Vol. 17, No. 4 Fall 2014 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Special Report... Florida touring enhanced by train and trail connections by Laura Hallam, Herb Hiller, Mighk Wilson (via his CommuteOrlando.com blog) and the First Florida Rail to Trail Facebook community page

he First Florida Rail to Train Tour (later pegged as Train to Trail Tour) took off August 1 via the new SunRail commuter train from the Orlando Church Street Station to the northern end of the line in DeBary. For eight days the four of us cycled Florida’s 260-mile-long St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop (SJR2C) and then some on tandems before board- ing SunRail back to Orlando. And we didn’t need a car. PAID

Mid-FL, FL Permit #334 Permit U.S. Postage U.S. Photos– left: Stacy Sather, NONPROFIT ORG NONPROFIT above: Renee Tallevast, inset: a Seidler selfie

Four riders + two tandems = eight days of midsummer adventure for (inset picture, left to right) Laura Hallam, Carol and Mighk Wilson, and Robert Seidler. Above: riders leave the DeBary SunRail station. Left: crossing the Bridge of Lions to St. Augustine.

vernight accommodations in “The tour marks a coming of age for Florida history, from Spain to Space, OTitusville, New Smyrna Beach, Florida,” said Herb Hiller of the East steeped in the Civil Rights era, tracking Flagler Beach, St. Augustine (where we Coast Greenway Alliance, the tour’s orga- vast agricultural lands, urban sprawl to enjoyed a rest day), Crescent City and nizer. “We have trains, and we also have new urbanism, from deeply rural to high DeLand were pre-arranged along with a improving ways to get to and from them living. Anyone could include layover variety of activities. The predicted mile- without cars.” days, like the four did along the coast in age was 269 miles; however, we managed Although the tour was meant to high- St. Augustine or as well alongside the St. to cover 290 miles, considering detours light the Loop as a weeklong getaway, Johns in Palatka, or close by in Crescent P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 P.O. to destinations that generally involved others may choose to spend fewer or City or DeLand.” food, that were off the planned route. more days riding it. But altogether, said Hiller, “the ride is a moving course in Please see Train, page 2 ADVOCATING A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY FLORIDA 2 Florida Bicycle Association

Special report... Train to trail riders braved midsummer temps for two-wheel trek continued from page 1 Day One: A Little Bit of Everything The four cycling nomads brave enough The assignment was to test drive the We knew Day One would likely be to tackle a self-supported bike tour in the route plus write, blog and take pictures the toughest: four out-of-shape riders month of August are Mighk and Carol along the way. Since they were on tan- riding over 50 miles in the midsum- Wilson (Orlando) and Robert Seidler dems, the “stokers” were able to snap mer heat. Adding in the intermodal and Laura Hallam (Sopchoppy). away while the “captains” did the driving. SunRail factor, and the celebratory Carol and Laura are former FBA execu- The following excerpts from Mighk’s send-off at DeBary station required a tive directors; Mighk is the smart growth daily blog posts on CommuteOrlando. 5 a.m. wake-up and a 6 a.m. role out. planner for MetroPlan Orlando; Robert com detail their adventure. The short trip to downtown was a is a filmmaker who has chronicled the snap, and getting on the train, even rise of bicycling and trails around with two tandems (one with a trail- America. er), went off without a hitch. We watched the sun rise as we rode SunRail north to DeBary, where we Train to Trail Trip Sponsors met up with all those who’ve made Day 2: leaving the Casa Coquina in Titusville this trip a reality: Volusia County for what the coming trail network can Commissioner Pat Northey, Ed spur. Titusville is a natural jumping-off Noseworthy of Florida Hospital Fish point for a number of other nature-based Memorial, representatives of VisitFlorida, opportunities, as well as for aerospace- Cobb Cole, the East Central Florida related tourism. There is more to do than Regional Planning Council, the City of just cycling in Titusville. DeBary, West Volusia Tourism Laurilee Thompson, co-owner of Advertising Authority, SunRail, and of 30-year-old institution, Dixie Crossroads course, the brainchild of the expedition, Restaurant, provided hospitality second Herb Hiller, and his first lieutenant Ted to none. During dinner at her restaurant, Wendler. she regaled us with many stories of Titusville’s Casa Coquina del Mar was adventures with fishing, restaurant own- our inn for the night. It’s a playful bed ership, eco-tourism and environmental and breakfast with eclectic decor and an stewardship. excellent breakfast. Hostess, Ginny, even The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge for a late night kayak tour along the Haulover Canal and into Mosquito Lagoon was next on our list. This night these waters pro- duced trillions of bioluminescent micro-organ- isms. A stroke of the paddle, lit up On the Spring to Spring Trail outside DeLand. millions of blue- green glowing creatures. made gluten-free cookies and pancakes A bonus, an Atlas V rocket lifted off. for my wife. We had front row seats only 12 miles The four of us shared a suite on the top floor called The Black Pearl. It wasn’t until we spent some time in Please see Small towns, page 6 Titusville that I could see the potential Fall 2014 3

Thanks to Our Donors!

City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! Lifetime individuals Mighk and Carol Wilson Advocating a Jacksonville Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal Orange Park James Nash bicycle-friendly Florida Sopchoppy Duke Breitenbach Gainesville P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Kimberly Cooper Dr. Joe Warren William R. Hough Earle and Laura Reynolds Board of Directors Orlando Oldsmar Walter Long Jodi Hohlstein, President Executive Director Tampa 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle Becky Afonso, Interim Sponsor ($1,000+) Orange Park, FL 32065 250 Strathmore Avenue Phone: 904-282-2180 Oldsmar FL 34677 Gainesville Cycling Club [email protected] Phone: 813-748-1513 Port Charlotte Earl Lang, Vice President [email protected] Ft Myers Champion 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 ($250 - $499) Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Program/Membership Ron & Jill Randall & Valerie Phone: 941-258-3400 Director Cunningham Williams [email protected] TBA David Henderson Alta Vista Sports Jeff Hohlstein, Secretary 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle Operations Manager Benefactor Orange Park, FL 32065 Laura Hallam ($100 - $249) Phone: 904-282-2180 367 Buckhorn Creek Rd. Gregory Dudley St. Augustine Police [email protected] Sopchoppy, FL 32358 Chapters Terri Parrott Department Phone: 407-399-9961 Susan Cunningham James Woodman Christopher G. Burns, Esq., Treasurer [email protected] Caloosa Riders West Volusia Tourism Terrell Hogan First Coast Chapter Director 233 East Bay Street - 8th floor Bicycle Club Marvin Burges Stephen Tocknell, Director Jacksonville, FL 32202 Membership Tim Mulligan Deborah & Keith Jacksonville Phone: 904-632-2424 E-mail: [email protected] Peace River Riders Damkjer Phone: 904-638-6629 [email protected] Bicycle Club Bubba’s Pampered [email protected] Henry Lawrence Pedalers Tim Bol www.fbafirstcoast.org Jeffrey Cull William Afonso 301 E. Pine St., Ste 800 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-393-6691 [email protected] Advisory Board Supporter Ron Cunningham Michelle Avola Reese Hope Howland-Cook Robert Seidler, Filmmaker ($50 - $99) 2111 NW 20th Street [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Gainesville, FL 32605 Red Camp Martin & Vicki Phone: 352-262-5798 Don Braverman Dwight Kingsbury, Historian John Sinibaldi, Jr Connie Hendy Guttenplan [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Michael Downing John Hopkins & John Egberts Keri Caffrey, Webmaster Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special Lisa Walker, Public Affairs Sandra Jolly Elizabeth Warriner PO Box 118208 [email protected] Programs [email protected] Carlos Vazquez [email protected] Gainesville, FL 32611 Dan Connaughton, Director, Randall Williams, Newsletter Phone: 352-294-1685 Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety Laura Minns [email protected] [email protected] Education Program [email protected] Mighk Wilson J. Steele Olmstead [email protected] Welcome New/Rejoining Members! Dan Moser [email protected] 14517 N. 18th St. William Afonso Anthony Johnson Steve Diez [email protected] Tampa, FL 33613 Michael Barrett Jack Mangus [email protected] Phone: 813-979-4949 Roger Pierce, Touring Calendar Joshua Belaschky Terry Medlin [email protected] [email protected] David Henderson Thomas Blanken Joe Mercurio [email protected] Carol Pulley Bubba’s Pampered Anthony Nevedal Herb Hiller, Journalist [email protected] Pedalers Peace River Riders [email protected] Dea Browning Bicycle Club Marvin Burges Janice Silcox Gary Chapin St. Augustine Police Join FBA online at Visit FBA’s Website Messenger Deadlines Jeffrey Cull Dept. James Daigneault Leonard Sypkens www.floridabicycle.org Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Deborah & Keith Andrew Tatum www.fbamembership.org Summer Messenger - May 15 Damkjer Lee Turner III Individual...... $25 Log in to the FBA Blog Fall Messenger - August 15 Dzmitry Frytsin Enda Walsh Family...... $35 Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues Winter Messenger - November 15 Robert Griendling Randall & Valerie Student/living lightly...... $15 with this statewide forum. Spring Messenger - February 15 William Hamilton Williams Jonathan Horen James Woodman Snowbird...... $15 FBA's Blog is on the website Inquiries and submissions: www.floridabicycle.org Bicycle Club...... $100 Becky@floridabicycle org Bicycle Shop - Full membership...$100 Website listing only...... $25 Corporate/Agency...... $100 Membership Categories: Lifetime Individuals ($2,000+) Higher donations are greatly appreciat- Sponsor ($1,000+) ed! See membership categories at right. Legacy ($500-$999) Pay conveniently online or make Champion ($250-$499) check payable and mail to: Benefactor ($100-$249) Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. Supporter ($50-$99) P.O. Box 916715 Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Membership includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. 4 Florida Bicycle Association

President’s message... Changes galore and a year racing to a close Jodi Hohlstein ere we are in the “dog days ooooo the state delivering FBA annual awards of summer” writing for the We said farewell to Tim Bustos, our and meeting with various bicycle clubs Fall issue of The FBA Executive Director and Dan Moser, our and shops generating renewed interest in Messenger. Program/Membership Director in July. FBA. Good grief! Where has Both had to leave for family health rea- Becky’s working hard to increase the year gone? And what do we have sons. We appreciate their contribution awareness of FBA not only around ahead of us you may ASK? and support over the years. We will miss Florida but in her interstate travels as For FBA this has been not only a rapid- them and wish well. If you haven’t seen her recent blogs ly passing year but one of numerous them both well. regarding those changes. Some anticipated and others travels and cycling ride, to unite as FBA members—if you ooooo not so much. If you have friends who ride adventures be sure are not a member become one! If you ooooo You may have ASK them to join FBA. If to check them out have friends who ride ASK them to join noticed some on the FBA home FBA. If you patronize local bike shop(s) One change we anticipated was the you patronize local bike changes to the page. ASK them to join FBA. If you belong to split of FBA and CyclingSavvy. We Florida Bicycle shop(s) ASK them to join Thanks to Becky a bicycle club ASK them to support FBA watched CyclingSavvy grow from an idea Association for stepping up to and become a member club. spawned by Keri Caffrey and Mighk FBA. If you belong to a website ~ the plate and work- Wilson, through the development and ooooo minor and sub- bicycle club ASK them to ing to make sure we implementation stages to a now national- tle ~ and you support FBA and become a don’t miss a step The Florida Legislative session starts in ly recognized bicycle education course, may have with the changing January 2015. There is strength in num- and birth of a nationally recognized member club. noticed more of the guard and in bers and we need more strength to help organization, the American Bicycle activity on the fact we’ve made make Florida a safer state to enjoy Education Association (ABEA). FBA blog, several steps for- cycling. With the formation of this organiza- Facebook and social media in general. ward increasing FBA’s posture in the ooooo tion, CyclingSavvy is now under their Well, we have our new interim Executive cycling community in general. umbrella. The journey has been a good Remember to like us on Facebook! Director, Becky Afonso to thank for one for both organizations and FBA ooooo Share your love of cycling and ASK your those changes. wishes ABEA well and will watch their cycling buddies to join the Florida Becky was chosen by the Board of In July, in one of her first blogs Becky growth with interest and pride in having Bicycle Association! Let’s ride together Directors in July to become our interim initiated the “ASK is On” campaign and I been a part in their product develop- and ASK for a safer future for cycling in ED and she has hit the ground/road run- encourage each of you to join us! We ask ment, and will continue to teach Florida! ning. Becky has been traveling around all cyclists out there who enjoy riding in CyclingSavvy. Florida, no matter where or when you IWALK to School Day encourages kids to use their feet by Nicole Vayssier MPH, WalkSafe Program Manager n Wednesday October 8th, Planning on celebrating the University of Miami IWALK at your school? Don’t WalkSafe® Program and forget to register your event at: Hibiscus Elementary will http://www.walkbiketoschool. come together to celebrate org International Walk to School Day (IWALK). About WalkSafe IWALK is a worldwide annual event The University of Miami that brings together student communi- WalkSafe Program is an evi- ties, teachers as well as community part- dence-based injury prevention ners and leaders to raise awareness about program for elementary school the benefits of walking to school and cre- aged children that teaches key ating safer walking communities for all. pedestrian safety skills and This year IWALK will be held at knowledge. Hibiscus Elementary located in Miami Under the direction of Dr. Gardens. The event will be celebrated on Gillian Hotz, the WalkSafe the PE court for an assembly with special Curriculum reaches on average guest speakers and several Miami team 226 elementary schools in mascots to cheer on the 100s of students. Miami-Dade County educating Billy the Marlin, McGruff the Crime approximately 120,000 every Dog as well as other Miami team mas- year. cots, and musical entertainment will The three-day pedestrian cheer on the crowd of excited students as safety course is implemented they walk a pre-designated route around so that Day 3 coincides with the school. IWALK. WalkSafe will also honor and present Every year, the WalkSafe prizes to three poster contest winners Program co-hosts IWALK with a public elementary school in Miami- from three grade categories: K-1 grade, University of Miami mascot Sebastian the Ibis warms up the crowd as they get ready for Dade County to promote the key safety 2-3 grade and 4-5 grade. IWALK. lessons and encourage healthy daily physical activity in children. Fall 2014 5

Executive Director’s corner... The bicycle is a gift of life experiences Becky Afonso, Interim Director

y first Alaskan adventure It was the culmination of a goal, a jour- In fact, weeks ago it was all about new places around Florida, having new was during the summer of ney and a birthday present to myself that planes, trains, automobiles, a passenger experiences, positive experiences related 1989. I saved and saved for over the last six cruise ship and a bicycle. Flight to to bicycling, and facing all manner of I went to Anchorage in years in order to have an once-in-a-life- Vancouver, train to Denali National Park, new challenges to test my abilities and hopes of helping with the time vacation. various taxis and shuttle buses to excur- add to my personal growth. recovery efforts of the Exxon Valdez oil “What does Alaska have to do with the sions, the Island Princess and a 10-mile My goals for FBA are to grow member- spill that polluted Prince William Sound. Florida Bicycle Association?” you may be bicycle ride around Mendenhall Glacier ship, generate more revenue to provide I drove a 1976 Plymouth Valiant across asking yourself. Well, I’ll be happy to via Cycle Alaska. more educational programs and be the country, only to be turned away. provide some insight. Each means of transportation provided accessible to fellow Floridian cyclists, Ok, so it wasn’t a well-thought-out First, I need to explain that the bicycle, the opportunity to meet new people, visit even if those cyclists are seasonal visitors. plan, but it did provide a journey that to me, is not about frame and compo- new places, experience new things and I welcome this journey and look for- started another journey, a goal to visit all nents, it’s about people, places, experi- face new challenges; vacation challenges ward to every encounter along the way. 50 state capitals. ences and challenges. I feel the same way like a first-time zip line excursion I have the will to see this through and I had a good start with Denver, Salt about any means of transportation. through the Alaskan rainforest. know I can do it. Lake City, Reno and Sacramento com- Believe me, the Plymouth presented a Yes, I did that. I see the bicycle as a gift and this time pleted during this Alaskan adventure. few challenges back in 1989, including a Back in Florida and back at the helm of the present to myself is not only to enjoy Twenty-five years later and only weeks broken air-conditioner that forced a mid- FBA, I see my tenure as interim executive the ride, but also to welcome everyone to ago, I completed my “Capital Chase night crossing of the Salt Lake Desert. director to be about people, places, expe- ride with me. Challenge” with a second visit to Alaska, And weeks ago, I cruised the waters of riences and challenges, with a bicycle Let’s ride together! an Alaskan cruise to Juneau to visit the the Inside Passage to a destination and backdrop. 50th and final capital on my list. only state capital to which you cannot I look forward to meeting new cycling drive an automobile. buddies, visiting and hopefully riding in

Letter to the editor... Suddenly, the FBA is sounding as radi- It’s about time that modern society kicks cal as my old organization, World the elephant out of the bedroom and World without cars! Without Cars! Bravo! takes effective measures to turn the rhi- Whether you drive a car or not, if you nos of our roads into Bambis. e: Summer 2014 Messenger are really serious about making cycling If cycling and walking in North R Returning home from Italy, Ron safer and more appealing for all, sooner America are ever to enjoy the levels of Cunningham laments the prevailing car- or later you must favor Mankind over safety and popularity prevalent in many centric culture of Auto-America, wishing Autokind. European countries, we activists must that we too could slow cars down and Let’s face it: the vast majority of human have the courage to favor initiatives that make them behave. beings will never feel safe cycling on make driving more expensive, less con- Earl Lang reminds us that free roads roads with large numbers of speeding venient and slower. cost too much. He extols the virtues of motor vehicles passing by just three or Congratulations to FBA for recogniz- graduated tolls as an alternative to build- four feet away. ing this, and for boldly stating it in many ing more and wider roads. Can’t blame them. Theirs is a self-pres- ways. DeWayne Carver promotes Rumble ervation instinct that likely goes back to — Thomas J. DeMarco, M.D. Stripes to keep motorists off the shoulder our ancestors’ days on the African savan- Whistler, BC where cyclists like to ride. nah, where we presumably developed an [email protected] Ted Wendler challenges the institution- adaptive fear of pursuit by large fast alized marginalization of cyclists into objects like lions, elephants and rhinoc- bike lanes. eros. Robert Seidler encourages us to take a Now thousands of years later, how odd Share the Road Mini Grants available stand versus motorists who are deliber- it is that we have chosen to recreate simi- ately hostile to cyclists. lar menaces with our own technology! Bike Florida and Share the Road invite If your Safe Routes to School program your organization to apply for a Share needs event funding, we might be able to The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to advocate and educate for excel- the Road Mini Grant. help! Infrastructure projects may also fit lence in bicycling in Florida. Its vision is a Florida wherein bicyclists are safe, respected, Through the sale of “Share the Road” the funding parameters. and encouraged to cycle for transportation and recreation. specialty license plates, and sponsoring The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable o $2,000.00 maximum partners like BILL BONE BIKE LAW, purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the o Applications accepted from Non- Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy Bike Florida and Share the Road can of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 916715, make these funds available to cycling Profit Organizations and Government Longwood, FL 32791. organizations, city or county govern- Agencies To become a member supporter of FBA, join online at www.fbamembership.org. ments and school parent teacher organi- o Applications received The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to mem- bers and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the zations (PTOs) or just about anyone continuously, grants awarded quarterly actively promoting safe cycling or cyclist Visit ShareTheRoad.org for an Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. and driver education. Application and Terms of use. www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail: [email protected];­ Phone: 813-748-1513 Some of the most common awards Share the Road welcomes BILL BONE fund new bicycle purchases or repairs for Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. BIKE LAW as our newest Mini Grant organizations administering education The FBA Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for sponsor. programs, especially those teaching the rates and specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to Like Bike Florida and Share the Road, review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of the Association, is Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety BILL BONE BIKE LAW is dedicated to neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Although we Education Program. the bicycle safety message. carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the informa- We have also funded requests to pur- tion or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. It is rare to see an organization with chase Share the Road signage in commu- this much passion for cycling. © 2014 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved. nities around the state. 6 Florida Bicycle Association

Small towns and light traffic continued from page 6 away as it lit up the sky and sent a roar Fred was our local guide as we traveled Out on the road you just listen to what across the lagoon. north through Daytona Beach and on to your body tells you, not the thermometer A Day Away Kayak Tours runs a very Ormond Beach. or the Internet. Strangely, while we fin- friendly and professional operation. We continued north, once again veer- ished 62 miles at 2 p.m. the day before, ing from the assigned route. But this we felt hotter this day finishing 38 miles Day Two: No Rest for the Weary time we knew exactly where we were around noon. Saturday morning we had to choose: ride heading and why: shade. The route was similar to day six, with sleep-deprived and hot, or ride rested Rather than follow the route along the some rolling and curving roads passing and hotter. barrier island and through Ormond-by- through farms and forests. We chose the latter and after putting in the-Sea, we rode up the inland side to These are the type of roads that make six “bonus miles” just to get to the “offi- Old Dixie Highway, one of the best cano- bicycle touring most enjoyable, as the cial” start of the day’s ride at the base of py roads in Florida. scenery changes more quickly and you the Max Brewer Bridge, finally left This route is part of the very popular have to focus on shifting. Titusville at 11 a.m. “Ormond Loop” that runs up to Flagler It was an uneventful day with light traf- Max Brewer Parkway takes you across Beach and back. The combination of fic, a bit of tailwind and some wildlife the Indian River and immediately into hammock canopy, swamp, salt marsh sightings—wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, the enormous Merritt Island Wildlife and beach views is probably unsurpassed a swallow-tail kite, a yellow pine snake, Refuge. There are plans for sidepaths in Florida. and a luna moth. along Max Brewer and SR 402 to take For the third day in a row we finished cyclists to the Atlantic Ocean, but for Day Eight: The End, and Beginnings our day after 4 p.m. At the Castillo de San Marcos. now it’s still a very nice road ride. Our hosts this night were Toni and We breakfasted at the DeLand Country Ginny at Casa Coquina had recom- Mark Terworgy, owners of Island Cottage Inn and were rolling at 8 a.m. We need- mended Goodrich’s for a seafood lunch Villas. This cozy inn facing the Atlantic After a brief TV interview we headed ed to cover 17 miles to make the 10 a.m. in Oak Hill, and it did not disappoint. specializes in “romantic getaways.” to the St. Francis Inn, a charming bed SunRail train to downtown Orlando. The back roads that took us off US 1 to and breakfast built in 1791, where we The route featured another stretch of get there provided some great old, rural Day Four: Old Friends and an Old met with the city’s vice-mayor, Nancy the growing trail system: another scenic Florida scenery and some much appreci- Town Sikes-Kline and Richard Goldman from section of Volusia’s Spring to Spring Trail, ated shade. We finally got a reasonably early start on the St. Augustine visitors and convention from Lake Beresford Park to the entrance Leaving the air conditioning after a big Monday morning. The day’s ride was bureau. They understand the benefits of of Blue Spring State Park. lunch in the middle of the day was not almost entirely on A1A, with nice views bringing more bicyclists to their area and Arriving at the DeBary SunRail station something we really wanted to do, but if of the beach in the Flagler Beach area are working hard to make it a welcoming with about 10 minutes to spare, we faced we wanted lodging for the evening, we and at Fort Matanzas. Through Palm destination. a long line for the ticket machines. figured we had best get to New Smyrna Coast the road heads inland, and much Evidently the 10 a.m. train is popular Beach. of it has a sidepath. Day Five: St Augustine Stopover with midday joyriders headed for Winter We took advantage of the sections that Day five was a layover day to take in Park or downtown Orlando for lunch Day Three: Going Rogue dove into the woods and gave us some some of the sights of St. Augustine. and shopping. This day we used a water taxi to cross shade and improved scenery, but other- In the morning we visited Castillo De We weren’t able to get tickets in time, Ponce Inlet from downtown New wise kept to the road, which usually had San Marcos, the 17th century fort that and the train left without us. But the 2.5 Smyrna Beach (which saved us some a good paved shoulder. played a key role in St. Augustine for hour wait for the next train gave us an uninspiring roads on the inland side). The goal was to get to St. Augustine by over 300 years. In the evening we did one opportunity to write some thank you At Ponce Inlet we met up with our lunch-time and we more or less achieved of the very popular ghost tours. notes for the many people who made this friend Fred Ungewitter, who drives a that, rolling over the Bridge of Lions just trip a joy and a success. velocar. Day Six: From Famous Florida to after noon, and just beating a building Secret Florida You can read a more complete account thunderstorm. We hit the road at 7 a.m. to get out ahead of our adventure at CommuteOrlando. of the sun. Ten miles west we turned com, including: onto another section of trail, the Palatka- River-to-Sea Tour Epilogues to-St. Augustine Trail. Except for the sec- ...from Carol, Laura and Robert. tion along SR 207, the trail runs through “...As it turned out, I had a blast...” hammocks and swamps, yet another —Carol great escape from the unrelenting sum- “...Overwhelming hospitality...” mer sun. —Laura At the tiny, historic African-American “...Gone were the constant horn blaring community of Armstrong, we were treat- and the drivers...demanding the road to ed to a picnic breakfast. themselves...” Like many small communities, they’re —Robert’ hoping to capitalize on the presence of the new trail. River-to-Sea: It’s Your Turn Even though this was our longest day Some ideas and advice for those who (mileage-wise), we finished at 2 p.m. in might want to take advantage of both the Crescent City. Here we stayed at the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop and SunRail Sprague House Bed & Breakfast, and including: joined the locals at Three Bananas res- o Riding SunRail, taurant on the shore of Crescent Lake for o Touring Gear dinner. o Trip Options Day Seven: Mad Dogs and Maps and cue sheets are available Englishmen… through the East Central Florida With Herb Hiller (3rd from left) at the Day 4 final rest stop before St. Augustine. “... go out in the midday sun.” Regional Planning Council. Fall 2014 7

Ask the Attorney... Christopher G. Burns is an attorney who has specialized in defending the rights of injured cyclists for 29 years. He is the Treasurer and a Board Member for the Florida Bicycle How do you present a claim? Association. He is the Chairperson for the Jacksonville Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He provides consultations free of charge. Christopher G. Burns, Esq. : I was in a bike crash caused by a Many experts believe the only way to car is damaged, the insurance must give My cyclist was riding a Kestrel carbon Qvehicle. My baby – my carbon fiber tell whether a carbon fiber component is you a rental car. fiber mountain bike. The insurer bike – was badly damaged. What does damaged is to x-ray it. This is expensive With bikes, insurers are usually not “totaled” the bike, including its frame. A this person’s car insurance have to do for and also takes disassembling the part and asked to pay for a rental bike…but they few months later, I saw the bike for sale me? How will I present a claim for my shipping it to a facility where it can be should pay for one. This type of claim is at a local bike shop. damaged property? examined in this way. called “loss of use.” In order to prove the I noted the frame still had scuff/scratch : In Florida, every person who owns The insurance company must pay for amount of this claim to the insurer, find marks under the bottom bracket! The Aa vehicle driven on the road must this testing, if warranted. If the testing a bike shop that will rent a bike like insurer had dared sell the bike to a shop have auto insurance to cover it. reveals a problem, the insurance compa- yours. Tell the insurer the daily or week- owner without disclosing the prior crash The insurance must provide “Property ny must pay for the damage. ly cost of the rental bike. This amount or damage! Damage Liability” (PDL) coverage. In For this reason, the insurance company should be added on to the amount owed Contact me: your bike crash, the PDL coverage will will usually agree to repair or replace the to replace or repair the bike. Christopher G. Burns, Esq. pay for the monetary damage this vehicle part in question—it is more cost-effective Keep in mind that if an insurer pays to Terrell Hogan caused to ALL your damaged property. than x-ray plus potential replacement. replace your bike, then they are entitled 233 East Bay Street - 8th Floor In several of my cases, my cyclists have I strongly believe that if a carbon bike to take possession of your old bike. I Jacksonville Ph. 904-632-2424 had their cell phones, sunglasses, cycling frame has been in an accident with sig- always recall the action of one appalling Fax: 904-212-0855 shoes, watches, wedding rings, and even nificant force potentially applied to it, insurance company from years ago. website: http://FloridaCyclingLaw.com contents in their backpacks damaged. then the frame must be replaced. email: [email protected] The best way to prove the amount of your bike damage claim is to ask your trusted bike shop for a written estimate of the repair or replacement cost. If there are several components damaged, I often ask for two different estimates. One estimate would tally the cost to replace the whole bike. The other would calculate the cost to strip the bike, buy new components and assemble and fit the bike to the rider. Often, the replacement cost turns out to be less. The insurer will always accept the lesser of two estimates. When you submit the estimates to the insurer, include photos documenting the damage to the bike. PDL covers these items of personal There are also disputes between crash property—up to the limits of the cover- victims and insurers about the value of age. In Florida, the owner of a vehicle is the bike to be replaced. If you “totaled” mandated to have at least $10,000 of your 2012 Honda Accord, the insurance Have You been injured property damage liability coverage. company would owe you only the value of another 2012 Honda Accord in identi- wHile cYcling? Damages over $10,000 cal condition. The owner and driver of the vehicle both But with bikes, this method fails. If ( i have. That’s why i’ll fight owe you payment of ALL your property you suffered damage to your 1985 damages – not just their insurance. Reynolds 531 Schwinn Paramount road so hard for you.) If your damages exceed $10,000 and bike with Campy Super Record, it would Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury the policy is only $10,000, then the likely be impossible to find another iden- attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his insurance will pay only up to its limit. tical bike for sale. It would be grossly You must recoup your other losses unfair for the insurance company to experience on the road with his expertise directly from the owner or driver. But value this bike at an extremely low sum and insight in the courtroom. This unique don’t take an insurance check for the just because it was quite old. $10,000, cash it, and then expect to Yet, this is often what insurers try to do perspective provides cyclists across Florida recover the rest. to cyclists unaware of their rights. with the representation they deserve. Do not sign a release for the insurance With bikes, it is nearly impossible to Your race for compensation begins here. company, owner, or driver, until you find a comparable replacement. Used recover ALL your damages from the bikes for sale are very limited. If the owner/driver. insurance company cannot find you an There are a lot of insurance disputes identical used bike to purchase, it should about damaged carbon fiber bicycles. not pay you only for such a “hypotheti- What happens if you can’t see that the cal” used bike value. 904- 632- 2424 frame is damaged? Are you safe? I routinely demand the insurance Many industry experts say, “NO!” company pay bicycle crash victims for a If you are like me, you would worry rental bike, even if the cyclist owns that a carbon fiber frame or component another bicycle that could be ridden. could be damaged, even if there is not a This is because the original bike, now visible crack. A visual inspection is inef- damaged, had value in being ridden. fective. A thorough inspection requires Think about car damage claims. If your even more. 8 Florida Bicycle Association Share the Road Celebration of Cycling program promises insights for solutions to the state’s bike-ped challenges by Ron Cunningham, Bike Florida Executive Director ow can we make Programs Ken Foster: Ride Director: Bike John Egberts: Associate Director, The line-up of informational and public Florida: The untapped potential of cycle Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Florida safer for safety programs, a Friday night “cycling tourism in Florida. Education Program cyclists and social” and Saturday night annual ban- Also, a representative from the The Safety Summit will be moderated pedestrians? quet is designed to appeal to cycling Jacksonville-based PARC Group will talk by Tim Bustos, Bike Florida Board of enthusiasts, public policy makers, busi- about that company’s decision to develop Directors member and former Executive Is there an economic incen- ness people and others who want to learn the bicycle-friendly planned community Director of the Florida Bicycle tive for communities to invest more about the utility, economics and of Nocatee, in St. Johns County. Association. in trails and cycling infra- fun of cycling. The morning session will also include a A day long series of speeches and panel discussion about how communities are Food Truck Rally structure? discussions on Friday, Oct. 24, at using bike-ped amenities to attract On Friday evening, Bike Florida and the Gainesville’s restored historic train sta- Millennials and start-up entrepreneurs. Florida Bicycle Association will host a What’s a Ciclovia? And why should tion (203 SE Depot Avenue) will focus Bicycle-and-Food Truck rally at the your city have one? on two major issues: the economics of Friday, Oct. 24 Afternoon Session: University of Florida’s Innovation Hub, at These and other questions will be cycling, and bike-ped safety. Registration Florida Bike-Ped Safety Summit 747 SW 2nd Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to examined during this year’s Share the is free and open to the public. This will be an important public policy 8:30 p.m. There will be live music, food, Road Celebration of Cycling weekend. discussion about how Florida can turn family-friendly activities and exhibitions. Bike Florida and FBA once again co- Friday, Oct 24, Morning Session: The around its reputation as one of the least Saturday evening’s Share the Road host this year’s events, scheduled to coin- Economics of Cycling bike-ped friendly states in America. Awards Banquet will be held at cide with the Gainesville Cycling Club’s Speakers and panelists will include: Panelists and speakers will include: Gainesville’s Paramount Plaza Hotel, popular Santa Fe Century and Horse Dale Allen: Florida Greenways and Billy Hattaway: District 1 Secretary, 2900 SW 13th St. Banquet tickets are Farm Hundred rides. Trails Foundation: The benefits of trails Florida Department of Transportation $45. The price covers the meal, one drink The keynote speaker for the Saturday, and greenways. DeWayne Carver: State Bike-Ped and a raffle ticket. Proceeds from the raf- October 25 Share The Road Awards will Jose Papa: How Palm Coast became a Coordinator, FDOT fle and a silent auction will go toward be T.J. Juskiewicz, director of RAGBRAI trail city. Julie Bond: Senior Researcher, Center restoration of the sculptures for fallen (the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Shawn Webber: Open Streets for Urban Transportation Research cyclists, on Depot Avenue. Across Iowa). RAGBRAI is the oldest Gainesville: Cyclovias: When streets are Chris LeDew: Director, U. of Florida Registration, sponsorship opportunities and most popular cross-state bicycle ride temporarily closed to cars and turned Transportation Technology Center and other information can be found at in America, attracting in excess of 10,000 over to cyclists and walkers. Dr. Ruth Steiner: UF Department of www.bikeflorida.org riders annually. State Rep: Halsey Beshears, District Urban and Regional Planning Bicycle tourism is a $1 million-a-day 7-Monticello: A Legislators perspective. industry in Iowa. Florida has the poten- tial to become a great bicycle tourism state, and we’re looking forward to learn- ing from T.J. how Iowa became such a popular destination for cycle-tourists. T.J. directed Bike Florida’s spring tours before he was hired away by RAGBRAI. Partners Share the Road Celebration of Cycling partners include the City of Gainesville, the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida, UF’s Innovation Hub, the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Center, Gainesville Citizens for Active Transportation and Trek Bicycles. Fall 2014 9 Sweden’s ‘Vision Zero Initiative’... Bike Share gives Tampa a ride No loss of life is acceptable by Ron Cunningham around town by J. Steele Olmstead

“Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his that we are human and make mistakes. ampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn ride to the Tampa Bay Times Forum for grasp. Or what’s a Heaven for?” The road system needs to keep us mov- shows how you get around an evening of ice hockey or a ride to — Robert Browning ing. But it must also be designed to pro- downtown Tampa in style. He’s Harbour Island restaurants and boat ven- tect us at every turn.” taking a spin on a bicycle from tures or to the Florida Aquarium, avoid- In its “Dangerous by Design” study this This year, New York City adopted its Coast Bike Share. He helped ing motor vehicle traffic. year, the National Complete Streets own version of Vision Zero and is mov- announce the program’s founding mem- He has backed bike sharing through Coalition examined more than 47,000 ing forward on multiple fronts—reducing berships and had the opportunity to the efforts of Tampa Downtown pedestrian deaths in America between city speed limits, adding bike lanes, step- show how “it’s done.” Partnership run by Karen Kress. Karen is 2003 and 2012 and identified metro areas ping up law enforcement and so on—in Mayor Buckhorn has been a benevo- solidly behind bicycling as a means of most dangerous for walking. an aggressive effort to confront traffic lent backer of all things bicycle in transportation in downtown Tampa. The All the top four were in Florida: fatalities. Tampa. The City has co-sponsored the Mayor has also pushed cycling in Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami. “The fundamental message of Vision SWFBUD “Bicycle BASH!” the last two Tampa’s InVision Master plan, a master The results of a year-long study of Zero is that death and injury on city years in Tampa. The bikes are placed plan for Tampa’s Center City, providing crashes by the League of American streets is not acceptable,” says NYC throughout downtown at key places for an accessible, comfortable, safe and high- Bicyclists revealed that Florida led the Mayor de Blasio, “and we will no longer tourists to use. A favorite trick of users is ly active place for our residents and visi- nation in cycling fatalities, with nearly regard serious crashes as inevitable.” to park near the bike share racks and tors to bicycle. six per one million residents, or 22 Must we here in Florida continue to cycling deaths for every 100,000 bike regard serious crashes as inevitable? commuters. Are we reaching far enough in our Most troubling is that so few Floridians strategies for reducing—indeed, for pre- seemed to be especially shocked—maybe venting—bicycle and pedestrian deaths? because, year after year, Florida contin- Does Florida need a Sunshine State ues to rank among the most dangerous Vision Zero Initiative? states for cyclists and pedestrians. Please join Bike Florida and the Florida Is that really acceptable? Bicycle Association in Gainesville on Sweden’s “Vision Zero Initiative” is an Friday, Oct. 24, from 1-to-4 p.m. for an all-encompassing approach to traffic important Florida Bike-Ped Safety safety that starts out with the bold prem- Summit, the key component of our sec- ise: “No loss of life is acceptable.” ond annual Share the Road Celebration “The Vision Zero approach has proven of Cycling Weekend Safety Summit. highly successful,” asserts the initiative’s ...Because no loss of life is acceptable web site. “It is based on the simple fact or inevitable. 10 Florida Bicycle Association

2014 Florida Bicycle Club Horrible 100 Registration Open Leadership Workshop Mike Gladwin, 2014 Horrible Hundred Director

he Florida Bicycle Club The Florida Freewheelers have gra- he on-line registration for Pre-registration is open now and Leadership Workshop ciously offered, once again, ONE compli- the Florida Freewheelers’ closes on Nov. 13th. Pre-registration returns to Clermont November mentary Horrible Hundred registration 35th Annual Horrible Hundred fees are $40. The fees rise to $45 on 15, 2014, in conjunction with per club for individuals attending the cycling event is now OPEN at Nov. 15th and Nov. 16th registration is the Florida Freewheelers’ 35th workshop. www.horrible-hundred.com. $50. Annual Horrible Hundred. The 35th Annual Horrible Hundred is Join the Florida Freewheelers on Register by Nov. 2nd to receive a com- Back by popular demand, this work- Sunday, November 16, 2014. Sunday, November 16, 2014 to celebrate plimentary Horrible Hundred t-shirt or shop is not just for bike club presidents, Registration for the Horrible Hundred one of Florida’s oldest continuous rides. Polar® water bottle. but anyone in a leadership position who is open (see story at right) so contact We are planning all of the fantastic fea- You can order custom Horrible wants to share ideas with other club horriblehundred@floridafreewheelers. tures you’ve come to expect about the Hundred jerseys when you pre-register leaders. com or visit http://floridafreewheelers. Horrible Hundred with each of the as well. The jerseys are $60 and you We are currently putting together com/ffw/ for specific details about the three route options (35, 70, 100 miles). must reserve yours by Sept. 18th to agenda items and welcome suggestions bike ride. The century ride hits all seven central guarantee delivery. from all Florida bicycle clubs who wish Join us at the Florida Bicycle Club Florida “mountains.” All the routes This year when you visit the web site to share their best practices, safety con- Leadership Workshop by registering include breakfast before the ride start, • You’ll be able to see who has regis- cerns and/or wish to be a guest speaker today: rural winding Lake County roads, fun tered for the event on a main topic. https://floridabicycle.wufoo.com/ themed rest stops, a catered post-ride • There is a display area for vendor Don’t miss this opportunity to have forms/2014-florida-bicycle-club-leader- feast, post-ride music and our Cycling partners participating in our Cycling & your club represented and part of the ship-workshop/. & Fitness Expo! Fitness Expo with links to their web program. Saturday, Nov. 15, will kick off this sites For more information, contact Becky year’s Horrible Hundred with familiar- • Sizing is available for the custom Date: Saturday, November 15, 2014 Afonso or Laura Hallam at becky@flor- ization rides of varying distances jersey – check the Apparel page departing from Waterfront Park in Time: 3:00-6:00 p.m. idabicycle.org or laura@floridabicycle. • Make sure to visit the web page org. Clermont, Florida. often to catch updates in the Breaking Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1750 Following the family rides you can News area Hunt Trace Blvd., Clermont check in for Sunday’s ride at the park FL, 352-394-6585 pavilion and visit the Cycling & Fitness Don’t wait, sign up today… it’s only Hosts: Florida Bicycle Association Expo. Horrible if you miss it! and Florida Freewheelers We will also have a food truck rally for you to grab lunch. See you at the Horrible Hundred. Fee: FREE, however, registration

is required.

Central Florida’s Polk County is the “Cycling Capital of Florida.” Explore more than 60 miles of paved multi-use trails and 1,700 miles of pre-mapped road routes. Unlike most of Florida’s flat terrain, Central Florida’s unique topography provides elevation changes of more than 300 feet, so your cycling adventure won’t fall flat! Ready to ignite the fire inside yourself? Scan the QR code now to learn more.

800-828-7655 facebook.com/VisitCentralFlorida twitter.com/VisitCentralFL

CFSM641 FL Bicycle Association 2013 Newsletter ad.indd 1 8/6/13 11:45 AM Fall 2014 11

Do you have a question about the laws related to bicycling? Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org* George Martin

Door Zone Bike Lanes We can help you understand the level ground upon which any person may Bernie asked: A motorist parks situation, but can’t advise you to ride, having two tandem wheels, and Bike Lanes Required? A properly on A1A next to a bike continue to ride your gas-motor bike. including any device generally recognized Antonio asked: I live Q path. He exits the car on the driver’s side Bicycles with electric assist motors are as a bicycle though equipped with two in Sunny Isle and Q which is next to the bike path. As he legal if the meet the statutory definition front or two rear wheels. The term does noticed that on A1A between exits opening the door a cyclist goes into of “bicycle.” not include such a vehicle with a seat Miami Beach and Golden the door damaging the door and the Bicycles with gas assist motors are not height of no more than 25 inches from the Beach only Sunny Isles has no bike lanes. bicyclist has serious injuries. legal vehicles unless they meet all the ground when the seat is adjusted to its I was told by a police officer that the rea- requirements and are registered as a highest position or a scooter or similar son for this is because that is a state road We don’t determine fault on this site. Rather, we state the applicable moped or motorcycle, hence the unregis- device. No person under the age of 16 may and not a county road. Is this correct? If A tered vehicle citation. operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle. that is not the case, what can one do to laws and let the courts do that. In this case, the driver of the motor vehicle is For a long time, there has been no con- Our position has also been that bicycles convert Collins Ave in Sunny Isles to clusive answer to the question of the have bike lanes? responsible for insuring that opening the equipped with gas assist motors are not door does not interfere with other traffic, legality of bicycles equipped with gas legal vehicles and cannot be operated on SR A1A is a state roadway and there in this case, the bicyclist riding legally. assist motors. There are many such vehi- Florida roadways. Ais a specific statute that addresses cles in use and many manufacturers of That position is supported by the the requirement to install bicycle ways s. 316.2005 – Opening and Closing kits to so equip a bicycle. Vehicle Doors Florida Highway Patrol. See this summa- on a state transportation facility when Our position all along has been that ry of an email exchange with the FHP: any change such as repaving is made. No person shall open any door on a bicycles equipped with electric assist Ask Geo: “Can I then deduce that a s. 335.065 – Bicycle and Pedestrian Ways motor vehicle unless and until it is reason- motors are legal vehicles if they meet the ably safe to do so and can be done without definition in the statutes, and no registra- bicycle equipped with a gas-assist motor Along State Roads and Transportation which cannot be registered as a moped Facilities interfering with the movement of other tion or driver’s license is required. traffic, nor shall any person leave a door or motorcycle cannot legally be operated (1)(a) Bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be s. 316.003 – Definitions open on the side of a vehicle available to on the roadway?” given full consideration in the planning moving traffic for a period of time longer (2) Bicycle -Every vehicle propelled solely FHP: “That is correct.” and development of transportation facili- than necessary to load or unload passen- by human power, and every motorized ties, including the incorporation of such Bicycle lanes are for the preferential or gers. bicycle propelled by a combination of ways into state, regional, and local trans- human power and an electric helper motor exclusive use of bicycles. Apparently you portation plans and programs. Bicycle and This is a common problem with door capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed were cited since your vehicle is not a pedestrian ways shall be established in zone bike lanes and extra caution is of not more than 20 miles per hour on bicycle. conjunction with the construction, recon- advised when riding in them. A case can struction, or other change of any state be made for riding outside the bike lane transportation facility, and special empha- for that reason. Remaining in the bike Membership Update lane subjects the cyclist to an unsafe con- sis shall be given to projects in or within 1 Just when we were getting the hang of Club • Annual membership through 2015 – you mile of an urban area. dition, one of the many reasons a cyclist is not required to stay in the bike lane. Express, our membership director steps won’t need to renew your membership until There are exceptions in the law. down. Not too worry, we are still accepting 2016. The sooner you join, the more time In some instance a shared use path— s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations new and returning members. In fact, we have your shop sits on the Top of the Web Page! a few new membership categories, because, separate from the roadway—may substi- (5)(a) Any person operating a bicycle …. Currently listed bike shops on our web site will well, different spokes for different folks, right? tute as a bicycle facility to comply with shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle receive information on the new Bicycle Shop 335.065. use …. except under any of the following Bicycle Shop Web Listing ($25): Starting categories via e-mail and snail-mail – Make As a bicyclist, you are not really affect- situations: January 1, 2015, we will offer bicycle shops sure your favorite shop joins FBA! ed since you can legally use the bike lane 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid the opportunity to list their store address and where it exists, the roadway where there Snowbird Membership ($15): For our sea- any condition or potential conflict …. contact information on our web site Bicycle is no bike lane, the sidewalk, or the sonal cycling buddies! Show your support for which makes it unsafe to continue along Business Resource page. shared use path. Florida cycling and receive full membership the right-hand curb or edge or within a There is no requirement to use the Bicycle Shop Full Membership ($100): Bi- benefits, including the quarterly Messenger! bicycle lane. cycle Shop Full Members receive a Top of the sidewalk, shared use path or a bicycle The Florida Bicycle Association advocates path, even if they are adjacent to the Web Page prominent listing with their website Unregistered Vehicle Citation for all Florida cyclists. Membership dues are roadway. Bicycles are vehicles and their URL as part of the listing. Also included with Tom asked: I got a ticket in South put towards printing costs for our educational drivers are always entitled to use the Bicycle Shop Full Membership: Dayton Beach, Florida for unregis- publications, maintenance of our websites, roadway. Q • 25% discount on any advertisement in the including Ask Geo, our online legal resource tered motor vehicle and for riding in the Conversely, even if a bike lane exists, a bike lane. I would like to know why I got FBA Messenger (this publication) center, and the day-to-day operational bicyclist may lawfully use the sidewalk, expenses of running a statewide non-profit the tickets and how do I not get them • A colorful Door Decal and framed Certifi- shared use path or bike path instead. organization to create a network of support- again. I still want to ride my motorized cate to show that your shop supports the ers who know the value and the importance bike. Can you help me? Florida Bicycle Association of having great, safe and fun places to ride a • Permission to use the FBA logo in your bicycle. advertising efforts As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, a web site exists to provide a place to Numbers mean everything, are you with us? • FREE delivery of the “Florida Bicycle Law Please visit one of our websites and click the ask questions about the laws. This is a continuing series that addresses some of the ques- Enforcement Guide” and “Florida Bicycle tions and provides updates about FBA’s Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. Contact Us tab or email me directly, becky@ Street Smarts” booklets to your shop on floridabicycle.org or call 813-748-1513 with *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material pro- request. vided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no your membership questions and suggestions. way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees of • Referrals to YOUR shop to pick up the Law I look forward to welcoming you as a mem- the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or on the streets differs Enforcement Guide” and/or “Street Smarts” ber of the Florida Bicycle Association! from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and FBA are not accountable booklets on FBA Facebook (plus other for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You electronic shout-outs) should seek legal advice on a particular situation. 12 Florida Bicycle Association

Nomination forms for 2014 recipients are available on our website. Annual FBA Awards – 2013 edition Go to: www.floridabicycle.org/annual-awards/.

he FBA Annual Awards rec- mally part of the area’s planning and County Park, then immediately sought ment, a five-year agreement was signed ognize those who go above implementation process, as is a recogni- and won a large monetary grant to build to support FBA’s year-round programs. and beyond in forwarding the tion of pedestrians and bicyclists as legit- a skills training area at the park. The off- In 2013, another five-year agreement was cause of improving Florida’s imate and important users of our trans- road skills training area will include a signed. This partnership has gone way cycling environment. Since portation network. Although it is indeed children’s skill area, an all ages pump beyond hosting the 2010 PBPWF confer- 1999, we’ve chosen individuals and orga- a group effort that includes many indi- track, and a jump/aerial circuit for bal- ence in Lakeland. The hands-on atten- nizations as leaders in a number of cate- viduals and organizations, Darla is the ance and physical coordination. tion staff has provided during the plan- gories. Congratulations to all our win- workhorse who expends more effort and Additionally in Volusia County, Blue ning of the 2010 conference as well as the ners! hours than anyone, all as a volunteer. She Springs and Spruce Creek trail riding 2013 Bike Florida Orange Blossom is truly deserving of this recognition. areas and the respective local enthusiasts Express throughout Polk and Lake Educator/Regional Trainer – Lyndy joined the Flagler Area Biking Club. Counties. Moore, FTBSEP Regional Trainer Bike Club – Polk Area Bicycle These additions truly made the club a It is the mission of Central Florida’s Lyndy is one of FTBSEP’s original Association tri-county option for off-road riders to Polk County Sports Marketing to pro- Regional Trainers, as well as a longtime The Polk Area Bicycling Association, meet a wider range of enthusiasts, and mote tourism and economic develop- and still active League Cycling Instructor Inc. (PABA) has been in existence for gave new viability for beginners to enter ment through sports. PCSM focuses on (LCI) who continues to educate both over 30 years. the sport in a developing new events, recruiting sports young and old throughout the greater PABA provides safe and con- activities, assisting existing sports events Orlando area. Her role as a Community comprehensive trolled environ- and marketing recreation and leisure Service Officer allows her to reach even information for ment. activities. PCSM is the only organization more people with bicycle-, pedestrian-, cycling enthusi- in the state to earn both the Sports and general traffic-safety messages, often asts residing in, Enforcement Organization of the Year award from the on a one-on-one basis. Over the years and visiting Polk Officer/Agency Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Lyndy has served in many bicycle-related County, includ- – Chief Michael and the Florida Sports Foundation’s roles, including as Ride Director for the ing the city of DeLeo, Sports Commission of the Year Award. week-long and well established Bike Lakeland. Tallahassee PCSM has also been recognized as the Florida, on a number of organizing com- Through the Police Sports Organization of the Year by both mittees for day- and weekend-long bike efforts of PABA Department the Independent Softball Association and tours, and as a board member of Florida members and For active Youth Basketball of America. Bicycle Association. other cycling enforcement of enthusiasts, the Florida’s “3 Foot Bike Store Advocate – Orange Cycle, Bicycle Professional – Sarita Taylor, City of Lakeland Law,” which will Owners Deena Breed & Howard Larlee FDOT Safety Office earned a bronze go a long way “Celebrating Cycling Fun since 1972,” Sarita Taylor, FDOT’s Safe Routes to level designation toward making Orange Cycle of Orlando is Central School Coordinator, has been very effec- from the League our roadways Florida’s largest bicycle store growing tive in her statewide role after serving as of American safer for bicy- from 1,000 to over 10,000 square feet. District 1 Bike/Ped Coordinator prior. Bicyclists as a clists, the The service department is in the center Among her accomplishments is strength- Bicycle Friendly Tallahassee of the store so you can watch the ening FDOT’s support of Florida Traffic Community in Police mechanics work and talk to them direct- and Bicycle Safety Education Program, 2013. Also in 2013, PABA was instru- Department is one of the few police ly. But this store’s dedication to educa- the program that trains physical educa- mental during Bike Florida’s “Orange departments we know of in the state that tion and advocacy ranks nearly as high tion teachers and community educators Blossom Express” spring tour with route are actively enforcing traffic laws for as generating sales. Repair clinics, wom- in bicycle/pedestrian safety instruction. development, marking, and a night of bicyclists. We are hoping these efforts en’s specific training, promoting area Sarita also turned her innovative and goodie bag stuffing for over 700 partici- will be noticed by other law enforcement trails and maps, proud supporter of Bike/ successful program of providing bicycles pants. PABA’s achievements in 2013 have agencies in the state as we work to Walk Central Florida, and a long time, and the trailers needed to haul them to earned the club this prominent award. reduce conflicts and crashes with motor generous FBA supporter are just a few of counties in District 1 into a statewide Co-presidents Jeff and Nellda Clark vehicles. Any amount of traffic enforce- the ways Orange Cycle exemplifies what initiative. FTBSEP training is an integral accepted the award on Sunday, July 27, ment we can get from our partners in a bike store can be. Owners Deena aspect of gaining access to this valuable during a Bike and Brunch club ride law enforcement is greatly appreciated. Breed and Howard Larlee are very resource, one that’s become very popular (brunch segment). hands-on when it comes to servicing throughout Florida. Besides being a very Supporting Agency –Polk County their customers and making a difference effective SRTS Coordinator, Sarita’s Off-Road Bike Club – Flagler Area Bike Sports Marketing, Mark Jackson, in their community. friendliness and enthusiasm makes her a Club Director pleasure to work with and one who can Flagler Area Biking (FAB), a chapter of Polk County Tourism and Sports Volunteer – Jim Shirk, Tampa Bay Area be counted on to support our collective SORBA/IMBA, and led by Kevin Phelps, Marketing (PCTSM) – known outside Jim is no stranger to this award, having efforts to improve conditions of Florida’s has achieved tremendous growth in the county as Visit Central Florida – is a won it in 2009. His passion for cycling pedestrians and cyclists, no matter their Volusia County Florida. The club covers division of Polk County Government. As has continued over the years, becoming age. three (3) counties: Volusia, Flagler, and Polk County’s official tourism and mar- the chair of the Hillsborough County southern St. Johns. The main challenge keting management organization, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Citizen Bike Advocate – Darla faced by any civic club or group is getting PCTSM promotes Polk County as a Committee from 2011 to present. Jim is Letourneau, BikeWalkLee permission and cooperation in the use of tourist destination to increase visitation part owner of City Bike Tampa bicycle Where to start when trying to quantify public parks and lands. This means forg- and economic impact; and to generate shop and president of the Bay Area all the reasons Darla Letourneau is again ing relationships with land managers, revenue from the tourist development Freewheelers. He volunteers where and FBA’s Citizen Bike Advocate? Rather city councils, and county boards. In tax. Tourism strengthens Polk County’s when he can with local events and chari- than making a list it’s safe to say that Lee 2013, the club made significant strides economy by creating jobs, new revenue ty rides including the Ride to Defeat ALS County – and by extension all of enhancing the relations with all three and a higher quality of life. and Gasparilla bike rodeo which attracts Southwest Florida – is a better place for counties. Furthermore, after a year of FBA and PCSM began a partnership in over 200 kids annually. cyclists and pedestrians because of her discussions with Volusia County, the club 2007 to bring events, like the ProBike/ hard work on behalf of the BikeWalkLee achieved a ”Memorandum of ProWalk Florida conference, to Polk continued next page coalition. Complete Streets are now for- Understanding” to use Chuck Lennon County. Following the one-year agree- Fall 2014 13

FBA Annual Awards Not a fairy tale continued by Earl Lang

Elected Official Champion – Coast-to- short version of the State This is not a Fairy Tale but a short ver- Coast Trail Funding Bill Sponsor of Idaho Bicycle Traffic Law sion of the State of Idaho Bicycle Traffic Senator Andy Gardiner, District 13 currently in effect says a Law in force today. Senator Gardiner did something amaz- bicycle rider may treat Red As I see it, this law is a Win-Win. It What is in it for Drivers? ing for the State of Florida when he Lights as Stop Signs, and makes sense for all users and improves This law would introduced the bill that has ultimately Stop Signs as Yield Signs. traffic flow through all intersections. I 1. Help to get riders out of the way allowed the “Coast to Coast Connector” 1. A person operating a bicycle would like to see a concerted effort pro- at intersections. to move forward. This project will be a approaching a stop sign shall slow down moting this law by all bicycle riders. 2. Allow drivers to make a right separated, interconnected, multi-use rec- and, if required for safety, stop before Call, e-mail or write your State turn on Red after the rider has cleared reational trail that will stretch from the entering the intersection. After slowing or Representative requesting that Florida Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, stopping, the enact a law like bisecting Central Florida. Not only will person shall yield this one. Check it benefit cyclists in Florida, but it will the right-of-way with your City also be a tremendous draw for cyclists to any vehicle in or County offi- from across the U.S. – and from other the intersection cials to see if countries. The Coast-to-Coast or approaching, they can pass a Connector will also benefit all residents then may cau- similar ordi- of Florida, because it will generate mil- tiously make a nance. lions of dollars in tax revenue through turn or proceed If we don’t eco-tourism benefits. Senator Gardiner through the work together, should be commended for introducing intersection. cooperate and make our voices heard, we the intersection. this bill in the legislature, for guiding it 2. A person operating a bicycle will eventually be pushed off the roads by 3. Drivers could get up to speed through the legislature for two years, and approaching a steady Red Light traffic- laws passed that favor motor vehicles. after intersections without waiting for the for ultimately creating the funding mech- control signal shall stop before entering the The League of American Bicyclists and riders. anism that will make it all happen. intersection, yielding the right-of-way if FBA are working for our right to the required, then may cautiously continue What is in it for Riders? road and merit your support by 1. Nomination forms for 2014 recipients through the intersection without waiting 1. The way most riders act because becoming an FBA member and 2. speak- are available on our website, go to: www. for the Green Light. it is more efficient and safe. ing out for bicycle rights at every oppor- floridabicycle.org/annual-awards/. 3. A signal of intention to turn right or 2. Will reduce your travel time. tunity. left shall be given upon approaching an 3. Will save the energy you have to intersection, unless both hands are needed use accelerating from a dead stop. KPHadFBM03-2014Mech_Layout 1 3/6/14 2:24 PMto Pagecontrol 1 the bicycle.

Representing individuals injured in bicycle accidents, auto accidents and falls

As a cyclist, I understand the challenges you encounter when riding on Southwest Florida’s roads. Enjoy the ride, and if “you are injured while riding through the fault of another individual, please give me a call.”

2205 McGregor Boulevard ~ Fort Myers ~ Florida 33901 239.337.4800 HartofJustice.com 14 Florida Bicycle Association Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida This printed version is ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the con- tact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are gleaned and summarized from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce and published on the FBA web site. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of- state rides we don’t have room to print here, and much of the hype we edited out in this here version, at www.floridabicycle.org/touring.

October Cape Coral. Family Day begins @ SBA Suwannee Fat Tire Festival roving SAG support, mechanical 9am. Cycle though beautiful Cape Enjoy 3 days of riding SBA′s 6 support, light breakfast and pizza November 2 (Sun) Fort Myers October 5 (Sun) Inverness Coral seeing canals, nature with unique mountain bikes trails (50+ dinner after the ride. http://space- Streets Alive! Rails To Trails of the well stocked rest stops along the miles of great single track). Ride coastfreewheelers.com/events/ Created to incorporate fun, fitness Withlacoochee 20th Annual Bike way for replenishment, a marked guides. Free beginner mnt. bike icwc/ and food to promote healthier life- Ride route, SAG available, t-shirts, clinic; hiking and Suwannee River Active.com Online Registration styles by temporarily closing 14-100 miles. Early Registration breakfast and lunch provided. Live paddling options. Camping includ- streets to motor vehicles and open- online or 7-9am at the Inverness Music during lunch, raffles, and a ed at Stephen Foster State Park. October 26 (Sun) North Port ing them for people to have fun Trailhead, 315 Apopka Ave. T-shirt silent auction ALL proceeds go to Come early for Thursday night pot- Tour de North Port/ “It′s the and get active. before Sep.15th guaranteed. 5 SAG Make-A-Wish Southern Florida luck dinner at SBA headquarters in Green Pumpkin!” http://streetsalivelee.org/ stops along paved 46 miles of Division so the money stays in White Springs. Social events and 15/35/65 miles through the natural Withlacoochee State Trail. Lunch OUR communities granting Wishes more. Roadies welcome to enjoy pine flatwoods of North Port.”Trick November 2 (Sun) Sunrise in Inverness. Century ride certifi- for children. Register online at the scenic, low traffic rural roads or Treat” stops, Costume and Adopt-a-Bike Ride cates. Two bikes plus door prizes. active.com or eventbrite.com (look (maps available). For details visit Costumed Helmet Contests. $40 Markham Park. Registration $40. See website Ride Application. up: Project 10 Ride 4 Wishes) or website or call 386.243.0115. online registration fee includes Raffles & Continental Breakfast www.railstotrailsonline.com Mail a check to: CCCF/Project 10 www.suwanneebike.org/ftf.htm catered breakfast and lunch featur- included. Register & details on the Ride 4 Wishes 1405 SW 47th St. Active.com Online Registration ing homemade pies for dessert, web site below. Six Ride Levels October 5 (Sun) St. Petersburg Unit 2, Cape Coral, FL 33904 Cape mobile SAG support,rest stops starting at 12mph - 22+mph - 62 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation′s Cycle Coral Community Foundation/ October 25 (Sat) Gainesville with homemade snacks. Free t-shirt mile route w/SAG & Police escort. For Life CCCF is a 501(c)(3) organization 22nd Annual Orthopaedic guaranteed to first 250 to register. Helmets required. All proceeds Multiple routes up to 62 mile. The housing our funds for accountabili- Institute Santa Fe Century Registrations online up through benefit the ADopt-a-Bike rides begin and end in Fort Desoto ty ’til after the ride for Make-A- A tour through the lush forest and Oct.24. Check-in/on-site registra- Foundation. Adopt-a-Bike is a non- Park, and pass through some of the Wish) pasture land north of Gainesville tion ($45) for all rides begins at profit organization that provided most scenic and cycle-friendly www.facebook.com/ up through the Santa Fe River val- 7AM. Group starts begin at 8AM. bike, helmets and bike safety infor- roads in the Tampa Bay area. This SWFLProject10 ley. Rides start at 8:30 a.m. from More information at www.people- mation to disadvantaged and physi- ride is fully supported with well Active.com Online Registration the North West Boys and Girls fortrees.com. Proceeds benefit cally challenged children. stocked rest stops every 10-12 Club at 2700 NW 51st Street in People for Trees, Inc.a 501 c(3) Donations to Adopt-a-Bike miles, support and gear (SAG) October 12 (Sun) Port Charlotte Gainesville. Enjoy a 100 or 55 mile non-profit Florida native tree advo- Foundation are tax deductible. vehicles, bike mechanics, on site Annual Breast Cancer Awareness ride, or 18 or 28 mile Millhopper cacy group. www.adoptabike.org medical services, complimentary Ride Ramble family fun ride, with well breakfast, lunch and finish line fes- 10/25/50 mile routes and a Fun- stocked rest stops. http://gccfla.org/ Oct. 31 - Nov. 2 Fort Myers Beach November 2 (Sun) Lakewood Ranch tivities. For more info, please con- Family ride for all ages and abili- gcf/. 72 Hours to Key West Charity Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club tact Ryan Reid at (813) 374-9041. ties! Prizes! We have partnered Bike Ride Gulf Coast Cyclefest http://cycle.cff.org. with some great companies to pro- October 26 (Sun) Gainesville Three days, 280 miles beginning Come celebrate our 40th Gulf Coast vide awesome door prizes along 34th Annual Horse Farm Hundred from Fort Myers, FLA and ending Cyclefest for 20/32/63/100 mile October 10-12 Mount Dora with a Sweepstakes to win a Trek The Gainesville Cycling Club′s tour in tropical Key West. Rest/snacks/ non-competitive rides through 40th Annual Mount Dora Bicycle Bicycle! Goodie bags and Event T through the picturesque horse water stops every 25 miles. beautiful southwest Florida. Forty Festival shirts for first 150 pre-registered farms of northern Marion County. T-shirts, picnic lunch each day and years in the making means we This promises to be the best one in riders. $30 registration before The 102 mile ride and a 55 mile reception at the end of the ride. know what the casual and serious AGES! Join us as we celebrate 40 September 1st, $40 after September option that doesn′t get into horse Riders pay their own accommoda- bike enthusiast wants in an event. years of cycling in Mount Dora. 1st. Marked route and on-route farm territory start at 8:30 a.m. at tions, we have negotiated special We deliver with detailed maps and New routes, and tweaks to some of support. Live Entertainment, Loften High School at 3000 East rates. Two SAG vehicle support. cue sheets, a high quality perfor- the old time favorite routes, will Breakfast, Lunch, Refreshments, University Avenue. Bagels and 72 Hours to Key West Charity Bike mance t-shirt, continental break- also add special flare to the three Massages, Mini Manis, Face muffins available before the start. Ride, [email protected]. 941- fast, well stocked rest stops, base days of cycling. Camping available Painting, Temporary Tattoos, Bra http://gccfla.org/gcf/ 343-8023 (Kimberley) dispatched sag wagons and a pro- just a few blocks from the festival Decorating Contest, On Site www.72hourstokeywest.com fessionally catered lunch. Custom Start/Finish line, Montessori at Mammograms and much more! On October 26 (Sun) Flemington designed 40th Gulf Coast Cyclefest Roseborough offers Indoor, Tent & Site Registration available at Horse Farm Tours November jersey on sale the day of the event. RV Camping options for Friday Bicycle Center - Day of Start: Flemington on CR 329 Event limited to 600 riders. Be one and Saturday evenings! Friday Registration $40 (cash or check (Interstate 75 CR 318 exit). November 1-8 Key Largo of the first 500 to register to morning rides kick off the festival. only no goody bag or T shirt guar- Registration open to 9 a.m. If you BubbaFest--Florida Keys receive your free performance Saturday morning “Century Ride.” anteed) Contact rob@bicyclecen- want to start with a group, we′ll Bicycle the entire Florida Keys shirt. More information available Rides of varying distances bring tercc.com or kim@bicyclecentercc. send you off at 8:30 a.m. system, down and back. Key Largo on our website www.smbc.us/ our guests back to the Chamber com with any questions. For the Otherwise, you can start whenever to Key West and back. Lay over cyclefest.html throughout the day. Plan to spend 7th year, Trek Women proudly sup- you wish. 25/30/45 mile routes. days in Marathon and Key West. Active.com Online Registration your Saturday evening at the Street ports The Breast Cancer Research Rolling terrain. http://gccfla.org/ This is a fully-supported event with Party with friendly competitions, Foundation. 100% of the Ride reg- gcf/ great food. Swim with the November 2 (Sun) Clermont contests and games, live entertain- istration goes directly to this wor- Dolphins. Snorkel. Dive. Ride Ataxia Orlando ment and even more fun. Sunday’s thy cause. BCRF website: www. October 26 (Sun) Cocoa www.BubbaFestBikeTours.com/ 4/16/25/50 mile options. Fully routes start early and wrap up bcrfcure.org/about_mission.html . 26th Intracoastal Waterway stocked rest stops, strong SAG around lunch time. We will wrap Refunds: In the event you are Century November 2 (Sun) Melbourne support, and delicious post ride up the weekend with hotdogs on unable to participate in the event, The Spacecoast Freewheelers spon- Cycle4Alz - Cycle 4 Alzheimer′s food by Outback Steakhouse and the grill and an ice cream social! your registration fee will automati- sor. Riders will pass by the 100/65/10 Miles Ride through the Carrabba′s Italian Grill. www.mountdorabicyclefestival. cally be deemed a donation to The Kennedy Space Center, rest at our Central and Northern areas of Fundraising benefits the com Breast Cancer Research SAG stop located at the American Brevard County, FL. Well stocked Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Foundation. For more information, Police Hall of Fame & Museum, Rest Stops, t-shirts, lunch after the Alliance (FARA). Fundraising not October 11 (Sat) Cape Coral to volunteer, or business partner- and ride quiet tree lined roads ride and plenty of fun! All pro- required but strongly encouraged. Project 10 Ride 4 Wishes benefit- ship opportunities, call 627-6600 along the Indian River and the his- ceeds benefit the Brevard $45 Regular Priced Cyclist (No ing Make-A-Wish or e-mail kim@bicyclecentercc. toric River Road (old 2-lane US-1) Alzheimer′s Foundation, Inc. Fundraising Minimum) or $25 62/32/15 miles + Family Day 5K com www.bcar-thebicyclecenter. lined with turn-of-century estates (www.brevardalz.org). Registration Reduced Price Cyclist (With $200 ride, games, face painting, fire eventbrite.com along the Intracoastal Waterway. and route details available on the Fundraising Minimum); +$5 after truck tours etc... Registration starts This is a fully supported ride that event website. www.cycle4alz.org 10/2/14 and +$10 for same day at 6:15 am out of Cape Harbour in October 24-26 White Springs includes fully stocked SAG stops, Active.com Online Registration. registration. Includes ride, lunch, Fall 2014 15

FDOT moves to implement US bike route by DeWayne Carver, FDOT State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator

n 2011 the Florida Department and we are working with them as well to include bicycling support, and we’ve USBRs. Look for further updates on this of Transportation (FDOT) adopt- take advantage of co-location opportuni- already been contacted by several MPOs effort in future Messenger articles, and ed a Policy to designate four US ties. In addition, specifically offering to keep your fingers crossed for continued Bike Routes as part of the national Adventure We will likely be looking to FBA, designate some of progress toward designating Florida’s US US Bike Route (USBR) System. Cycling’s as the statewide advocacy group their roads as part of Bicycle Routes. We’ve already begun dis- The US Bike Route system will “Southern Tier for Florida bicyclists, to help us the USBR system. cussions with FBA to see how we can designate roads and routes that are bicy- Route” follows ground-truth the USBRs. FDOT wants to best work together to make Florida’s US clist-friendly and suitable for long-dis- much of US 90 extensively test any Bicycle Routes a reality. tance touring. through north Florida, so large portions US Bicycle Routes candidates before DeWayne Carver, AICP The US Bike Route System is officially of this route may also be designated as recommending them, and to continue State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator logged and recorded by AASHTO – the USBR 90. evaluating them after designation. Florida Department of Transportation same group that keeps the official log of It’s unlikely that co-location will be That’s where I think we can play our Roadway Design Office US Highway designations. AASHTO is possible for all portions of USBR 1 and final ace: the Florida Bicycle 605 Suwannee Street MS 32 assisted by Adventure Cycling USBR 90, but we have another advan- Association. Tallahassee FL 32399 Association, which provides the muscle tage…. We will likely be looking to FBA, as the (850) 414-4322 direct o behind the USBR effort. Routine Accommodation: Since the statewide advocacy group for Florida [email protected] You may be familiar with Adventure early 1990s, FDOT has been routinely bicyclists, to help us ground-truth the Cycling through their excellent series of adding paved shoulders or bike lanes to bicycle touring maps. Adventure Cycling roads on the State Highway System. is staffed to promote the USBR system Today, about 85% of state roads (non- 3RD ANNUAL SPOONBILLS & SPROCKETS and provide technical assistance – take a limited access) have either a paved shoul- look at their work online at www.adven- der or a bike lane of at least 4´ in width Bicycle Tour of the Byway turecycling.org. (4´ was the old standard for paved shoul- Marineland, Florida When completed, the USBR system ders; it’s now 5´. Bike lanes are 4´ to PERHAPS NO STRETCH OF will provide bicycle “trunk lines” for long edge of pavement plus a foot or so to the November 2, 2014 HIGHWAY REACHES 36, 72, or 100 Mile distance touring all across the United curb face.) FURTHER INTO AMERICA’S States. The presence of these bike lanes and MORE INFORMATION: FDOT’s policy indicates we will adopt shoulders allows us to more easily deter- HISTORY THAN THE A1A USBR 1, USBR 90, USBR 15, and, to go mine the suitability of a road segment for SCENIC & HISTORIC www.scenica1a.org one better, USBR CFG – the Marjorie inclusion on the USBR system, especially COASTAL BYWAY. AN Registration is OPEN Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. in rural areas. In places without bike OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED USBR 1 and USBR 90 are the first on lanes or shoulders, we may still be able to AMERICAN BYWAY®, THE 72 our list, and these follow the general designate portions of the routes using MILES OF MOSTLY TWO- alignments of US Highway 90 and US shared lanes, depending on traffic speeds LANE ROADWAY NAVIGATE Highway 1 (“general” means a 50-mile and volumes. wide corridor centered on these high- Segments passing through urban areas NATURE’S BEAUTY, HISTORY ways.) FDOT has developed a detailed where bike lanes are less-suitable, for AND TRUE SERENITY. THE set of criteria for evaluating which of instance, can also be part of the system. LAND AND WATERS ON many alternative routes should be desig- And of course there are many miles of EITHER SIDE OF THE BYWAY nated; in fact, FDOT’s criteria are being beautiful, low-volume roads and streets HAVE BEEN PART OF THE circulated by Adventure Cycling as a that are great for bicycling just the way model for other states to use when desig- they are. SWEEP OF AMERICAN Atlantic Ocean nating their portions of the USBR sys- In some locations we may need to des- HISTORY, NATURE, St. Augustine tem. ignate USBR segments completely off the ARCHAEOLOGY AND Over the past few months, FDOT’s roadway system using state-owned trail RECREATION FOR NEARLY Bridge of Lions District Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinators systems, such as those sponsored and 500 YEARS. St. Augustine Beach have identified potential routes for inclu- maintained by the Department of Butler Beach sion on the USBR system. The District Environmental Protection’s Office of Coordinators are excited by the potential Greenways and Trails. This is also being Crescent Beach of the USBR to make Florida a great state explored. Matanzas River for bicycling, and they have approached To meet AASHTO’s requirements for Matanzas Inlet this task enthusiastically. route designation, whoever owns each We have several advantages over other segment of the route has to indicate a Marineland states that we hope will allow us to pre- willingness to have it included on the Hammock Beach pare our USBR designations in record USBR system. Palm Coast time. These include: Segments off the State system require a o Co-location with existing route sys- Resolution from the responsible elected Beverly Beach tems: The East Coast Greenway (a pri- bodies. We are trying to minimize this Painter’s Hill vately sponsored and supported trail sys- type of involvement, but it will certainly Flagler Beach tem going from Florida to Maine) closely be needed in many parts of the state. follows US 1 and is therefore a prime USBR 1, for instance, is likely to require High Bridge Road candidate for designation as USBR 1 as a lot of this local support. Halifax River well. We are working closely with the And as it so happens, we have never Ormond Beach East Coast Greenway Alliance to take had greater levels of support for bicycling advantage of co-location opportunities at the local and regional metropolitan Ormond by the Sea where possible. planning organization (MPO) levels. Adventure Cycling Association’s Many communities are adopting “com- Event produced by Velo Fest Community Initiative for Friends of A1A “Atlantic Coast” Route also follows US 1, plete streets” policies that specifically Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Fall 2014

West Volusia is a cycler’s paradise with miles of scenic on and off-road trails within a vast playground of parks, rivers, lakes and crystal-clear springs. Stay in affordable accommodations and enjoy the shops, museums, historic sites and trendy cafes of some of the most charming small towns in Florida.

BETWEEN DAYTONA BEACH & ORLANDO 800-749-4350 www.VisitWestVolusia.com/cycle (Download the Volusia Bicycling Map)

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

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