Bike® Pro Walk Florida conference attempting to pass. Wilson, the BOBbies offered We had just come through a a Road I class in December. South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers (SWFBUD) announced that its 3rd annual torrential downpour. We had wet We quickly filled it with afternoon Bicycle Bash by the Bay on Oct. 19 at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg will brakes and wet roads. The speed 17 students. Another class of include the Share the Road Ride, a popular organized morning ride put on by the St. limit is 25 mph. And we were only 10 students was held in January. Petersburg Bicycle Club. going to be on that road for two blocks! In February, three of our club members What’s wrong with this picture? attended an LCI seminar. We taught our first SWFBUD, an alliance of seven Tampa Bay area bicycle stores united behind bicycle The balance between courtesy and safety Road I class with Mighk the first weekend in advocacy, moved the bicycle festival a week earlier this year to tap into the week of is out of kilter. Have cyclists been so beaten April. the FBA-sponsored Pro Bike® Pro Walk Florida conference, coming to St. Petersburg down by bullying motorists that their knee- Six months ago, most of the cyclists I Oct. 20-23. SWFBUD holds the Bicycle Bash by the Bay annually to promote and jerk reaction is to get out of the way at any celebrate bicycling as a healthy lifestyle and an effective mode of transportation. cost? Please see Skills Training, page 7 For four years, The BOBbies, a women’s Summer 2008 5

Executive Director’s report... Bike tours, matchmaking, fun and socializing at bike events Laura Hallam

It’s summertime and though most organized and education efforts spearheaded by Hal is a great way to get people into your store). weekend bicycle events have already been Downing in the Greater Orlando area and Organized by the Suncoast Trail Advisory held, there are still a few from which to how his e-newsletter is reaching thousands Group (STAG), the purpose of the event choose. weekly. (5:00 p.m. start was great for summertime) Summertime is also a great time to expe- I also ran into a good friend and colleague, was to invite people out for an evening of rience a weeklong biking/camping tour. Susan Provence Bacon. Susan and I met in fun, food, drink and even some riding on the Actually, there is no better way to explore the early ’90s when we were involved with Suncoast Trail. (just north of Green Cove Springs near a state, than by bike on rural, less traveled our respective state Governor’s Councils So many events concentrate on the RIDE, Middleburg) and headed south for 13 miles roads. on Fitness and Sports. She was with South which makes perfect sense, but STAG wanted on Highway 17 to the site where Jim was I recently participated in my first Bicycle Carolina’s. to bring fun and socializing to their first killed while riding his bicycle six years ago. Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) and had a We stayed in touch until about the time I annual event to benefit their 501 (c)(3) appli- Approximately 200 cyclists paused during wonderful time with 1,800 other cyclists. moved to Waldo in 2005. cation costs. the ride for a 15-minute roadside ceremony The 29th BRAG began in Oxford (30 Flashback to 2002. Several of us convinced Since the weather was iffy, the 5:00 p.m. which included an inspirational message miles east of Atlanta) and ended on St. a sometime-bicyclist Susan to join Team start was delayed a bit, which was great for from a Navy chaplain, Taps played by a Navy Simons Island. Having participated on Bike BRAG (a 28-member team of cyclists from the bike shop because it gave participants bugler, remarks from friends and co-workers, Florida as a volunteer and sometime rider, I five different states, but most from Georgia) more time to shop. culminating with a group song. always benefit by seeing first hand how other to ride across Iowa on RAGBRAI. The leisurely paced 25-mile trail ride fol- A small group of active duty or reserve bike tour organizations manage their events. She hesitated but decided to trust us and lowed the Suncoast Trail north to Crews Lake cyclists laid a wreath at the site to commem- Two of BRAG’s greatest resources are join 10,000+ riders for the week. Park (where substantial refreshments were orate Jim’s passing. CEO Jerry Colley and Ride Director Vicki During the week she became acquainted served) and then back to the bike shop for FBA was proud to be part of this event by Thompson. They have an outstanding orga- with Kinney, one of Team BRAG’s riders, desserts and beverages. promoting the importance of sharing the road nizing team, many of whom are involved who patiently rode her pace. The poker ride concept added another ele- with motorists and cyclists. year after year – some from the beginning. Kinney and Susan stayed in touch over ment of fun over and above the great food, The maps were accurate, the rest stops the next three years and eventually married. fellowship and prizes for the winning poker well-stocked, and there were plenty of port- They recently celebrated their three-year hand. ‘Group Riding’ brochure a-lets – three of the most important elements anniversary and are regular participants on The event also attracted several novice of a bike tour. BRAG. riders who don’t usually attend organized lays out 11 important Hot showers often fall into this group too, Kinney, actually, has been involved with bike rides. The smaller crowd and leisurely but I welcomed tepid showers after a day of BRAG for a long time and is their map and pace provided confidence and encouragement rules for club rides above average temperatures. For the record, route-marking guru. The moral of this seg- for this audience to ride more. The brochure, available for free download there was plenty of hot water when I show- ment is you don’t need e-harmony or match. If your club organizes one or two annual (pdf) from the FBA Website is a compan- ered. com to find a partner – just go on a bike tour. events, you might consider adding another ion to the Group Riding DVD, which has I love to camp, but cheated a little bit by one during the summer in the early evening ooo eight public service announcements plus using Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers (www.bub- with an emphasis on fun and socializing to narrative, for only $5 to cover shipping and baspamperedpedalers.com) services. Don’t forget to bring fun and socializing into attract families and novice riders. It also handling. Bubba provides your tent, air mattress, organized bike events. helps, but not a requirement, to stage the daily fresh towel and chair. All you have to Throughout the year, FBA shows up at event on a trail. The report was prepared for the State do is pedal to your tent located in the “Bubba many bicycle and special events to promote ooo Safety Office, Department of Zone” after the daily ride. Though it was our programs, provide information and Transportation, State of Florida, in coop- too hot to get into the tent until sunset, it was encourage people to get involved at their In closing, bike rides are also about celebrat- eration with the National Highway Traffic great to not have to set up camp after a day local level. We set up a booth, socialize and ing the lives of people who are no longer Safety Adminis­tration, U.S. Department on the bike. often actually ride. with us and to emphasize Sharing the Road of Transportation and/or Federal Highway Come morning (before 5:00 a.m. for I’ve probably promoted as much advocacy responsibly, legally and safely. Administration, U.S. Department of many) you just deflate your mattress, and while riding or at rest stops as behind the On July 4th, the North Florida Bicycle Transportation. ride away. I enjoy the camaraderie camping booth and it does present a certain level of Club once again sponsored the “Share the provides so rarely opt for motels on bike credibility when you’re practicing what you Road Lt. Commander Jim Warmowski tours, but now I’m definitely spoiled by not preach. Memorial Ride.” having to deal with the logistics of setting At the Suncoast Trail-Raiser and Poker The ride started in Flemington Island up and breaking down camp every day. My Ride held June 28 in Odessa, the ride start compliments go to Bubba and his team of was staged at a relatively new bike shop near friendly, hard-working college students. the State Road 54 trailhead. Suncoast Trailside Bicycles recognized Below: FBA board treasurer Steve Diez (left) ooo the value of hosting the event even though it deals playing cards for the poker run at the It’s amazing what a small world the cycling meant extending their Saturday store hours Suncoast Trail-Raiser and Poker Ride. community can be. I ran into many friends (hint to bicycle shop owners: hosting an event throughout the week including Judge Rodney Mays from Tampa. It helps when people wear their club or college jerseys because you often recognize the jersey or bike before the rider. I met then Orlando attorney Mays in 2002 who often rode on “Hal’s ride” in Winter Park, but haven’t seen him much since that time except on the occasional bike ride. We talked shop regarding the Alternative Transportation Education program and FBA’s interest in expanding the program into other areas beyond Seminole County. The program depends on county traffic court judges to mandate the 3-hour class to offenders who have had their driver’s license revoked or suspended, so Judge Mays can be a valuable resource in expanding the program into Hillsborough County. We also talked about the advocacy 6 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Letters to FBA WANTED: FBA ANNUAL AWARD NOMINATIONS ‘Bicycle Bob’ appeals to Lake Wales It’s time to nominate worthy individuals, groups, and organizations for FBA’s Annual Awards to bring attention to their efforts and achievements riders, drivers: Learn. Do. Join FBA. that help deliver our mission. Since 1999, over 125 awards have been Readers take issue, ask questions, offer a way to contact these uneducated bicyclists presented in the following categories: suggestions, or otherwise stir the pot. We and try to show them the proper way to ride reserve the right to edit your letters for on the streets. Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee length and to make your English more bet- Many people complain about incorrectly ter. The opinions offered here do not neces- Road Club riding bicycles, but what do they do besides sarily reflect those of the Florida Bicycle yelling at them? Writing a letter to the editor Off-Road Club Association, its officers, staff, board of of a newspaper has the same effects as tell- directors or FBA Messenger editors. ing your golf partner, your wife or praying to Education or Enforcement Program your Detroit Iron. You can complain all you In my efforts to increase FBA membership, want, but unless you are doing something Educator/Regional Trainer worthwhile about it, it will not help correct the I am enclosing a copy of a letter (see below) problem. Supporting Agency that I put with an FBA application, inside Now you have a chance to correct the a Florida Bicycling Street Smarts. I’ve dis- problem. The Florida Bicycle Association is Program or Event covered this combination is fairly effective, making an effort to change the situation, but they need help from both bicyclists and non- Bicycle Professional succinct and self-explanatory. I am using that combination to indoctrinate the movers bicyclists. Most bicyclists are motorists at Citizen Bike Advocate and shakers of this community – the busi- times, but not all motorists are bicyclists and ness owners and managers. by joining our association, you can help us Volunteer from a different angle. I am cranking up a refresher bicycle safe- Have you ever taken part in a bicycle Bicycle Friendly Community ty awareness campaign for downtown Lake training class? You may decide that you Wales. We have a new Main Street direc- enjoy bicycling. So join the Florida Bicycle Trails Manager tor and I approve of her completely. She is Association. The contacts will open up new innovative and thinks out-of-the-box, albeit, worlds for you! Share the Road License Plate Promoter/Sales in the legal sense. I plan to take her out to We accept membership applications from (presented to County Tax Collectors) lunch soon to work on her. By golly, if we almost everyone – even die hard motorists! keep working on it, we may have a forward By becoming a member of FBA, you will not Special Recognition be required to conduct bicycle safety classes thinking city, yet! or seminars. As a member, you can support Recipients will be honored at the FBA Annual Meeting and Awards those of us who are doing this work. You will Breakfast held in conjunction with the ProBike/ProWalk Florida Bob’s membership letter... be exposed to bicycle safety materials and Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. the unfamiliarity of bicycling will be gone! Conference to be held October 21, 2008 at the Hilton St. Petersburg A large percentage of bicyclists who anger Bayfront hotel. motorists are the people that go to a store, buy a bicycle and start riding. They have no — Bob Dioguardi, Bicycle-Pedestrian Nomination forms are available by contacting the FBA office or visiting idea of what they should be doing and have Coordinator, Lake Wales our website at www.floridabicycle.org/programs/awards.html. You will no intention of trying to learn. We must find also find a list of previous recipients. Completed forms can be faxed, mailed or emailed to FBA, PO Box 718, Waldo FL 32694, fax: 352-468- 3430, email: [email protected]. The deadline for submission is September 1, 2008. So what was your excuse again? Jax commuter sees multiple values in pedaling to work by Abhishek Mukherjee

I am a logistics engineer for a global con- and gas, which goes against my love for cars tract logistics company. I live in Jacksonville and driving and I never expected that. and have been a bicycle commuter only I have covered 150 miles so far and since the end of May. haven’t filled up gas since 24 May. With I ride a friend’s well-maintained five more gallons to go, I am aiming for two Specialized Rockhopper Comp. The bike is more weeks without a fill-up. over 10 years old but it is in great shape, fits A few other people from work have been my 5’8” frame and, with newly added skin- riding to work too. Our one bike rack is ny road tires (26X1.5), is a breeze to ride. almost full and we have requested another. I ride to work primarily to get a good We have a website: daily work out. No amount of going to gyms has worked for me. www.nopollutecommute.com I work 2.2 miles from my apartment, but I come home to walk my dog. I have a 4 year The commuting by bicycle culture is old female greyhound and, though retired, slowly picking up in Jacksonville. I see a lot she needs to be on a schedule. of resistance from people about being sweaty I also need to wear a tie three days a week or taking to much time to get to work. Here’s a list of the items featured in past issues: to work and get only one hour for lunch. So, I still get a lot of well-wisher co-workers stocking up on under armor vests, I started asking me to not ride on the roadways. ❏ Immunizen (item 18401) off in the last week of May with my 8.8 mile I recently commented on one of your ❏ Osteo Essentials – cartilage rebuilding (item 4057) daily ride (2 round trips). posts about it. ❏ VISUtein® – pharmaceutical grade eye-sight protection (item 14634) listed in PDR The lunch ride is the most draining on I also read [FBA’s] handbook: Florida ❏ Prostate TLC – men's health (item 18137) energy but it has slowly become a good mid- Bicycling Street Smarts. It has a wealth of ❏ BiosLife Complete – cholesterol reduction (item 228880) listed in PDR day exercise. information for a newbie to be confident and ❏ LowOz™ – hydration solution (item R21424) I.O.C. certified Starting to ride my bicycle, I noticed a safe on the road. ❏ LoveRx® Men (item 16189) few more factors that motivate me. I am Check out the following website to ❏ Rx® Women (item 16188) an amateur photographer and I get to see receive really cool bike commuter stickers: the city in a different perspective. Ducks http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/06/16/ Remember, when you order by calling 800-864-2489 and mentioning account no. 5790501, and pelicans don’t run away from me as I bikecommuterscom-stickers. all profits go to FBA. Ask about the 60-day empty box guarantee. approach on my bike. I also like being independent from the car Summer 2008 7

What will it take? Skills training can empower cyclists to act by Dan Moser as legitimate vehicle drivers continued from page 4

Why are many transportation departments with traffic, something that we must do in knew had never heard of Bike Ed or the Educating them serves the multiple pur- so resistant to providing adequate bicycle many instances anyway. League of American Bicyclists. Many poses of improving their safety, improving accommodations? Others feel paved shoulders are adequate didn’t even know of the Florida Bicycle the public image of cycling and demonstrat- Lee County, in Southwest Florida, is cur- (assuming they’re designed and installed Association. ing the best practices of cycling to motorists. rently embroiled in a controversy that’s not properly). It is a slow process to change a culture unique to us: the refusal of Lee County Another stance is that riding with marked steeped in misinformation, but we are raising Dept. of Transportation (LCDOT) to provide and signed bike lanes on the road is the ideal awareness of cycling education. So far, we on-street bike lanes on any county road. situation. have educated 33 cyclists in the community Perhaps we cyclists are expecting too And, of course, there are those who really and, hopefully, empowered them to act as much. After all, in terms of numbers of road don’t want to be on-road and prefer sidepaths legitimate drivers of vehicles. We hope the cyclists who take Road I will share their users, we’re barely a blip on the radar screen. exclusively. knowledge and encourage others to learn safe and proper riding skills. We are promoting Road I to the entire community and intend to continue the momentum by working with bike shops, community centers and the YMCA. In addi- tion to promoting Road I, we have added some vehicular cycling content to our pace- line training programs and are designing workshops for experienced club members. In early June, Lyndy Moore organized a meeting of Orlando area LCIs and we planned a training schedule for three more Road I classes this summer. These classes are being promoted by the Florida Freewheelers, Seminole Cyclists and BOBbies. We hope our success will inspire other cycling clubs all over Florida to ramp up promotion of cyclist education and empower- ment. Club cyclists are the most noticeable and tend to leave the greatest impression on the general public.

can say is that those were mistakes. Unfortunately for area bicyclists, far too Here’s a typical right turn lane configuration seen in Southwest Florida (and in many other Strategies for fighting trafic many of our county roads that have paved locations around the state). The paved shoulder (foreground) suddenly goes away then reap- shoulders are loaded with these mistakes. citation injustice, from page 15 pears. This can cause bicyclists using the shoulder to swerve suddenly into the traffic lane There are miles of roads with paved shoul- (most haven’t had Road I, you know). On up the road the shoulder reappears, but the cyclist they are writing the ticket up. They gener- ders moving to the right of right-turn lanes, is to the right of right-turning motorists — another scenario with much crash potential. ally shoot from the hip writing the tickets. creating a dilemma for cyclists and confusion If you ask them, “Are you sure I did that?” among motorists. they’ll consult their computer to make sure But based on both Florida’s perceived bicy- Whatever your preference, it’s hard to deny Many shoulders are also unexpectedly they have the correct statute. This is not a cling environment as well as real conditions that marked bike lanes, by virtue of the pres- dropped when approaching major intersec- good thing. Also, if you follow #2, the cop on the ground, most communities leave much ence of signs and pavement markings, raise tions, leaving cyclists hanging and again may write a lesser infraction. In court if to be desired. awareness for all road users. confusing motorists. they’ve given you a ticket for wrong statute, Perhaps that’s one reason why our num- Perhaps there really is no significant reduc- Were those same roads designed with bike you win. I had a case where the cyclist was bers remain relatively low compared to tion in motor vehicle-related crash frequency lanes those unintended mistakes would likely charged with trying to “sell a used vehicle motor vehicles. that can be attributed to bike lanes – an not occurred since the engineering standard on the side of the road.” The deputy had In this SW Florida case, LCDOT claims important issue that’s debatable and requires for “travel lanes” is clear and specific. transposed some numbers and we were out of that because they can’t justify (not afford, more study – but their many other benefits As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t isolated there. Go to “myflorida.com, click “govern- mind you) the additional up-front cost of should be enough for DOTs to make marked to our county DOT. But when one learns ment” and then “Senate.” designing and marking bike lanes or the bike lanes standard in urban and suburban about or experiences how other transporta- added maintenance that’s required, and based environments. tion and community development depart- 7. Law enforcement officers are busy. When court time comes they may forget, lose on their findings that there’s no added ben- Among the benefits are: reduction in ments that are committed to accommodating the subpoena forget to show up. It might be efits – either in terms of safety or otherwise wrong-way cycling; fewer bike-pedestrian human-powered modes of transportation their day off. At court if there’s no officer, – associated with upgrading paved shoulders conflicts on sidepaths; fewer bike-motorist on a high level do their work, it makes one to bike lanes, the department’s policy will collisions at driveways and side streets result- no prosecuting witness, “case dismissed.” wonder: Do the professional engineers and Remember what the officer looks like gener- officially be to include only paved shoulders ing from “wrong-way” (or even “right-way”) planners who continue to resist ever travel to ally, if the cop shows up and your case is on any future project. sidepath riding; and the ever-present mes- other cities, towns and counties in their own weak. You usually can’t take pictures of And get this: LCDOT will remove any sages (i.e. “Bike Lane” signs) being put forth Florida back yard? them, they get suspicious, or paranoid, even existing marked bike lanes (signs and pave- to all road users that bikes belong and should Even for those who don’t get out much, hostile. However, see rule #4 above: if at ment symbols only) in order to reduce the be treated as legitimate road users. maybe the high gas prices and economic fall- scene use camera phone to shoot the scene liability that they claim they’re at risk of due Getting back to Southwest Florida, what’s out that is putting more folks on foot, bike, and “happen” to get officer, you’re good to to the fact that they do not sweep roadways even more frustrating than LCDOT refusing and bus will force these engineers to change go.) Also if you follow #2, the cop will say, nor plan to in the future. to utilize marked bike lanes is that they claim their outdated positions, policies and prac- “ah, that’s just that bike rider, I can’t spare I’m aware of the various schools of to be providing undesignated bike lanes when tices. the time for that hearing” and he’ll or she’ll thought on how cyclists should be treated on in fact they do not in many cases. The writing is on the wall. What will it go somewhere else at the time of your court our roads. Some would prefer we receive When confronted with the numerous exam- take to make them see it? hearing. This is good. Case dismissed for no special accommodation and simply meld ples of reality versus their claim, all LCDOT lack of prosecution. Nice job. 8 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Words from the Bike Ape... Fabulously Freaky by Raphael Clemente

You’re casually strolling down the sidewalk off-road scene developed. Anyone could in your town. It’s a quiet mid-week evening, come out and ride and have fun. There was just after dinner. Off in the distance you no pressure – after all this wasn’t a ride with Photo: Stan Kilbas hear what sounds like a train horn. Odd, you those mean ol’ roadies. Beer was the post ride think. You hear it again, only this time a lit- refreshment of choice. tle louder. Soon you start hearing hoots and This wild and crazy gang of mountain bik- hollers and the growing roar of what sounds ers called themselves the Gator Raiders and like a mob. put on impromptu events, threw parties, did The sound grows. It’s echoing through nighttime “Urban Assault” road rides and did the streets. You start to get a little nervous, a whole lot to help the sport of cycling grow thinking that there might be a riot of some in South Florida (my first group ride ever was sort. an Urban Assault). In the distance you see them, a huge group Strip malls and housing developments of people and they’re all on bicycles…well, eventually covered over many of the places sort of. There are 10 foot-tall bikes, chop- where trails existed. The number and quality pers, low riders, K-Mart cruisers, garage- of places to ride a bicycle off-road dimin- built four-wheeled pedal-powered John ished. The scene sort of stagnated. Deere tractors, and others that simply defy As one of the original Gator Raiders, description. Kenny Prather had witnessed the birth, Then you see the source of the train horn growth, and slow decline of off-road cycling sound: a real train horn – mounted on a bicy- in South Florida. cle. It’s like Dr. Seuss and Tim Burton got He was always a leader in the group and together and planned a Critical Mass ride. a very creative individual. Somewhere along A couple on custom “trailer trash choppers” pedal along the bay front, dressed in their finest. Depending on the theme of the ride (more the line he started building chopper bicycles The theme was one of the typically bizzarre outings sponsored by the West Palm Beach Chapter on that later), you may see 150 pirates, or in his garage, perhaps inspired by chopper of the Freakbike Militia. Below: A seriously scrunched recumbent. Tailbone padding anyone? a bunch of burly guys dressed as Catholic motorcycle popularity, perhaps just as some- school girls, or a rolling parade version of A thing new to do. Nightmare Before Christmas. Whatever the case, the idea spread and up on the Wednesday night Urban Assault. chopper ride. Bizarre doesn’t go far enough to describe soon a dozen chopper-style bicycles showed But they couldn’t quite keep up with the It’s not quite clear when the choppers the scene you are witnessing. This is the rest of the group so they started a dedicated evolved into other things – all kinds of other Freakbike Militia, an unofficial, under- things – but they did. At first people started ground, unsanctioned gang that anyone can showing up for the rides on store-bought or join as long as you have a bike to ride. homemade chopper bicycles. The only rule: have fun and share it with Somewhere along the line, ride “themes” everyone. were introduced and proposed weeks in In the roughly two decades that I have advance of a ride. The Halloween Cruise, been riding bicycles, I have never come Freakblanket Bingo, Nightmare Before across anything quite as amazing as the Christmas, Pirate Night, Hillbilly Night, Freakbike Militia. A Freakbike ride is some- Revenge of the Nerds, and so on. thing so different and so fun that everyone Always a part of a ride’s theme are contests, wants in. raffles and giveaways of some sort. Local The coolest part of their story is their evo- bike shops and businesses step up to sponsor lution from guys and girls having fun riding them with bikes, gear and gift certificates. mountain bikes to what it is today. One of the most memorable was the dog That story and the genius behind it are as food eating contest (cheap wet food in a interesting as the event itself. pull-top can). Whoever could eat the whole Sometime in the mid 1980s a group of can and not spit it out or throw it up won a friends started riding mountain bikes in chopper bicycle. Then there was the bicycle the wooded areas of western Palm Beach jousting contest. And who could forget the County. They were a rag-tag bunch ex-moto- “drag” races – as in men dressed in drag, cross racers and the off-road cycling scene racing. was limited to a few narrow singletrack trails It sounds a bit risky and even risqué, but hacked out of the brush by hand. always manages to be family friendly…well Over a few years the trails got better, more mostly. people joined the fun, and a real healthy Please see Freaky, page 12 Summer 2008 9 ’Brass Lion’ designers aim for 19th century style

hile we’re on the subject of W “unusual” cycle designs, pause for a moment to Photos: © 2008 Eric Thornburgh reflect upon this creation. reprinted with permission

Were it not for the modern chain wheel and several other components not as obvious in the pictures at right, you can almost imagine this tricycle taking the cobbled lane (ouch!) amongst horseless and horse-drawn carriages. The “Brass Lion” is the creation of “Stuben’s Wheel- men,” a couple of gentlemen from the Valley Forge area of Pennsylvania, Eric and Alan. The Wheelmen took their name from American Revolutionary war figure General Wilhelm Von Steuben. They based their design on plans found at www.atomiczombie.com (a good source of plans for you Freakbike Militia types) but went for the old-fashioned look to complement the high ground clearance. All the brass and extras make for a wee heavy contraption, weighing in at 60 pounds, according to Wheelman Alan. You can see more pictures of the Lion at http://steubenswheelmen.blogspot.com and even more at http://steampunkworkshop.com/the-brass-lion- steampunk-recumbent .

10 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

State of Florida recognizes Bike Florida’s commitment to alternative transportation by Dave Milliman

and state park system to utilize trails pur- (he did take a detour and ride 100 miles on years as a bicycle shop owner in upstate New ing… Ping,” the chased through FDOT enhancement funds one day) or how hot the weather. York. metal detector and Florida Forever funds….; and Kenny, who acts and looks 30 years his It is quite possible that Kenny’s remark- “P junior never has a disparaging word. If he able endurance and gentle disposition germi- goes off. Kenny Magyar, Whereas Bike Florida encourages phys- cannot find something nice to say, he says nated during WWII when he was a boson’s 88, endurance cyclist, stops ical activity for all ages by promoting nothing. mate in the bowels of the USS New Jersey. bicycling whether on single bikes, tandem But most of the time, Kenny is a courier He spent most of the war below deck, and raises his arms. After bikes or recumbent bikes...and has assisted of bright thoughts, the ultimate purveyor of making the boiler room as functional a unit years as a security guard, he rural communities economically throughout good feelings. as possible and as efficient as a war ship the state by routing trips through many of No matter rain or shine, Kenny was on could be. knows the drill. Florida’s historic and cultural towns.... his bike, usually wearing bright yellow and It took a rare and understanding character smoothly pedaling down the road, eager to to stand 14 hour days with the average tem- It was an honor for Bike Florida to give encouragement or advice gleaned from perature well over 100 degrees — often with Only this time we are just outside the receive this recognition from the State of 50 years of serious bike riding, including 10 enemy shells exploding all around the ship. governor’s office in Tallahassee. He raises Florida. It is especially important for us to his arms and stands facing the guard. “Must recognize and to thank Yvonne Gsteiger, be my defibrillator.” he says to the guard Senior Cabinet Advisor, (Environmental and with the wand, “always makes these things Land Use) whose idea it was to bring atten- go off.” tion not just to the outstanding effort that Kenny had just met with the Governor and Florida is bringing to the trails and green- his cabinet as part of a proclamation to honor ways effort, but for Kenny Magyar and his Bike Florida and Florida’s commitment to outstanding contribution to all that is good greenways and trails and alternative forms of about bicycling and physical fitness. transportation. During the cabinet visit, Kenny wowed The proclamation honors Bike Florida for the crowd, not only with his spry body and “fifteen years of service creating a more succinct mind, but by showing off his inner healthy citizenry by offering and promoting thigh tattooed with “Share the Road.” With an enjoyable, carbon-free alternative mode of his thigh exposed, he told Governor Crist transportation to thousands of Floridians and that he was going to add “it's the law” across vistors.” the top of his existing tattoo. For a moment, Among the “Whereases” are no one in the room could say anything. The Whereas bicycling is a low cost recre- Governor was smiling: he loved it. Then the ational activity that can be appreciated at room exploded. Kenny had taken the capitol! any age and provides an excellent physical The 15th year of Bike Florida took place activity that increases heart health; and on roadways and bike trails from Clearwater to Fanning Springs and Kenny Magyar was Whereas Bike Florida has partnered the Grand Marshall. with the Department of Environmental His enthusiasm and energy was on evident Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trails display, no matter how long the daily ride

Paddle Florida and ‘Go with the flow’ Nov. 8 - 15

In March 2008 155 paddlers traveled 123 miles of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, paddling 13-25 miles by day and camping in state parks or municipal and private campgrounds along the river (March route is shown above). Paddle Florida provided meals, entertainment and baggage transportation. Cool, sunny days, chilly nights and spectacular scenery were courtesy of North Florida. Up to 200 paddlers will do it again this November, paddling 15-20 a day from White Springs to Branford. You can be one of them. For more information and journey details, please visit www.paddleflorida.org. Summer 2008 11

Selected State-wide Contacts Here’s whom to call about your bicycle/pedestrian/transportation concerns. We ran out of room, so many contacts are not included. Go to www.floridabicycle.org/statecontacts.htm for the complete list.

AGENCY/functional responsibility NAME TELEPHONE E-MAIL Other state & federal agency staff FDOT Central Office State Pedestrian & Bicycle Coordinator Dennis Scott 850.245.1527 [email protected] FTBSEP Director State SRTS Coordinator Pat Pieratte 850.245.1529 [email protected] Dan Connaughton Asst. Ped & Bicycle Coordinator Dwight Kingsbury 850.245.1520 [email protected] 352.392.4042 Florida School Crossing Guard Program Administrator Providance Nagy 850.245.1757 [email protected] [email protected] Ped-bike traffic safety grants Ralph Salvas 850.245.1526 [email protected] ADA Coordinator Dean Perkins 850.414.4359 [email protected] FTBSEP assistant Roadway Design Mary Anne Koos 850.414.4321 [email protected] Jamie H. Systems Planning Martin Guttenplan 850.414.4906 [email protected] 352.392.4042 Transit Planning Amy Datz 850.414.4239 [email protected] [email protected]

District 1 FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails Ped-Bike Coordinator Sarita Taylor 863.519.2216 [email protected] Jim Wood Safety Prgm Manager Michael Kautz 863.519.2522 [email protected] 850.245.2052 CTSP Coordinator Debra Stallings 863.519.2347 [email protected] [email protected] Charlotte County MPO Gary Harrell 941.639.4676 [email protected] Collier County Community Development/dvlpmnt review Russ Muller 239.403.2462 [email protected] FDOE Student Transportation/Director Lee County MPO Ron Gogoi 239.338.2550x239 [email protected] Charlie Hood Lee County DOT Andy Getch 239.479.8510 [email protected] 850.245.9924 Manatee County Sharon Tarman 941.749.3070 [email protected] [email protected] Polk County TPO Ryan Kordek 863.534.6558 [email protected] Sarasota County Irene Maiolo 941.816.0891 [email protected] Florida Tech Transfer (T**2) Center/ Co-directors District 2 Janet Degner, Nina Barker Ped-Bike Coordinator Randy Warden 904.360.5631 [email protected] 352.392.2371x227 Safety Engineer Holly Walker 904.360.5629 [email protected] [email protected] CTST Coordinator Andrea Atran 904.360.5416 [email protected] Gainesville Trans Serv/Bike-Ped Coordinator Dekova Batey 352.334.5074 [email protected] FHWA Fla Div Safety Engineer First Coast MPO Elizabeth DeJesus 904.306.7505 [email protected] Hussein Sharifpour Duval County Health Dept/Injury Prevention Stephen McCloskey 904.630.3300x2308 [email protected] 850.942.9650x3024 [email protected] District 3 Community Traffic Safety Program District Ped-Bike Coordinator Zena Riley 850.415.9756 [email protected] Coordinators Safety Prgm Manager Jonathan Harris 850.415.9516 [email protected] CTST Coordinator-West Barbara Lee 850.415.9231 [email protected] CTST Coordinator-East Other organizations Panhandle MPOs (West Fla RPC) Brian Youpatoff 800.332.7976x224 [email protected] Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (MPO) Peter Koeppel 850.891.8090 [email protected] Florida Bicycle Association/Executive Director District 4 Laura Hallam Ped-Bike Coordinator Larry Hymowitz 954.777.4663 [email protected] 352.468.3430 Safety Prgm Manager Gilbert Soles 954.777.4358 [email protected] [email protected] CTSP Coordinator Carmen Pullins 954.777.4361 [email protected] Boca Raton Mun Serv Eng/trans analyst Joy Puerta 561.416.3410 [email protected] Rails-to-Trails Florida Office City of Boca Raton PD/traffic safety educ Lori Wheeler 561.620.6056 [email protected] Ken Bryan Broward MPO/Special Projects & Bicycle Coordinator Mark Horowitz 954.357.6641 [email protected] 850.942.2379 City of Delray Beach Parking Mgmt Scott Aronson 561.243.7286 [email protected] [email protected] Ft Lauderdale Plan & Zone Dept/bike/ped Coordinator Adrienne Ehle 954.828.5798 [email protected] Martin County MPO 772-288-5484 Epilepsy Foundation (Fla. Ped-Bike Safety Palm Beach County MPO/Bike/Ped/Greenways Coor Bret Baronak 561.684.4163 [email protected] Resource Center project)

District 5 Susan Eddins Ped-Bike Coordinator Joan Carter 386.943.5335 [email protected] 561.478.6515 Safety Engineer Anthony Nosse 386.943.5334 [email protected] [email protected] CTST Coordinator Barry Wall 904.943.5324 [email protected] Brevard County Trans/Bike-Ped-Trails Prgm Coor Barbara Meyer 321.690.6890 [email protected] Bike Florida Brevard County Transportation/traffic safety education Kim Smith 321.690.6890 [email protected] Linda Crider, 352.392.8192 Lake-Sumter MPO/Transportation Coordinator Michael Woods 352.315.0170 [email protected] [email protected] Orlando Transportation Planning/bike-pedestrian-transit Malisa Mccreedy 407.246.3347 [email protected] Metroplan Orlando (MPO)/Bike-Ped Coordinator Mighk Wilson 407.481.5672x318 [email protected] Fla. SAFE KIDS/state coordinator Seminole County Trails & Greenways/Engineering tech Mark Lichtenheld 407.665.2093 [email protected] Ralph Salvas, 850.245.4440x2774 Volusia County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Stephan Harris 386.226.0422x34 [email protected] [email protected]

District 6 Ped-Bike Coordinator Ken Jeffries 305.470.6736 [email protected] Safety Engineer 305.470.5722 CTST Coordinator Carlos Sarmiento 305.470.5335 [email protected] City of Key West/ADA & bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Jim Malcolm 305.809.8355 [email protected] City of Miami Beach/bicycle program coordinator Marija Surev 305.673.7080 [email protected] Miami-Dade County MPO David Henderson 305.375.1647 [email protected] Monroe County Planning Townsley Schwab 305.289.2506 [email protected]

District 7 Ped-Bike Coordinator Lori Snively 813.975.6405 [email protected] Safety Engineer Peter Hsu 813.975.6251 [email protected] CTSP Coordinator Jeanette Rouse 813.975.6256 [email protected] City of Clearwater/Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator Felicia Leonard 727.562.4852 [email protected] Hernando County MPO Steve Diez 352.754.4057 [email protected] Hillsborough County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Gena Torres 813.273.3774x357 [email protected] Hillsborough County Public Works/Engrg Tech, bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Deborah Carreno 813.307.1852 [email protected] Hillsborough County Public Works/Manager, Bicycle, Pedestrian & School Safety Prgms Gary Tait 813.307.1871 [email protected] City of Pinellas Park/Planning Ron Hull 727.541.0704 [email protected] Pinellas County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Brian Smith 727.464.8200 [email protected] City of St. Petersburg Transportation & Parking/bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Cheryl Stacks 727.892.5328 [email protected] City of Tampa Public Works Jan Washington 813.274.8303 [email protected] City of Tampa/Parks & Rec Dept/Greenways & Trails Coordinator Mary Helen Duke 813.231.1332 [email protected]

12 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger TKO gives disadvantaged kids Alternative Transportation Education Program (ATE) targets court-ordered off road experience by Mighk Wilson cyclists/pedestrians Is riding your favorite mountain bike trails TFKO currently has a fleet of six bikes; A three-hour course currently offered in shops to support program expansion in other getting a bit stale? What if you could some- five donated bike Trek as our “starter kit,” Seminole County to individuals with sus- areas of the state. Currently 21 qualified how see them through a new set of eyes? and a sixth made possible through a dona- pended or revoked driver’s licenses is ready instructors reside in the following areas: That’s what participating in a Trips for tion by the Central Florida Chapter of to expand to other areas of the state. Jacksonville/Duval Kids mountain bike trip can do for the expe- Florida Planning and Zoning Association. The ATE Program grew out of findings in St. Augustine/St. Johns rienced adult cyclist. David’s World Cycle assembled the bikes Seminole County that the majority of pedes- Palatka/Putnam Oh, and it seems to make a big impression for us at no charge. trian and bicyclist fatalities involved people Tampa/Hillsborough on the kids, too. We’re always looking for more help: who had had their licenses suspended or Fort Myers/Lee Trips for Kids is a national organization especially adult ride guides, donations to revoked. West Palm Beach/Palm Beach County dedicated to giving disadvantaged kids the purchase more bikes and equipment. The FBA and Metroplan Orlando worked with Miami/Dade experience of biking through the backwoods, more of each we have, the more kids we can the Florida Safety Council to develop and Ft. Lauderdale/Broward and Florida Bicycle Association has started a serve and the more trips we can make. hold courses in Seminole County and to date Stuart/Martin chapter in Orlando. To get involved contact Mighk Wilson at over 800 people have participated. Brooksville/Hernando We held our first ride on June 7 on the [email protected]. Look for more infor- The class covers pedestrian safety, bicy- Orlando/Orange trails of the Cross Florida Greenway at mation on TFKO on FBA’s updated website, cling safety, practical bicycling, using transit Maitland, Winter Springs/Seminole Santos, just south of Ocala. and learn about Trips for Kids National at and other issues important to those who are Waldo/Alachua We brought six boys from Orlando’s www.tripsforkids.org. not permitted to drive. If you’re interested in becoming an Parramore Kidz Zone program (Parramore Even if instructors don’t convince the instructor, the only pre-requisite is Road I. is a low-income, predominantly African- students to use their bikes for transportation FBA is also looking specifically for people American neighborhood). (at least while they can’t drive their cars), who actually use their bikes for transporta- Seven adults came along for the ride; educating them on safe cycling principles tion since the credibility it brings is very three of them mountain biking for the and sharing the road with bicycles intends to important for this audience. first time! (Thanks to Tom Punzak, Addey make them better drivers once they are back If you know a county traffic court judge Hendrickson, Nikki Robinson, Karina behind the wheel. willing to discuss this program, please let Veaudry, Laura Hallam, and Carol Wilson). The program requires qualified instructors FBA know by contacting Laura Hallam at The kids had great energy, and were quick and county traffic court judges willing to [email protected]. studies on singletrack skills. After tackling mandate the class. The program is also open to people who nine miles of easy, yellow-blazed trails, Mighk Wilson and Lyndy Moore have haven’t been mandated to take the class we refueled at the trailhead and headed taught the class, held once or twice a month though FBA has not marketed it for the gen- back out to challenge ourselves for another in Seminole County. eral public. eight miles on the blue trails. (For those FBA held three instructor training work- not familiar with mountain biking, those 17 miles are equal to about 35 miles on the road.) FREAKBIKE MILITIA Website http://freakbikenation.homestead.com FBM – West Palm Beach Website: http://forum1.freakbikenation.com/viewforum.php?f=4 Contact: Kenny Prather Email: [email protected] TFKO treated Orlando youth FBM – Spaced Coast to the joys of singletrack rid- Website: http://forum1.freakbikenation.com/viewforum.php?f=19 ing as the Central Florida Contact: Bullet chapter of the national orga- nization inaugurated its rides Other Chapters with a trip to Santos in June. FBM – Golden Horseshoe, Ontario FBM – Phoenix Phreaks, Arizona FBM – Great Lakes, Michigan FBM – Monteregie, Quebec FBM – Rockies Division, Vancouver FBM – FirstStateFreaks, Delaware FBM – Twisted Spokes, Oregon FBM – Chicago FBM – Montreal FBM – Warped Sprockets, California Freaky fashions and fantastic mechanical FBM – New Zealand And it all began in West Palm Beach! apparitions are the rule at Militia events continued from page 8 that they work so well to get people on bicy- So far, the Militia seems to be the best cles. Many come out who would otherwise thing that has happened to cycling in South The creativity of the bikes and the cos- vote confirmed Freakbike Militia as clearly not ride at all. And the group is so disarming Florida since pneumatic tires. tumes is amazing, with some even building the only appropriate choice. to the motoring public. The only way to really grasp this madness new bikes for each ride. Many qualify as Coming up on its 20th edition, Freakbike Occasionally attracting two hundred rid- is to c’mon down and get your Freakbike on. rolling art. Some are just junk, salvaged and Militia has become a movement. Each quar- ers, the Freakbike Militia rides down the Any human powered vehicle is welcome, the slapped together in a totally unconventional terly ride is bigger and more fun. People road taking an entire lane, waving to motor- weirder the better. Freakbike Militia rides way, hardly identifiable as a bicycle. come from all over the place to ride. ists and cheering themselves on. every three months on Wednesday nights The group grew and grew. Every time The phenomenon of Freakbike has spread To my knowledge there has never been a starting at 7:00 P.M. at the eastern terminus we’d ride, people would ask what we were far and wide. Freakbike chapters have sprung single negative interaction with a motorist of State Road 80 in West Palm Beach. doing, where we were going, what was the up across North America and as far away as or law enforcement. The riders’ exuberance The ride goes along the city’s waterfront occasion? They’d ask how they could join New Zealand. Prather, the founder, CEO and seems to spill over onto all they encounter. at parade pace and right into the heart of us. Answer: “Get a bike and meet us next Grandmaster of Freakbike Nation couldn’t be On the rare occasion that someone new downtown where the festivities take place. time we ride.” More often than not they’d more pleased. has gotten out of line, acted aggressively Then everyone saddles up and heads back show up. “Every kind of bicycle is welcome on a toward a motorist, or otherwise ruined the to wherever they came from. After a dozen rides or so, everyone decid- Freakbike ride, says Kenny. “Nobody will good vibe of the group, they have been dealt Check out Freakbike Nation at www. ed we needed a name other than “the chop- ever be told they can’t ride with us. If they with and asked to please play nice or don’t freakbikenation.com. You and everyone else per ride.” A request for proposed names went have a bicycle, they ARE one of us!” come back. So far there has been 100% in your town will never look at bicycles in out; many were submitted. At the next ride a What is most impressive about the rides is compliance. the same way again. Summer 2008 13 Some Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the contact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from a calendar maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected]. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, and all the hype we edited out at www.floridabicycle.org/fbtc/.

August 2 (Sat) Mobile FL August 31 (Sun) Sebring FL the routes for the Florida Challenge and Great breakfast, and Dominos pizza. Cycle United - Community Awareness Bok Tower Century Floridian Triathlons that take place on Octo- WWW: http://gccfla.org/gcf/ Ride A Bike Ride to benefit United Way of Explore the natural beauty of the rolling hills, ber 25. This is a perfect training opportunity Southwest Alabama and Partner Agencies citrus groves, cattle ranches, small towns for those races or any of the late season long October 18-19 Gainesville FL (58 Health and Human Service agencies) and gem-like lakes in scenic Central Florida. course triathlons. This is not a race. All cy- Gainesville Cycling Festival in Southwest Alabama( Mobile, Clarke and Join over 400 cyclists for the Bok Tower clists must obey all traffice laws and headsets Two centuries in two days! (Or enjoy the Washington counties). Century, part of the TOUR OF SEBRING are not allowed. Helmets are required for all shorter options for a weekend of bicycle tour- WWW: http://www.uwswa.org/ event. You can choose choose to ride the 62 riders. ing.) See details in the listings for the Santa Active.com Online Registration or 31 mile rides. Fully supported. Routes are WWW: http://triflorida.com Fe Century and Horse Farm Hundred. Full well marked and excellent maps are provided. Active.com Online Registration info is available on the web site, along with August 8-10 Suwannee River State Park FL Rides are done at your own pace, so this event an application.WWW: http://gccfla.org/gcf/ Dog Days Open House is perfect for riders of all levels of experience. September 20-21 St Augustine FL Held at Suwannee River State Park 9 miles Mid-day meal is included, as are event tee Bike MS: PGA Tour Cycle to the Shore October 18 (Sat) Milton FL west of Live Oak. Saturday morning will shirts, ice cream socials, door prizes. Linda A 2-day route with an overnight from St. 10th Annual Fenner McConnell/Matt start off with either a fun ride at Anderson Leeds, Event Director, lindamarie7@juno. Augustine to Daytona and back. The route is Wantz Blackwater Heritage Trail Century Springs, Big Oak or along the scenic country com fully supported with food, water, medical and Cycling through quiet roads in and around roads. Saturday afternoon, we will float down WWW: http://www.kenilworthlodge.com. safety support and guidance. the Blackwater State Park. The ride starts on the Suwannee/Withlachochee River in inner Active.com Online Registration WWW: http://bikefln.nationalmssociety.org/ the Blackwater Heritage Trail, a rails to trails tubes. Bring a covered dish for the Saturday site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_FLN_ project awarded best of Florida. 42,62 and evening pot luck dinner. Make your hotel or September 7 (Sun) MS150_Details 102 miles. Well stocked rest stops, fantastic camp site reservations today. This is a great Jacksonville FL volunteers and beautiful scenery all combine event to introduce your friends to the SBA 19th Annual Endless Summer Watermelon October 5 (Sun) Inverness FL for a memorable event! Registration includes as it has no event fee. Suwannee Bicycle Ride Rails to Trails 14th Annual Bike Ride pre and post ride food, event T-shirt, limited Association, PO Box 247, White Springs, FL A classic one-day bicycle event designed You can ride as little or as much as you like sag support, fully stocked rest stops, well 32096. for experienced, touring, intermediate and on the Withlacoochee State Trail during marked and signed roads and maps. WWW: http://www.suwanneebike.org/ beginner cyclists. 30, 45,65, 80 and 100 miles this fun ride. Registration from 7:00 a.m. to WWW: http://www.wfw-pensacola.com/ primarily traversing lightly traveled country 9:00 a.m. at the North Apopka Trailhead in Active.com Online Registration August 16 (Sat) Tampa FL roads. Starting at the Jacksonville Equestrian Inverness. The railroad-converted asphalt trail Tour de Guava 2008 Center located at 13611 Normandy Blvd., is 46 miles long and enthusiastic riders may October 19 (Sun) Flemington FL Charity bike ride of 200k (125 miles) com- 32221. Past riders have been very pleased ride 100 miles by including the 8 mile loop at Horse Farm Tours pletely circumnavigating Tampa Bay. Rider with the new facilities which include huge the north end. Five SAG stops provided. Most Start in Flemington on CR 329 (Interstate 75 Check-in: 6pm - 8pm August 15th 5:30am restrooms and parking for up to 1000 cars. of the trail is level with light rolling hills and CR 318 exit). Registration will be open till 9 - 6:30am August 16th. Start Time: 7am for Bring your bathing suit and a towel for a cool wildlife can be seen. A continental breakfast am. If you want to start with a group, we’ll pre-registered riders 8am for same-day regis- dip after the ride in the olympic size pool. and a lite lunch are included in the cost of send you off at 8:30 am. Otherwise, you can trations and late arrivals. Registration and fee: Shower facilities. the ride. Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, start whenever you wish. 25, 30, and 45 mile $25 - Pregister at any time on our Web site WWW: http://www.nfbc.us P.O. Box 807, Inverness, FL 34451. (352)726- routes. The terrain that you will encounter as or in person 6pm to 8pm August 15th. $35 - Active.com Online Registration 2180. you wind through the horse farms is rolling. Same-day registration. WWW: http://railstotrailsonline.com/ If you are from the coast, it will be a different WWW: http://www.tampacycling.com/ September 13 (Sat) Ponte Vedra Beach FL challenge than just riding over the odd canal The 7th Annual Patriots Memorial Bike October 11-12 Mt Dora FL bridge. But many of you will want to make August 24 (Sun) Melbourne FL Ride 34th Annual Mount Dora Bicycle Festival frequent stops to take in the scenery, and 9th Annual “Ride for the Red” Cycling Honors the victims and heroes of Septem- Sponsored by the Mount Dora Chamber of perhaps have a conversation with a horse. Tour of Brevard County ber 11th 2001. It is 91.1 km on four lane Commerce, P. O. Box 196, Mount Dora, FL WWW: http://gccfla.org/gcf/ 11/62/33 mile options, 20 mile guided Fun highways and scenic country roads. Please 32757. Phone (352)383-2165. Ride, NEW for 2008 5K run! Registration wear red, white & blue to honor the day. WWW: http://www.mountdora.com/bikefest/ October 19 (Sun) Gainesville FL begins 6:30am; the 5K run: 7:15am. cyclists: Short Memorial Ceremony starting at 6:50 index.php 28th Annual Horse Farm Hundred 7:30am. The Fun ride: 9:00am. Start and Fin- a.m. Please be parked and ready to roll by that The Gainesville Cycling Club’s tour through ish at Wickham Park Pavilion next to Brevard time. Departs Nease High School in Northern October 11 (Sat) Miccosukee FL the picturesque horse farms of northern Community College, Melbourne Campus. St. Johns County (Ray Road at US 1, 1 mile 25th Annual Spaghetti 100 Marion County. We have the best stocked rest Your fully supported ride and run takes you south of CR 210) at 7:15 am. Some four lane The ride has options of a 100 mile and 100 stops in Florida! The 102 mile ride (and a 55 through some of the most scenic areas of highways and some scenic rural county roads. kilometer road ride, or a 100 kilometer dirt mile option that doesn’t get into horse farm Brevard County. Rivers, countryside, villages, Suggested “for experienced road riders” — road ride. For registration, directions, and territory) starts at 8:30 am at the Morning- wildlife, beautiful Florida neighborhoods and no official rest stops (numerous convenience ride information please visit the Capital City side Nature Center at 3540 East University Kennedy Space Center will make this event stores on the route). SAG services provided Cyclists Website (below). Avenue. Bagels and muffins will be available a memorable one. Our traditional “PASTA by ABC, Champion and Open Road. Com- WWW: http://www.cccyclists.org/ before the start. OVERLOAD NIGHT” dinner, Saturday memorative T-Shirts are provided, however, Active.com Online Registration WWW: http://gccfla.org/gcf/ August 23rd, 6-8pm at the Wickham Park pre-registration is required to receive a T- Pavilion along with guest speakers and live Shirt. Any proceeds after expenses will be do- October 18 (Sat) Gainesville FL October 19 (Sun) St Petersburg FL entertainment. Following Sunday’s ride & nated to the fund raising efforts of the Cody’s 16th Annual Saturn Santa Fe 6th Annual Share the Road Ride run, all participants will enjoy the traditional Challenge MS150 Bicycle Team. Updates Century All bicyclists welcome! Show your club RFTR picnic lunch featuring the famous regarding the ride will be via Email. A tour through the lush forest and pasture colors and be a part of the most PROFOUND RFTR chili dogs, pizza and entertainment. WWW: http://www.codyschallenge.com/ land north of Gainesville up through the BIKE RIDE in the Greater Tampa Bay Proceeds: American Red Cross-Space Coast patriots.htm Santa Fe River valley. Rides start at 8:30 am Area! Share The Road Ride will be POLICE Chapter. Contact Vivi at 321-231-3599 for Active.com Online Registration from the North West Boys Club at 2700 NW ESCORTED and controlled at 15-18 mph, more information. WWW: http://spacecoas- 51st Street in Gainesville. Enjoy a 100 or a 55 covering 20 miles of downtown and neighbor- tredcross.org/ September 14 (Sun) Glen St Mary FL mile road ride, or the 18 or 28 mile Millhop- hood streets in St Petersburg. North Shore Swampman 100 per Ramble family fun ride, with well stocked Pool Park. August 30 - September 1 (old details) The ride starts at 7:30 a.m. at rest stops. Fee includes a T-shirt, IHOP WWW: http://www.sharetheroadride.com/ Sebring FL Baker County High School in Glen St. Mary. Tour of Sebring Lunch will be served back at the High School Explore the natural beauty of the rolling hills, cafeteria from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All citrus groves, cattle ranches, small towns riders will start together at 7:30 a.m. There BubbaFest 2008 and gem-like lakes in scenic Central Florida. are 5 distances marked: 15, 33, 46, 70, and Looking for a fun-filled fall event? Check out Join over 400 cyclists in enjoying a three-day 100 miles. Detailed maps will be provided to mini-vacation over Labor Day weekend. 62, all riders. For motel reservations in nearby BubbaFest – Florida Keys 31, 20 and 12 mile rides each day, as well as MacClenny: Days Inn at 904-259-5400 Econo November 9-15, 2008. the ever-popular BOK TOWER CENTURY Lodge at 904-259-3000. Baker County Fam- (100) on Sunday. Fully supported with ily YMCA, Shawn Eastman, 98 W Lowder More a vacation than a normal bike tour. It’s a loop ride starting and ending in deliciously stocked rest stops. Routes are St, MacClenny, FL 32063-2676. Phone: Key Largo. You will bike the entire key system down and back with one layover well marked and excellent maps are provided. (904)259-0898. day on Marathon Key and two layover days in Key West. Rides are done at your own pace, so this event WWW: http://www.swampman.org/ is perfect for riders of all levels of experi- Active.com Online Registration Swim with the dolphins. Snorkel. Dive. Deep-sea fish. ence.The Kenilworth Lodge has a big front Sunsets as only the keys can provide. porch with a wonderful view of Lake Jackson. September 14 (Sun) Clermont FL Three mid-day meals are included, as well as Assault on Sugarloaf Seven breakfasts and five dinners and lots of fun surprises included with the tee shirts, ice cream socials, poker runs. Linda 7 am. The Assault on Sugarloaf is a recre- registration fee. Leeds, Event Director, lindamarie7@juno. ational bike ride talong the country roads of com. WWW: http://kenilworthlodge.com Clermont. The 56 and 112 mile course take For complete details, visit www.BubbasPamperedPedalers.com or email Active.com Online Registration cyclists up Lake Countyʼs famed Sugarloaf Montain. The 56 and 112 mile courses use [email protected]. 14 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger

Don’t be fooled by imaginary laws by Dwight Kingsbury

s a cyclist and runner Like many cities, Spokane is bisected by a Once across the river I used another bridge river. The northern districts can be accessed to loop back to the Maple Street Bridge’s A using the roads, I from downtown only by crossing one of half southern approach. The message on the sign on the ramp read: NO PEDESTRIANS - a dozen bridges. on a cyclist = pedestrian construct. sometimes receive advice USE STAIRWAY ONE BLOCK WEST. Before choosing a bridge to cross, I Are pedestrians out of place here? Unless There was no other prohibition. checked the Spokane regional bicycle map. there’s a designated bicycle facility, then a shouted from the passenger Had I misread the bicycle map? The only The nearest bridge was the Maple Street cyclist must be too, in the mind of some road indication of a bicycle prohibition I could seats of passing motor Bridge. It was marked in blue on the map. users. find was the thick black line coded in the According to the legend, blue indicated a As state traffic codes expand into scores of vehicles. I got some advice legend as “Class IX - Bicycles Prohibited.” “Class IV” bicycle route, with a “lane allow- pages, it’s becoming harder to keep up with The only Class IX route shown on the map ing both vehicular traffic and bicycle traffic.” all the details. Still, with codes and driver this way last May when I was the urban segment of I-90 (shoulders This didn’t sound quite as good as a “Class manuals available online, it’s easier than ever on rural portions of Interstates are generally was visiting in Spokane, II” route, which would have a bicycle lane, to check a law. open to cycling in Washington state). but it seemed good enough. I rode down the Occasionally, motorists can provide useful Washington, for a few days. Later, at a computer, I searched for infor- ramp to the bridge and merged into the out- advice. Maybe your rear light is dying. mation on bicycle access on the websites side northbound lane. Maybe something fell off your bike a few of the City of Spokane and the Spokane The Sunday afternoon traffic was light and hundred feet back. Maybe there’s a decent Regional Transportation Council (the pub- the lane seemed roomy enough, but a man back street route just a couple blocks over lisher of the regional bicycle map). in the passenger seat of a passing pickup (and maybe there isn’t, but sometimes it’s I searched the municipal code. I could shouted, “No bikes on the bridge!” worth checking out). find nothing to indicate that the Maple Street The Maple Street Bridge doesn’t have In the legal area, though, I usually find the Bridge was off limits to cyclists. sidewalks; there was nothing to do but con- free advice shouted by passing motorists is Like similar advice cyclists sometimes tinue across the bridge. I wondered, though; not to be relied on. had I missed a NO BICYCLES message on a hear in Florida, the advice I got from the traffic sign? passenger in the pickup seemed to be based

meaning it must pay for your medical bills of the offense, but no points will be assessed before your private health insurance must pay. unless your violation involved the use of Bicycle Crashes—Know How to 6. Report the crash to the at-fault party’s a motor vehicle. Your insurance company insurance company as soon as possible. will probably learn of your violation, and by Christopher Burns, Esq. In a bike/car crash, the investigating police could consider your infraction when decid- Protect Your Rights officer will usually take information from the ing whether to continue insuring you. Your other party identifying that party’s car insur- guilty plea will also be used to your detri- Here are some great reminders – if we call it made right then, before the whole sequence of ance company. This information will then be ment in any claim you may make against the advice we’ll have to charge you – of steps you events has been analyzed. placed in the written crash report. motor vehicle driver/owner. should take after a crash. — Ed. If another party to the crash makes a state- If the crash involved a dog, you should Alternatively, you have the right to contest ment about his/her fault, remember this state- learn who owned the dog, and information the ticket or try to work out a plea of “with- 1. Always report the crash to the police. ment and write it down as soon as you can. about the owner’s homeowners insurance. If hold adjudication.” If you contest your ticket Always...even if you don’t think you are hurt 4. Preserve the condition of your property. the crash was caused by a dangerous condi- and win, no fine or costs will be assessed. If or your bike has been damaged. If you are not too badly hurt, it will be tempt- tion, such as a bridge grating or loose drain- you reach an agreement of “withhold adju- If you are in a crash with a motor vehicle ing to head right for your bike shop to fix the age cover, find out who is responsible for this dication,” you will be required to pay court where there are personal injuries or damage bent handlebars, broken rear derailleur, and property, and report it to them. costs, but there will be no record of “guilty.” to property that exceeds $500, Florida law other necessary repairs. Don’t do it until you Thereafter, make sure you personally Contact a lawyer to help with your ticket. requires you to report the crash. But even have chatted with a lawyer about your rights. contact this person’s insurance company to when not required by law, reporting the crash Also, carefully photograph the damage, and inform them about the crash. Insurance com- 10. Don’t talk about the crash or your is critical to preserving your rights. have the bike shop manager document the panies usually have a provision in their poli- injuries, other than as required to report the The crash report will document important exact nature of the damage. If another party cies which precludes coverage for the crash crash to the police, insurance companies or facts about your crash – road conditions, the caused your crash, they may be responsible if not reported within a reasonable period of your doctors. Never give a recorded state- weather, the eyewitnesses to the crash – and for paying for your bike damage. But you time. ment to the other party’s insurance com- will usually contain a diagram of the crash must give that party or its insurance company When you report the crash, try to obtain pany – you have no obligation to do this. scene. a chance to inspect the damage before your the insurance company’s claim number and Anything you say about the crash or your If the other party to the crash acted improp- bike is repaired. adjuster assigned to handle the claim. injuries may be used against you later in erly, reporting the crash will likely result in Make sure you don’t leave your damaged court. On the other hand, whatever you say the other party receiving a traffic citation. bike outside, or in some storage place where 7. Document your physical condition. Take to your attorney is confidential, and cannot Often bike crash victims’ back or knee its condition deteriorates. Keep it in your photographs of your bumps, bruises, road be used against you. pains didn’t occur until hours or even days garage or at the bike shop with strict instruc- rash and scabs. If you must have a cast, use after the crash. Sometimes bike damage is not tions that the condition not be disturbed. Keep crutches, or wear a splint, keep these items, 11. Consult with a reputable attorney. obvious until the bike shop inspects. your smelly clothes, your helmet, your shoes, and have photographs made of you using Crashes may have ramifications in traffic Report the crash even if it involves you and your gloves, your sunglasses, EVERYTHING, these things. Consider writing a diary of all court, criminal court or civil court. There are a dog or a hole in the road. just the way it was after the crash. the activities you can’t perform, and the aches time deadlines on most claims with which and pains you feel. Months down the road you must comply or your rights could be 2. Get the names, addresses and phone 5. Report the crash to your car insurance you’ll forget about all this. terminated. numbers of witnesses. If you can, try to find company as soon as possible. If your bicycle You should at least meet with an attorney out the identity of eyewitnesses to your crash. crash involved a truck or car, you may be 8. Photograph the location of the crash. to discuss your rights in all three courts. This Police frequently do only superficial inves- entitled to receive certain benefits from your Take photographs or videotape of the crash attorney should have expertise in bicycle tigations, and don’t bother to take the names own car insurance. Even though you weren’t scene, even if there are no markings on the crash cases, and should have handled numer- of all the witnesses. Don’t rely on the police driving a car, under Florida law your car road to suggest an crash occurred. Roads are ous bicycle crash claims in the past. Most officer to do this! insurance will be obligated to pay you “PIP” resurfaced, widened, and new signs put up reputable attorneys will meet with you free After the witnesses leave the scene, you benefits, to the extent you incur medical bills all the time. The conditions of the road when of charge. After an initial consultation, you may never see them again. or lose wages by being unable to work. you had your crash may be changed by road can decide better whether you have any need Your car insurance may also have to pro- construction soon thereafter. Get photographs for an attorney. 3. Don’t say anything to the other party vide you with “uninsured motorist” benefits. before the crash scene changes. about how the crash happened. It is really Your insurance agent is obligated to explain Christopher Burns is a Jacksonville attorney true – anything you say may be used against to you all of the potential benefits to which 9. Don’t ignore traffic citations. If you were who specializes in handling bicycling related you later on. you may be entitled. Get a lawyer to help issued a traffic citation, you have more choic- accident cases and who has been an avid Never make a statement apologizing for you fill out the necessary insurance forms to es than just paying the ticket. Under Florida cyclist for 25 years. the crash or accepting part of the blame. It begin receiving Florida “PIP” benefits. Under law, if you pay a ticket without contesting it, is not fair for an assessment of fault to be Florida law, your car insurance is “primary,” your record will indicate you were “guilty” Summer 2008 15

‘Ride to work’ gets Nabbed by the law? Think you’re getting the short end? Here are some... Jax officials wheelin’ Strategies for fighting traffic citation injustice J. Steele Olmstead practices personal injury law in the Tampa Bay Area and does cycling cases by Miriam S. Gallet, NFBC by J. Steele Olmstead, Esq. statewide. He’s dedicated 30 hours of pro bono legal work each year to helping cyclists solve ticket problems and creating more bicycle-friendly law enforcement. See page 8. More than 100 cyclists and spectators par- When I represent an injured cyclist I assume A. Bikes are not a serious mode of trans- 4. Whip out the camera phone, dude. ticipated in the inaugural, “Ride Your Bike to they are not guilty for one reason: they have portation to cops who spend their whole BEFORE your bike or (the the crash sce- Work” event held in Jacksonville May 16. more motivation to avoid a crash. To a car shifts in a car, so you might want to take the nario) the vehicles are moved. Take a picture Sponsored by the North Florida Bicycle it’s a dented hood, to a cyclist a crash is a tact that the “serious laws” shouldn’t apply to of EVERYTHING. Here’s scenes you’ll want Club (NFBC), three organized rides departed long time of pain, flashbacks, lost cycling and cyclists. to snap: With a ticket: the road, markings from Arlington, Mandarin and the Westside huge medical bills. To many officers, bikes are really just toys. on the road (those are actually called traffic and arrived at Hemming Plaza at 8:30 a.m. However, here are the simple rules I use to You use them when you have nothing else control devices (yes, the white arrow, line The three groups, consisting of newcom- fight traffic injustice when my injured cyclist to do or for riding with the kids. Use this to or dash)) or the signs or lights, the position ers and club members made a brief stop in client has bizarrely gotten a ticket: your advantage. of your bike, where the cop pulled you on downtown Jacksonville and met Jacksonville In a ticket scenario you could try: “I was your bike and the position of the cop car. Mayor John Peyton and City Councilman 1. Obey the @&^%g laws. This is a gim- just going for a short bicycle ride, I’m sorry.” In a crash scenario: your bike, crushed and mee. Newsflash: you have the same rights, (“It’s just a bicycle, for goodness sakes, mangled on the road/ground and its relation responsibilities and rules as any vehicle. couldn’t you please just give a warning? I to the offending vehicle, the other car, debris You are not a kid anymore. A fancy helmet, won’t do it again, honest”) on the road, your water bottle, bike parts, gro- matching bike paint and skin tight spandex B. They don’t understand your perspective ceries, GPS or whatever fell off, and the stuff doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a ticket for or techniques of a cyclist or as the person listed above for the no crash incident. Get running that red light and you will get one. most aware of the traffic conditions. photographs before you talk to any one and Come on people, this is simple stuff: wait For example, if he says you didn’t stop, ABSOLUTELY prior to leaving the scene. at the red light, don’t ride against traffic (I CALMLY explain you “don’t put your feet know none of you do that), don’t ride care- down when you come to a full stop, but just 5. “Law enforcement is serious job.” As lessly, don’t tailgate. pause” or whatever cycling technique the far as they are concerned, you are on a “toy” Many years ago in Tallahassee, a very nice officer didn’t fully understand, so the that kids ride. If you are extremely polite and healthy bikey was caught doing 55mph draft- infraction really doesn’t apply to you act conservatively, (“yes ma’m, no sir, yes ing a truck on the truck route. The ticket: Please WATCH your tone of voice. In officer, no officer”) You can embarrass them “following too close,” not speeding. Big fine. a vehicle/bike crash scenario, this can be into not writing you a ticket if you are polite Most of the tickets you are going to get persuasive: CALMLY explain as a cyclist, and firm. “I am pretty sure I was in my lane won’t be under Section 316.0265, the bike you are “not surrounded by a roof and four officer...” “the light had already changed...” regs, they’ll be the ones that apply to cars. doors,” are “right next to the road,” you “I was in the intersection already...” (in a Those are moving violations, cost a lot of have the “best/total/complete view of the crash) “the motor vehicle A. failed to see money and can affect your car insurance. whole scene,” and “saw everything,” and me. B. didn’t stop at the stop line next to Mayor John Peyton (right) addresses the especially “saw everything the other driver the stop sign. C. Failed to indicate changing crowd at Jacksonville’s downtown Hemming 2. Be conscious of your emotional state. was doing,” had “opportunity to observe lanes D. failed to give me three foot of clear- Plaza. Councilman Don Redman (at rear) After a crash or if you’ve gotten pulled, you the entire incident,” and “weren’t distracted ance as required by Section 316. E. came waits for his turn at the mic. might be rather “upset.” In a crash situation, by a cell phone,” or “weren’t distracted by into the bike lane... The officer has no idea since you almost became road kill you are that loud radio the car/truck driver had on” how much that bike cost? ($250? $300? Try Don Redman, who rode their bicycles from really pissed. (magic phrases, people!). $1,500, bubba). Generally only people like us their homes. The Monoxide Spewer almost got a dent Under Section 316.083, Florida Statutes, who brave traffic to ride take cycling serious- Peyton and Redman led the peloton to in his car; he’s not mad. At a traffic stop the you, for sure, are the best person to determine ly. Really, what kind of bragging rights are Hemming Plaza, where a crowd, photogra- yelling person, is less credible. whether the other vehicle was not giving you they going to have when they say the ticket phers and news reporters greeted them. Be calm grasshopper, use your inner peace. a 3-foot berth as required by the statute. I they wrote was for a person on a ten speedy. Accompanied by Redman, Mayor Peyton High emotions are fine if you’re going to commend you to memorize that section num- (Ha ha, “Wrote a bicycle a ticket??? You’re delivered his remarks on the importance of kill and eat the Monoxide Spewer, bad if you ber. Your ability to “see and observe” unham- joking, right? Ha, ha, ha, ha.... THAT’S really the event and applauded the NFBC for their going to talk to the Monoxide Spewer’s com- pered goes to your credibility and weight of stopping crime Simmons.’”) support. He then read the proclamation com- rade in transportation (the officer) who’s been your version of the facts. What may happen memorating the historic event. sitting in air conditioning swapping deer and does oft times, is the officer may be more 6. Officers usually don’t have the code Redman, who cycles to work most every meat recipes with unit 497. lenient, because as he or she may note: you’re books on them. DO NOT talk to them when day, is committed to improving the bicycling riding a bicycle and weren’t distracted by a environment around the city. 3. The people writing the citations are cell phone or a radio and take your version. To get to the end of this you have to go back people in cars who don’t ride. to page 7. Add your voice for the future Name: E-mail: of bicycling Address: in Florida. City: County: State: Zip: Tel (H) (W) Bike Club Affiliation(s): Member Category: ❑ $15/student/living lightly ❑ $25/individual ❑ $35/household ❑ $100/club/corporate/agency JOIN FBA Ride Preferences: ❑ On-road ❑ Off-road ❑ Touring ❑ Racing ❑ Commuting I have taken a Road I (formerly Effective Cycling) class ❑ Yes ❑ No; Approximate year taken: I have taken a Road II class ❑ Yes ❑ No; Approximate year taken: TODMembershipA includesY I am a League cycling Instructor (LCI) ❑ Yes ❑ No the FBA Messenger! May we contact you about volunteer opportunities? ❑ Yes ❑ No List any special skills or interests:

Charge my ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard Please make checks payable and mail Card No: Expires: to: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694 Signature: 16 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Summer 2008

Coming soon to a Central Florida Lynx bus, the above “IT’S THE LAW” paint job will help spread the word about the new Florida statute. [I hope it gets on the Lynx bus that sideswiped me on the way to work. – Ed.] The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well being through bicy- cling. The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational school resource officers and community leaders are FL Traffic and Bicycle Safety and charitable purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under taught how to implement a bicycle safety educa- Education Program gets new Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including tion program in their school or community. membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial director FTBSEP recently released its revised Florida’s statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL Taking over from retiring Dr. Linda Crider, Dr. Safe Routes to School, Elementary Traffic Safety 32694. To join FBA complete the form below and send with your dues. Dan Connaughton from UF’s College of Health Education Guide. The Guide is perfect for meet- The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly and Human Performance has become director of ing the Education E of Safe Routes to School pro- as a service to members and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education grams around the US. by the Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 718, Waldo, FL 32694. Program (FTBSEP). Copies of this guide and supporting videos are www.floridabicycle.org; Dan is an Associate Professor in the Department available in CD/DVD from Bike Florida for the e-mail:laura@floridabi­cycle.org; of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management cost of duplication, shipping and handling. Base Phone: 352-468-3430. where he teaches and conducts research in sport law price is $20, with discounts for bulk purchases Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the Messenger. and risk management (particularly injury prevention ($18 for 25-49 copies; $15 for 50 or more copies). The Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see and safety measures). He’s also an active cyclist. Requests should be to: [email protected]. the Website for rates and specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Funded by FDOT, the program is state-wide, Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertis- comprehensive and school-based, teaching K-12 The FTBSEP’s new contact information is: ing that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither in the best interest of students bicycle and traffic safety through classroom 310 Yon Hall, Stadium Rd. FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Although we carefully review instruction and on-bike skills. P.O. Box 118208, Gainesville, FL 32611 articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information The program provides “Train-the-Trainer” work- (352) 392-4042, ext. 1370 or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. shops where elementary and middle school teachers, [email protected]. http://safety.hhp.ufl.edu © 2008 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved.

I'm sorry Mr. Smith, that's an impressive bicycling mileage figure, but the standard mileage deduction is for motorized vehicles only.

While we can't make all your tax dreams come true, we can offer you quality tax and financial accounting services with the confidence and solid reputation that comes from over 30 years of quality service to the Central Florida business community. We're proud to support FBA and its mission to promote good health and well-being in our communities through bicycling. Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

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