Legislation Updates May Affect All Bicyclists by Tim Bustos, FBA Executive Director

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Vol. 14, No. 4 Fall 2011 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC. Legislation Updates may affect all bicyclists by Tim Bustos, FBA Executive Director

here have been many times months from individuals and institutions that over the years when I’ve tried really don’t want cyclists on the roadway – to get my fellow cyclists involved and they certainly don’t want to make fund- with bicycle advocacy, and my ing available to pay for it. efforts were simply met with an To bring everyone who’s concerned up to indifferent reply such as “Oh, I date on what’s happened recently – and what don’t care about that – I just want to ride.” to expect in the month’s to come, I’ve pre- I understand the basic sentiment, because pared a (very) brief summary of legislative we’d all like to ride more! However, what issues critical to cyclists in Florida. many cyclists don’t realize is that bicycle policies and programs at the state and federal Federal Legislation level do affect us whether we choose to get One of the most important pieces of legis- involved or not. lation FBA is tracking is the Federal Well-designed bicycle infrastructure just Transportation Bill. This is the bill that con- doesn’t materialize; it is planned, developed, gress must pass to help ensure the continued and funded by knowledgeable people at the funding of the U.S. transportation infrastruc- local, state, and national level involved with ture – including bicycling and walking. policy making. One of the most important components of Moreover, good bicycle educational pro- this funding for bicyclists and pedestrians is grams just don’t materialize overnight either. the Transportation Enhancements (TE) pro- These programs are carefully developed by gram, one of the primary sources of funding cyclists who are willing to go the extra mile for bicycle and pedestrian projects. However, to help ensure that other cyclists drive their due to the budget crisis, some hard line mem- bicycles in the safest and most effective man- bers of Congress would like to see the TE ner possible. provisions stripped from the Transportation Unfortunately, many of these important Bill. programs have come under attack in recent This is a critical source of funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, but an extremely small slice of the whole transportation pie – approximately 1-2% – so it would have very little impact on the remaining budget. This is PAID also significant considering that biking and NONPROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S. walking trips account for 12% of all trips. PERMIT No. 2840 PERMIT No. JACKSONVILLE FL JACKSONVILLE As part of efforts to strip TE from the Transportation Bill, here are two myths we have already heard and you may hear repeat- ed in the months ahead: What the well-dressed cyclist will wear this winter Myth 1: “Transportation Enhancements Are YOU ready for the grim prospects of a chilly bicycle commute this winter? Some are fore- account for 10% of the entire Transportation casting record freezing temperatures. Others predict icy winds and mammoth snowfall. Or was Bill.” No, TE accounts for only 1½ %. that for northern Wisconsin? Myth 2: “Our bridges are falling apart If you are contemplating commuting by bicycle, now that the temperatures are somewhat more because we’re spending our money on such reasonable, check out the article on page 6 by The Gainesville Sun’s Ron Cunningham. In it he things as bike lanes and sidewalks.” Also justifies wearing the gear you see him in, above, and gives cogent answers to frequently asked untrue. Bridge maintenance is paid for under questions about commuting on two wheels. an entirely different account, and the amount available would not change whether TE is stripped from the Transportation Bill. For now, we have a “stay of execution.” The Transportation Bill passed September 15, but only with a six month extension. The good news is that it passed with a “clean extension,” with TE intact, but there is

P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 P.O. already new legislation being introduced that New ‘Forever’ stamps to celebrate bicycling Please see Legislation, page 15 You can get your supply online or at your local USPS branch in 2012. ADVOCATING A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY FLORIDA 2 Florida Bicycle Association

Central Florida Chapter... Bike/Walk Central Florida teams with MetroPlan Orlando and Winter Park Health Foundation to get Orlando off danger list Brad Kuhn

ike/Walk Central Florida, “We all need to work together as a to identify locations that would benefit MetroPlan Orlando and community to make our streets safe for from engineering improvements and the Winter Park Health children and families,” said former enhanced enforcement. Foundation have launched Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, co- The partnership will also include an 18-month education chair of Bike/Walk Central Florida. “Our developing education and outreach mate- and enforcement program goal, quite simply, is to get Metro rials. “In all that it does, the Winter Park to help make Metro Orlando off that Top 10 list.” “An effective safety program involves Health Foundation (WPHF) is dedicated Orlando safer for pedestrians. Bike/Walk Central Florida will conduct much more than just educating pedestri- to helping develop the healthiest com- Funding for the effort will be provided the study under the direction of the ans,” said FBA board member Mighk munity in the country, so it made perfect by MetroPlan Orlando and the Winter Center for Education and Research in Wilson, who is a smart growth planner sense to lend our support to this collab- Park Health Foundation. Safety, a private consulting firm with for MetroPlan Orlando. orative project,” said Lisa Portelli, In 2010, there were 59 pedestrians more than 20 years experience and docu- “This three-prong approach reflects WPHF Program Director. killed in Orange, Seminole and Osceola mented successes around the world, what is necessary to make our transpor- “It is our hope that improved pedestri- counties. A 2011 study, Dangerous by including Gainesville and St. Petersburg. tation system accessible and safe for an safety will result in a community Design identified the greater Orlando The Winter Park Health Foundation those who drive, ride, and walk through- environment that helps people young and area as the nationwide leader in pedestri- will provide $108,250 of the project’s out our region.” old to become more active, and stay that an fatalities over the past decade. $150,000 budget, the balance of $41,750 Previous Triple E projects around the way.” In response to findings in the report, coming from MetroPlan Orlando, as part country have shown dramatic results, Work on the project is expected to the Bike/Walk Central Florida “Triple E” of the transportation planning organiza- with the percentage of cars yielding to begin immediately. Data collection and initiative will combine aggressive law tion’s commitment to improving pedes- pedestrians in targeted crosswalks enforcement are scheduled to start in Enforcement with Education and low- trian safety. increasing from single digits to 80 per- January. A final report is expected in the cost Engineering to get more drivers to Principal researchers Dr. Ron Van cent, and up to 90 percent in some areas. second quarter of 2013. Outreach and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, Houten and Dr. Louis Malenfant will Follow-up studies have shown the results education will begin in Orange County increase civility and create a more liv- work with MetroPlan Orlando, law to be sustainable over time, with and expand to cover surrounding areas in able, walkable community. enforcement agencies and traffic planners enforcement and education being key. future years, as resources permit.

ASK A CYCLING ATTORNEY... To avoid a stopping violation, make sure your stop is ‘visually’ correct Attorney J. Steele Olmstead practices law statewide from offices in Tampa. One of his by J. Steele Olmstead, Esq. specialties is bicycle law and he’ll even come to you...wherever you got broken.

“Dear J. Steele: I was given a ticket for tary stop, called commonly a “track stop” It’s this upward movement the officers look Secondly, put your hand down,left hand/fore- Qrunning a stop sign. The statute number (track bike’s stop), is STILL a stop. for to judge a stop. arm down with open palm facing backwards. I was charged with violating is 316.123(2)(a). There are two other legal concepts in these During 25 years sitting in traffic hearings I See? I was locked into the pedals on my bike but I cop-said/rider-said face offs: “impeachment” have heard lots of “creative” stories from Using these two visual cues, you obtain did stop, just briefly. I was doing ‘track stop.’ and “opportunity to observe.” drivers “how I really did stop judge.” The argument advantage. The nice beach cop wasn’t impressed with Impeachment is attacking a witness’ testi- dispositive question the judge asks is: The officer, judge or traffic court magistrate my explanation. If she has video, I am not mony by questions the witness’ ability to “Officer/Deputy did you see the vehicle’s sees the video/visual cue of you, sticking sure it will show my momentary stops.” have seen the event. A witness has to have an front go down and up?” Without that visual your foot/hand out and indicating you are — Darrel in Sanibel “opportunity to observe” to give testimony cue the officer is too far away to really detect stopping. When the judge/magistrate asks about an event or he can’t testify. a stop. you “Did you stop?” This is a copsaid/ridersaid dispute. My The traffic cop has to be close, at the right With bicyclists law enforcement doesn’t Your know your answer. “Okay, she indi- Aanswer: “Stop at the stop sign.” It’s the angle and with no obstructions or distractions have that visual cue. There’s no shocks, cated she stopped, not guilty.” (Or at least law. We can’t expect cops to enforce the laws to testify about the stop. no“dip” so no visual cue. There really aren’t that’s what should happen.) An officer overcomes lack of “opportunity any. against cars if we don’t obey the laws for If you have a question about your legal to observe” with visual cues. When a car/ So how to avoid a ticket?....provide visual bicycles. rights, write me on FloridaBicycleLaw.com. truck/motorcycle comes to a stop at a stop cues: Keep a foot unlocked from the pedals. Now, keep in mind the statute says “stop” I’ll be happy to answer your questions. but it doesn’t say how long you have to stop. sign or light, the vehicle mass causes the When you come to a stop sign, slow down, And there you have the advantage. A momen- front of the vehicle to “dip” down and up. put your foot down and out at the stop line. Fall 2011 3

Thanks to Our Donors! 3rd Q 2011): City names denote board member distribution. Is your Lifetime members area represented? Contact a board member today! Kimberly Cooper dB Technologies Advocating a William Hough Orange Park James Nash bicycle-friendly Florida Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal Laura & Earle Reynolds P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Gainesville Dr. Joe Warren Mighk and Carol Wilson Executive Director Membership Director Program Director DeLand Brooksville Tim Bustos Deb Devoe Dan Moser Orlando Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) 110 S. Elsasser Street 2738 Gables Drive 1449 Linhart Ave. Gainesville Cycling Club Deland, FL 32720 Eustis, FL 32726 Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Phone: 850-238-5328 [email protected] Phone/Fax: Titanium Partners ($500 - $999) [email protected] 239-334-6417 Space Coast Velo Sport Cycling Club [email protected] Sarasota Golden Gears ($250 - $499) Program Assistant Delray Bch Thomas DeMarco Becky Afonso Port Charlotte Board of Directors 250 Strathmore Ave, Boynton Bch Silver Spokes ($100 - $249) Oldsmar, FL 34677 Miami Danaya Wright & Sarasota-Manatee David Henderson, President Stephanie Striefel [email protected] 111 NW First Street, Suite 910 401 W. Atlantic Ave, Ste 0-11 Kendal Broad-Wright Bicycle Club Miami, FL 33128 Delray Beach, FL 33444 Wheelers of Kings Orlando Road Club Phone: 305-666-4718 Phone: 561-404-7261 x 152 Bicycle Laws Program Director Point Ocala Mountain Bike [email protected] [email protected] TBA Allen Road Bicycle Association Center Deco Bike LLC (Diaz Mighk Wilson, Vice President Ted Wendler First Coast Chapter Director Orange County Bonifacio) 737 S. Mills Ave. 716 Ohio Ave. Central Fla. Chapter Director Jeff Hohlstein Sheriff’s Office, Paddle Florida, Inc. Orlando, FL 32801 DeLand, FL 32724 Brad Kuhn P.O. Box 442246 Capt. Miguel Pagan National Multiple Phone: 407-488-9990 Phone: 386-235-0057 9138 Queen Elizabeth Ct. Jacksonville FL 32222 Susan Cunningham Sclerosis Society [email protected] [email protected] Orlando FL 32818 Phone: 904-291-8664 Phone: 321-287-7243 Ulrich Bernier and Green Mobility Steve Diez, Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Julie Abrams-Bernier Network, Inc. 20 N. Main Street, Room 262 Gregory and Sandra Richard Rappaport Brooksville, FL 34601 Dudley Dave Fletcher and Phone: 352-754-4057 x 125 Audrey Roman Leo Ramos [email protected] Track Shack of Martin & Vicki Jodi Hohlstein, Treasurer Orlando, Inc. Guttenplan 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle Advisory Board Orange Park, FL 32065 Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99) Phone: 904-282-2180 Lisa Blount, Public Affairs Dwight Kingsbury, Historian Carol Pulley [email protected] [email protected] dwightkingsbury@floridastate. [email protected] Douglas & Paula Bob & Rita Bennett Keri Caffrey, Webmaster com Bianca Pyko Fowler Arnold Stairman Don Braverman William Pomeroy Morris and Mikki 27A Stratford Lane West [email protected] Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special [email protected] Allen Loyd Futernick Boynton Beach, FL. 33436 Programs Paul Casazza, Law Enforcement Louis Rossi Paula Thompson Jay & Carla Copp Phone: 561-742-8074 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bill Martz [email protected] Jessica Meurer Raphael Clemente Tina Russo [email protected] Hope Howland-Cook [email protected] [email protected] PO Box 5295 Welcome New/Rejoining Members! Dan Connaughton, Director, Laura Minns Robert Seidler, Filmmaker Gainesville, FL 32627 Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety [email protected] [email protected] Robert Bustos Reuben Cohen Phone: 352-224-8601 Michael Smith Mary Ruth Casey [email protected] Education Program Danny Page John Sinibaldi, Jr [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Christopher and Victor Kline Earl Lang Daintry Cleary Todd Shockley 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Hal Downing Roger Pierce, Touring Calendar Randall Williams, Newsletter Andy Cline Alex Gallagher Port Charlotte, FL 33948 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Michael Blackburn Mark Lane Phone: 941-258-3400 Herb Hiller, Journalist [email protected] [email protected] and Christine Tim Bowen Kirstein-Blackburn Robert Ewen Jay and Miriam Larry and Jeanne Monahan Hertel Ed Kauwell Claude Kershner Join FBA Visit FBA’s Website Messenger Deadlines Jeff & Patti & Calista Phillips Stephanie Moser Quang “Wayne” www.floridabicycle.org Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Use the application form on page Jorge Perez Gallego Nguyen Summer Messenger - June 15 15. Suggested contributions (tax Lucy McCausland Janet & Kristen Fall Messenger - September 15 deductible): Ann Snowberger Stone-Erdman Subscribe to FBA Winter Messenger - December 15 News, and FBA Blog Spring Messenger - March 15 Audrey Roman Richard Adams Individual $25 Gerri Rouette Kurt Ahlgrim Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues Family $35 Rommy Silva Keith Arbuckle with these statewide forums. Inquiries and submissions: Student/living lightly $15 tim@floridabicycle org Angelia Joslyn Rick Arend Bicycle Club $100 Gregg Reese Baerbel Bartyczak To subscribe to Florida Bicycle Jeff Westberg David Chevalier Corporate/Agency $100 Membership Categories: Association's FBAlink, go to FBA’s Susan Nesselroth J Brewer Higher donations are greatly appre- home page at the website URL listed Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Robert Christy Chris Burrough ciated! See membership categories, here and click on the “Sign up for Titanium Partners ($500-$999) J.R. Tamayo Pete Carabetta below. FBA News Updates by E-Mail” link. Martin Mayo Matt Carter Golden Gears ($250-$499) Frank Silverman Brad Cody Make check payable and mail to: FBA's Blog is on the website Silver Spokes ($100-$249) Barbara Brown Keith Cook Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. Bronze Pedals ($50-$99) Clint Gibbs Bob Cooper P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL www.floridabicycle.org Jessica Rouan & Angela Coram Membership includes a subscrip- 32791-6715 Michael Foley, Jr. Ruben Darancou or join online at floridabicycle.org. tion to the FBA Messenger. continued on page 5 4 Florida Bicycle Association

Guest Report: a primer on power politics, lobbying and advocacy... FBA President David Henderson (at far right) has Government — how it works temporarily fled the country (he’ll be back). In by Earl Lang David’s absense, FBA Board member Earl Lang steps up to the keyboard. ou think that the government from his home to the capital and somehow Because:. works from the top down; that maintain a family life. 1. You are only one voice. isn’t the way it works. His staff works hard to smooth the way, but 2. You are only one vote. Let’s pretend that you have a they need his attention and decisions on the 3. You can’t exert continual pressure on friend who is running for a state issues. The business of government demands him like the lobbyists and bureaucrats. office. You work for his election time and energy. 4. He knows that you will eventually get because you and he are both interest- This flood of work overpowers him. With tired and go away. ed in bicycling. these pressures every day, some of the issues You can help by doing these things: Joe is a good, honest and caring person, important to his constituents back home just Is this it? No, there are ways to make the 1. Become an advocate by simply talking one you believe will do a great job looking slip to the back of his mind. government listen and react in favor of your to anyone who will listen. Show them the out for bicycling interests. You wonder about good old Joe, what ever interests. advantages of bicycling for themselves, and Joe gets elected and you even get invited happened to him? Why isn’t anything being 1. Your local bicycle club the community. to the local celebration. You leave the party done that you and he agreed were important? 2. Your Florida Bicycle Association 2. Join your local bicycle club. Work and filled with hope, convinced that a new day is You guess that his new job went to his 3. The League of American Bicyclists. volunteer to keep you local club going. Your coming for your local community and those head and he doesn’t care, but you make an dues and donations, just like your voice, are interests that you and Joe share. You love to appointment to have a meet with him. During These three work because they have power multiplied by joining with others. ride and you anticipate better roads, side- the meeting you remind Joe of his promises, through numbers. Your local Bicycle Club 3. Join the FBA and the LAB; your dues walks and legislation that will be a benefit to and tell him that you are still vitally interest- needs you and a committee dedicated to will support the work of the volunteers who all riders. ed. advocacy. give their time and energy. Large groups give Joe goes off to the capital, and you don’t The meeting is great, Joe is still the friend A club advocacy committee would keep strength – the strength of the dollar and the hear from him anymore. Well, you are sure he always was, still interested in your issues members informed, and connect with wider strength of the ballot box. that he is busy, but hasn’t forgotten his prom- and promises to have his staff get right on it. organizations and sources of information and Now that you know how it works, you can ises. You get a form letter thanking you for your action. This committee should be working be part of the solution or you can sit and What you don’t know is that Joe is up to interest and another year goes by, but nothing with both the Florida Bicycle Association and complain. his ears in issues. Special interest groups, changes. the League of American Bicyclists. Call your local bicycle club, the Florida lobbyists and the fat cats who financed his What to do? Do you spend your time, make The FBA and LAB are professional advo- Bicycle Association and the League of campaign are bombarding him. another appointment or do you give up and cacy organizations with the ability to apply American Bicyclists today. They will be glad He has to sit on committees, attend ses- go away? Joe has gotten savvy; he has the pressure of their combined membership to hear from you and offer you ways to make sions, make speeches, travel back and forth learned that you will eventually go away. You (voters) and use some of their modest funds that difference. might ask: “Why would he do that?” to fight for you. Stetson University Launches Bike Share Program by Tyce Herrman, “Stetson Cycles”

On September 9, Stetson joined a growing have a wait-list 30 people deep. The adminis- movement of schools across the nation with tration loves it too, as it is taking cars off the launch of our own bike share program. campus roads and thus requiring less park- The idea has been floating around for near- ing. ly a decade, but we’ve finally drummed up As Stetson is anticipated to grow by enough student initiative and institutional almost 25% by 2015, we’ll need more people support (thanks to Prof. Paul Croce for sup- to find different ways to get around campus – port and guidance, Rachael Barkema for her cars simply will not work. tireless efforts in helping to secure the bikes, We know that bicycling can transform a and countless volunteers that helped put them place and its people. The introduction of a all together) to make the program a success. cycling culture ushers in healthier, greener, The program works just like a library and happier people. checkout. Students sign liability and usage The bike share program, though, is just a forms at the Student Government office and first step forward for us. We would love to ride away on a bright blue beach cruiser. see Main Street DeLand streaming with bicy- photo by John Moran (www.JohnMoranPhoto.com) Each of the 20 bicycles comes with a cles, not cars. U-Lock, helmet and light. Students are We envision a Stetson campus pulsing with Bicyclists tour Ravine Gardens State Park in Palatka. Water from the St. Johns River instructed on basic bicycle safety and proper bicycles, and driving being the “uncool” carved the ravine thousands of years ago and the federal Works Progress usage. thing to do. Administration in 1933 transformed it into dramatic formal gardens. It has been running for several weeks now Basically, we’re just working towards a A stop at the gardens is a must on the Palatka leg of the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop and students are loving the program. We community that simply loves bikes. trail. A part of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, which leads the effort to create a bike trail from Maine to Key West, the Loop traverses 260 miles through Putnam, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia and Brevard counties. Bike Florida led an inaugural tour of the Loop back in November, 2008, and plans more tours for 2012 and special events for 2013, Florida’s 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s discovery of “La Florida” for Spain. You also can ride the Loop on your own. Florida’s Office of Greenways and Trails and Bike Florida have plenty of resources to get you on your way. Fall 2011 5

Executive Director’s corner...

Think globally — bike locally Tim Bustos

s we look forward to the needs The Florida Bicycle Association recently The scenery throughout this region is off If one currently of Florida bicyclists in the com- adopted this corridor as part of the Florida the “beaten path,” yet stunning. There are doesn’t exist, ing years, the concept of “acting Department of Transportation’s “Adopt-a- miles of beautiful and well-developed bike consider start- locally” can’t be more relevant Highway” program. trails that run through hammocks, wet- ing one of your than it is now. Highway 44 is a main east/west artery in lands, and forests – and wildlife is abun- own (if you’re unsure, there is a list of Yes, FBA is a statewide organization, but Central Florida, and the western entrance dant. statewide contacts in each issue of the for anybody that’s been paying attention to to the City of DeLand, so FBA gets a lot To help promote cycling in this region, Messenger to help find you out who you state or national politics over the last year, of visibility, cyclists get a more scenic road and to help improve conditions for all road should talk to). it’s becoming more and more apparent that to ride on, and everybody benefits. users, the Chamber’s BAC makes non- Consider participating in FDOT’s Adopt- our greatest chance of success will come at Also new over the binding recommenda- a-Highway program by finding out if there the local level. last six months is the tions to local govern- is a corridor in your community that is We need to pursue any project, and help DeLand Bicycle ment, contributes to available. any group – no matter how small – that Advisory Committee bicycle education Aside from helping to beautify your own can make cycling more enjoyable and safer (BAC). This commit- efforts in the area, and community, having the name of your local in Florida. tee is innovative in the There are still untold plans “fun rides” for bike club up in bold letters next to the By contributing to efforts at the local sense that it’s not part numbers of people the community for roadway helps remind motorists that yes, level, it will also help demonstrate that of local government in individuals and fami- we do contribute to enhancing our streets cyclists are willing to participate directly the way that most out there who still lies that otherwise and highways, and we do belong there. in effecting positive changes in your com- BACs are. have an irrational fear would never consider Consider taking one of FBA’s “Cycling munity. Instead, this commit- longer rides. Savvy” classes or, better yet, consider Since I relocated the statewide office for tee is actually spon- of spandex! Remember: today’s becoming a Cycling Savvy instructor so FBA to DeLand earlier this year, I’ve sored by the DeLand casual bike riders you can teach classes of your own. noticed a growing awareness of bicycling Area Chamber of com- could be tomorrow’s Please consider getting involved. For in this community that has resulted from merce. club cyclists and tri- every cyclist I hear sing the praises of chipping away at smaller projects that will The reason is simple athletes, but we have cycling in Florida, I also hear from those help increase accessibility and availability – the DeLand Chamber realizes the eco- to start making cycling more appealing that grumble about the status of bicycling to cycling. nomic impact of bicy- first. in our state. On the previous cling through the sales There are still untold Whether it’s a con- page of this issue, Contributing to and rentals of bikes in numbers of people out cern for safety, or the Tyce Herrman writes efforts at the local the DeLand area, and there who still have an perceived lack of good about the new bike they realize the tre- irrational fear of span- ‘Never doubt that bicycle facilities – level will also help share program initiat- mendous potential dex! a small group of make it happen. Don’t ed at Stetson demonstrate that there is for eco-tourism These are just a few wait for state or University that will in western Volusia of the many efforts, thoughtful, committed national government make bicycles more cyclists are willing County. both large and small, to do things for you – citizens can change available to students to participate in Located mid-way that are currently be the change you who would otherwise between the St. Johns being undertaken to the world...’ want to see...and do it drive a car for short effecting positive River basin and the help improve condi- locally. trip. Atlantic Ocean, there tions for cycling in the – Margaret Mead Margaret Mead, the Elsewhere in this changes in your have been several large DeLand area. famed anthropologist, issue, Ted Wendler, community. bike tours that have I’m writing about is often quoted as say- FBA board member, come through DeLand them here because I’m ing “Never doubt that writes about his expe- in recent years, includ- hoping it will encour- a small group of riences on his first trash pick-up day for a ing those led by FBA’s sister organization, age other cyclists across the state to get thoughtful, committed citizens can change two-mile-long section of State Road 44 in Bike Florida. involved in your own communities. the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that DeLand. Check and see if there’s already a bicy- ever has.” cle advisory committee in your own area. Happy tailwinds – and be careful out there!

Welcome New/Rejoining Members! Some On-line Resources “empowerment for unlimited travel.” FBA’s own little continued from page 3 program is so popular it’s spreading across the country. Have you taken your class yet? Rick Dean Pam Maxwell Have you a subscription to the Share the Road Newsletter? It’s filled with information about bicycling James Dwight Greg Maxwell For information about Florida’s bicycle laws, go to events, people and places (including great trail maps Dennis Eaton Amy Miley http://.Flbikelaw.org. Read through the archives, or for off road cycling). sign up at www.bikeflorida.org. John Fahnestock Thomas Montgomery ask your own burning question. We reprint some of John Fricano Robin Moran the questions and answers in the FBA Messenger, but Robert Fuentes Moya Nelson If you are an Adventure Cyclist, check out the ad- Samuel Gill Marshall Reeves venturecycling.org newsletter, Bike Bits. To subscribe, there are many more on the site. visit: http://www.adventurecycling.org/bikebits/sub- Ricardo Gotay Don Riordan Can’t get enough of Keri? Go to her Website/blog at Vince Grillo Steve Salvo scribe.cfm and read their blog at http://blog.adventure- http://CommuteOrlando.com. Lots of great information Bradley Guy Lisa Saturday cycling.org on “Bicycling in the Real World.” Don Hemmenway Mike Smith FBA board member and former president Mighk Jason Horn Nick Smith And don’t leave your computer without a visit to (I Wilson blogs regularly at www.mighkwilson.com. His James Horan Keith Snodgrass know it’s another Central Florida site...sorry) the Or- George Jenkins Gary Stern well-researched, philosophical essays will get you lando Sentinel’s own cycling blog, The Chain Gang. Jennifer Clark Hayes Thomas thinking on a higher plane. Jill Davies Trevor Widick http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_thechaingang Herb Jordan Jay Williams Don’t forget to check out our Cycling Savvy guru, Joseph Keegan Curt Worden Keri Caffrey’s favorite site, http://cyclingsavvy.org. You’ve certainly run across many more. The list is virtually endless. Brian Kennedy Dietz Zach There you’ll find a pannier-load of stories about These few offer a variety of subject matter, just to get you started. First Coast Chapter update... St. Johns County by Stephen Tocknell

6 Florida Bicycle Association The joys of bike commuting in Florida by Ron Cunningham

emo to self: Pack a rain The other day, somebody asked me if the than I like driving. Sometimes my car sits in your workplace, maybe there’s a nearby jacket. I thought of that the brutal summer heat bothers me on my daily the driveway for two weeks before I have to health club. Tell your boss that if he pays other day when I left the commute. crank it up. your dues, it’ll save the company money on office at about 5:30 p.m. and “Oddly enough, it’s not the Florida heat health care premiums. headed to the bike rack for that bothers me,” I replied. “But during the But isn’t it dangerous? my cycle commute home. winter, when the morning temperatures occa- Q A lot of people tell me they’re What about rain? There was a steady rain; sionally dip down into the thirties, I do worry afraid to ride in the streets. I’ve actually Q I’ve made an amazing discovery: nothing especially threatening, but still, wet. about my nose snapping off and my fingers found this (Gainesville) to be a pretty bike- That stuff wipes right off with a towel. On the other hand, riding in the rain isn’t going numb.” friendly town. By and large I’ve even found especially unpleasant at this time of the year. It’s really all about dressing appropriately motorists to be fairly considerate. Yeah, but it gets dark pretty early in At worst, a minor inconvenience. for the season. In the winter, a good rule of In five years I’ve had one spill ... sand scat- Qthe winter. What do you do then? Listen, I have to tell you that when I began thumb is that if you’re comfortable in the first tered across the road, and maybe a couple of I’ve got a white light on my handlebars, to cycle-commute to my job at The mile, you’re probably wearing too much. close calls. As a personal philosophy I sub- and a blinking red tail light. I wear light Gainesville Sun, nearly five years ago, it You certainly don’t want to be too cold, but scribe to the “Loony Tunes” theory of risk- clothing and sometimes a reflector vest, and changed my life. sweating too much on the inside while it’s management: You can spend your whole life try to stay off the busier streets. Mostly I ride I calmed down. I began to take more freezing on the outside can be worse. studiously avoiding things that might cause carefully and pay attention to what’s going notice of what was going on around me It’s always a good idea to consider dressing you harm; and then one day you’re walking on around me. (always a plus for a journalist). I found that I in layers that you can peel off as the day down the street, minding your own business, was able to write entire editorials and col- grows warmer. and a big Acme safe falls on your head. So But this is “Auto-America.” Don’t you umns in my head as I cruised through neigh- Actually, as a committed cycle commuter I you might as well ride. Qfeel like the Lone Ranger out there? borhoods and cut across the campus of the tend to get a lot of questions about this Not really. There are more of us out there University of Florida every day. eccentric habit of mine. Questions like: But you can’t listen to the radio or than you might think. I usually see several If you’ve never tried cycle-commuting, I “What’s wrong with you?” Qplay music? Doesn’t it get boring other bike commuters on my daily trips. highly recommend it. And I’m not the only “Are you crazy?” after a while? You see cyclists pretty much everywhere in one. “Why don’t you grow up?” It’s actually illegal in Florida to wear a ste- this college town, but there’s always room for “Although more than half of the U.S. pop- All valid questions, to be sure. So let me be reo headset while riding a bicycle, plus it’s more. According to the advocacy group ulation lives within five miles of their work- Mr. Bike Commuter Answer Person and dis- not really a good idea. You really do need Peopleforbikes.org, the last time gas peaked place, lack of knowledge and incentive has pense with some of the more frequently all those audio cues (sirens, screeching above $4 a gallon, in 2008, “bike riding deterred many from commuting by bike,” asked questions. brakes) to help stay safe. increased 15 percent nationwide. Riding a says the League of American Bicyclists. Besides, there’s something to be said for bike for short trips is an instant fuel and “Biking to work is fun, builds morale, Why do you ride your bike to work? introspection. I tend to write very well in my money saver that also provides many other encourages camaraderie and is a great way Q Oh, you know, to reduce my carbon head during my daily rides. One day I spent benefits for individuals and their communi- to get active in your community. footprint, save the world and generally feel the ride polishing up a speech I was about to ties.” “Additionally, employers who promote superior to those guys who won’t get out of give. Plus, I am given to humming and sing- The thing is, the more cyclists there are on biking to work have more active employees their enormous pickup trucks except to buy a ing songs from my misspent youth: Leslie the road, the safer cycling becomes for all of that are more alert, healthy and productive. giant Slurpee. Gore was in my head the other day and she us. As research has shown, there is safety in Biking reduces your carbon footprint, reduc- Plus, I’ve saved thousands of dollars in gas just wouldn’t come out. numbers. es traffic congestion and saves money.” bills and it keeps my weight down. But mostly I do it because I like riding my bike more OK, so what’s the downside of cycle- I’m tired of bicyclists who ride on the Qcommuting? Qwrong side of the road, dart into traf- Flat tires drive me crazy. There seems to be fic and ignore the red lights. Why should we a lot of glass on the roads. And there seems have to put up with that? to be an unwritten law that says it’s always Won’t argue with you there. Frankly, I ‘Group Riding’ brochure lays out rules for club rides got to be the rear tire, so there’s always a lot think police ought to be just as quick to ticket of grease involved. bad cyclists as bad drivers. All of us who use Recently I bought thorn-proof tubes and the roads have a responsibility to obey the The brochure, available for free download kevlar-coated tire liners in my never-ending rules of the road. (pdf) from the FBA Website is a compan- quest to possess the mythical flat-proof bike. ion to the Group Riding DVD, which has I’ll let you know how that works out. I wouldn’t mind biking to work. But I eight public service announcements plus Qneed my car. I live too far away. I narrative, for only $5 to cover shipping How long is your commute and how worry about accidents. It’s just not practical and handling. Qlong does it take? for me. What if I have to go somewhere dur- It’s just about 10 miles round-trip, and I ing the day? Won’t people think I’m weird? Get a bunch and share with your local can do it one-way in about 20 minutes if I Oh give it a shot, you might surprise your- TV stations. have to. But I usually vary my route and try self. I thought about biking to work for years, to ride between 12-13 miles. and kept coming up with excuses for why I The brochure gives 11 important rules Sometimes I’ll take a couple of laps couldn’t. Then one day I got out of my car for group cycling—rules that can around Lake Alice, on the University of and got on my bike and it changed my life. I mean the difference between an Florida campus, just to add distance. In the wish I had those years back. Sure, it’s not for enjoyable, safe ride and a ride in an winter I like to loop by the dairy fields on everybody, but you really can’t know if it’s ambulance. the edge of town, where a lot of migrating for you until you’ve tried it. sandhill cranes winter. The report was prepared for the Usually on my way to work I like to swing But what if I bike to work and Leslie State Safety Office, Depart- by downtown, have a cup of tea and read the QGore gets in my head and won’t ment of Transportation, State of New York Times on my smart phone before leave? Florida, in cooperation with the continuing on to the office. It’s a very nice There is no known cure for that yet, though National Highway Traffic Safety way to start the day. scientists are working on it. Administration, U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation and/or But don’t you get to work hot and Ron Cunningham is editorial page editor of Federal Highway Administra- Qsweaty? The Gainesville Sun and is on the board of tion, U.S. Department of Trans- Yeah. My company provides me with directors of Bike Florida. Write him showers and a locker. In turn I provide my at [email protected]. portation. company with a healthier, calmer and more productive worker. If there are no showers at Fall 2011 7

And there we were by Ted Wendler, FBA Adopt-A-Highway Crew Member

he Florida Bicycle A large orange sign indicated trash pick There was a frightened looking rider on a al public through their efforts, which Association recent- up ahead, while bright orange vests identi- moped using the narrow shoulder as his seemed contrary to their core beliefs. ly adopted a stretch of fied members of the crew. It was own personal highway, reminiscent of a Some mild anger was directed towards highway in Volusia recommended that the crew bike lane, but he was not to be trifled with, this unfortunate dynamic, but the crew was County that snakes walk against traffic, and gave little indication of his desire to reminded that the Indian in that commer- through the western and avoid lin- stop and chat about the mission of FBA. cial was crying tears of sadness, not tears portion of the shining gering The collected debris consisted mostly of of anger, and everyone got back to work metropolis of DeLand. eye empty ice bags, beer bottles/beer cans, 44 because it was the right thing to do. You’ll be glad to contact ounce Styrofoam cups, and those ubiqui- The highlight of the day was the crew- know that State Road with driv- tous plastic shopping bags. boss discovering cold, hard cash on the 44 between Stone ers of There was discussion among the crew side of the road and treating the crew to an St. and Grand Ave. passing about the wisdom of retrieving trash so ice cream treat of their choosing on the is an orphan no vehicles. casually discarded by others, thereby rein- way home. more – all two One recent forcing the widely held belief that someone miles of it. Saturday, bright else always will pick it up – not to mention Paperwork and early, the the crew’s awareness that they were mak- was submit- clean-up crew ing motoring more enjoyable for the gener- ted several beautified the half- months mile section from the ago, western FBA adopt-a- and highway sign, to the once the gateway welcoming you suitability of to DeLand. placement was deter- You will be relieved to mined, signs were dedicated know that there is a conve- celebrating the event. The eastern nience store conveniently locat- Adopt-a-Highway sign went missing for a ed across the street from each of brief period, but was later found and relo- these locations, so there will be no cated to a more appropriate position, shortage of trash to pick up, now or in the where it now stands. future. Arrangements were made with the The speed limit on this little slice of Florida Department of Transportation, and heaven is a mere 55 miles per hour, but the specialized gear was procured; the there were no pedestrians or cyclists pres- crew-boss being decent enough to pur- ent during the course of these activities. chase pick-up tools for the entire crew.

Have You been injured wHile cYcling? ( i have. That’s why i’ll fight so hard for you.) Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his experience on the road with his expertise and insight in the courtroom. This unique perspective provides cyclists across Florida with the representation they deserve. Your race for compensation begins here.

904- 632- 2424 8 Florida Bicycle Association

Where My Ride Takes Me

In an occasional feature for the FBA Messenger, we highlight FBA members and staff doing stuff you like to do on your bikes.

This month’s feature was submitted by Patty Huff, whose bike took her on a 900+ miles tour of Ireland. Patty’s story:

Bicycling for the heart, mind and soul! That’s what I love about long distance biking. For 12 years during the summer months, my husband and I have traveled around this country and abroad. This year we flew non-stop from Orlando to Dublin. We had no set plans or itinerary except making arrangements at our B&B to keep our bags in their shed until our return. Leaving Dublin we bicycled along the Wicklow mountain range, southwest of Wexford to Arthurstown, where we followed the beautiful coastline to Dungarvan. Along the way, we encountered some very steep hills which helped prepare us for what was ahead. We took the suggestion of a local, and biked north to Lismore with its famous castle before going to Cork. The beauty of the countryside with wildflowers growing along- side the roads and different shades of green was outstanding—like a patchwork in the pastures. Biking in western Cork along the coast out- Please send us your high-quality photo submissions, like this one from Patty Huff, for printing in the FBA Messenger. Accompany your photo with side of Kinsale, Annestown, Clonakilty was a short narrative that tells where and why the scene “resonated” with you. incredibly beautiful, with fantastic views of the ocean. of the Slea Head. On the coast in Feohanagh, our only day off, we visited Ashford Castle, There was spectacular scenery as we biked Cattle and sheep were everywhere. We also we found a wonderful guesthouse known for dating back to the 12th century. the coast all the way to the charming village found the people extremely friendly, going its outstanding seafood. It was once a shooting lodge, then pur- of Roundstone. In the western end, we out of their way to stop and give us direc- The next day was perfectly clear as we chased in 1865 by Sir Benjamin Lee always had the impressive “Twelve Bens (or tions. We carried our camping gear in our climbed up and over Conner’s Pass (the high- Guinness. Later, the castle was expanded by Pins)” mountains on our left, with the panniers, but when it was raining, we would est route in Ireland). The narrow road down Lord Ardilaun, and is now a luxury hotel. Atlantic or bays on our right. Then, as we find B&Bs in quaint little towns. the mountain was only wide enough for one Other interesting sites included the Cong continued around Bertraghboy Bay to Glinsk There was always a great pub nearby for car; henceforth, our bicycles seemed to be the Abbey, and the “Monks’ Fishing House,” and Carna, the scenery changed dramatically, beer, food and music; in the morning, we most nimble vehicle on the mountain. where the monks designed a system with a reminding us of our bike trips through were treated to a full breakfast before starting All the way to the beaches of Tralee Bay, hole in the floor, and a line going up to the Montana, with wide open spaces and rugged out on another adventuresome day. we were rewarded with miles and miles of monastery that would notify them with a bell mountain territory. Our final night in County Heading over to the Beara Peninsula, we downhill. On the advice of locals, we took a when a fish was on the line. Galway was in the vibrant young town of biked on mountain roads with views of shortcut with a ferry across the River It was raining as we biked up the hill leav- Barna, on Galway Bay. Bantry Bay on the south, and rock formations Shannon at Tarbert, and biked along the ing Cong, and headed up to the Connemara With only a few days left to return to on the north. Shannon up to Ennis and Portumna before Mountains. However, the ride was beautiful Dublin, we stayed on back roads through We circled the entire coastline, which was heading back west to Galway. as we passed the lakes to Cornamona, Maum, midland Ireland, with its lovely green rolling absolutely stunning. We continued to Again, on small rural roads, we biked to and Leenane. hills, all the way through Roscommon, Kenmare before climbing up to Killarney on the little village of Cong, located on the In Leenane, which is a lovely village locat- Mullingar, and Carrickmarcross, then up to a foggy and misty day, but the ride was beau- Mayo-Galway border between Lough Mask ed on Killary Harbour, we found a great Dundalk on the east coast. tiful going downhill all the way to the Dingle and Lough Corrib. It became famous during place to stop for lunch before going inland to Our final two days of biking took us Peninsula. the 1951 filming of “The Quiet Man” starring Kylemore Abbey. We traveled along on the through the beautiful coastal towns of There we met lots of hikers and cyclists, John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. During northwest coast to the small town of Cleggan, Blackrock, Annagassan, and Skerries, along a especially along the cliffs and narrow roads and the following day, we continued on to the beautiful harbor and long sandy beaches, far end of the northern peninsula to the beau- before arriving back at our B&B in Dublin. Photo: Ingo Mehling tiful village of Clifden, with its harbor full of Now that we have bicycles that are ready active fishing vessels. for long-distance traveling, we’ll continue to find places to go each summer, but Ireland will remain one of our favorites.

Left: Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland. (Éireophile alert! Historical trivia follows.) A monestery originally occupied the site in the early 7th century and Henry II, King of England stayed there in 1171. The 6th Duke of Devonshire (1790-1858) hired architect William Atkinson to rebuild the castle in Gothic style. Fred Astaire’s sister, Adele, lived there from the early 1900s until her death in 1981. The castle became Northanger Abbey for the 2007 ITV drama of that name. Fall 2011 9

Bike Florida’s March 2012 adventure... Ride back in time along the Forgotten Coast by Ron Cuningham

n 1528, 300 Spanish soldiers Bike Florida’s Forgotten Coast Tour Florida’s largest, and the source of the fresh beat-up suitcase in the 1976 movie marched north out of Tampa Bay (March 24-30) is a fully supported event that water infusion that feeds the state’s most pro- “Nickelodeon”). Two words suffice to recom- in search of gold. will showcase panhandle Florida’s tree-lined lific oyster beds in Apalachicola Bay. From mend this eclectic town tucked away on the A couple hundred miles to the back roads, unspoiled coastline and charming there, the tour will turn south and head for banks of the Sopchoppy River: worm grunt- north and west later they found, not small towns. Under the leadership of Bike the Forgotten Coast. En route, riders may find ing (you’ll see). And who knows? On a clear gold, but ill-tempered Apalachee war- Florida’s new ride directors, Ken Foster and the small town of Wewahitchka a tongue- night, and if the moment is right, one might riors who were impressed with neither Becky Afonso, the tour promises a great twister, but the Tupelo honey they produce even catch the distant glow of the legendary Spanish armor nor firearms. route, exceptional food, and rare entertain- there is much easier on the palate. “Wakulla volcano.” Long story short: The Spanish ended up ment. Riders can cycle a total of 275 to 400 Bike Florida saves the best for last. The Finally, those besieged Spanish soldiers besieged, their backs against the sea. They miles. Depending on their daily route choic- stretch of coastline between Mexico Beach named their Forgotten Coast refuge the Bay slaughtered and ate their horses and used the es, rides will stretch 40 to 60 miles per day. and St. Marks is relatively undeveloped, of Horses, for obvious reasons. Today it is hides to lash together escape rafts. “They The Forgotten Coast Tour will begin in breathtakingly beautiful and reminiscent of called St. Marks, a favorite destination for were desperate to leave Florida,” writes Tallahassee, where you might want to take in an earlier age of Florida tourism. fishermen and seafood lovers alike. Nestled Andres Resendez, in his book “A Land So the panorama from the observation gallery Cyclists can take advantage of a layover up against a tangle of low-lying wetlands that Strange. atop the 22-story Capitol Building. The ride day in Apalachicola to visit either the track- open up onto the Gulf of Mexico, the com- Wanting only to leave behind this stretch of will wind northwest to Quincy, a town of less white sand beaches of Cape San Blas, on munity hosts the San Marcos de Apalache savage wilderness that would come to be graceful antebellum homes where nearly a St. Joseph’s Bay, or kick loose at a beach Historic State Park—the site of old fortifica- known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast, they century ago canny local investors helped party on St. George Island. tions—and adjoins the St. Marks National pushed off for Texas...and further disaster. launch a small southern company that would It’s a tough choice, and it’s not made easier Wildlife Refuge. The good news is that, nearly five centuries grow into a global enterprise: Coca-Cola. by the fact that the town of Apalachicola (the To close the tour loop, St. Marks connects later, both the food and the spirit of hospitali- On the way, cyclists will visit Wakulla birthplace of air conditioning, without which cyclists directly to journey’s end via the sce- ty on the Forgotten Coast have improved Springs State Park, one of the world’s largest Florida would not be habitable today) is nic 16-mile Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic immeasurably. Even better news is that much and deepest freshwater springs, where gators worth a day’s exploration in its own right. Railroad State Trail; Florida’s oldest paved of the strange and primitive natural beauty of considerable girth and weight doze in the There’s more. Carrabelle is a charming rail-trail. those first “tourists” encountered remains sun on swampy banks among giant bald coastal village that claims to be home to the In short, Bike Florida’s Forgotten Coast intact. cypress trees. “World’s Smallest Police Station” (which Tour promises an epic journey through the If your preconception of Florida consists From the springs, 30-foot-long river boats bears an uncanny resemblance to a phone heart of a subtropical paradise that is the very largely of crowded beaches, condos, theme carry visitors down a crystal clear river in booth). And crossing the long low bridges definition of “off the beaten path.” If only parks and high-rises, you haven’t been to the search of manatee, wading birds and other that span the aquamarine waters of those hapless Spanish soldiers had arrived on Forgotten Coast. And if you prefer to do your natural wonders. Apalachicola and Ochlockonee bays is a sin- two wheels…and after the invention of air- touring on a bicycle, you have an opportunity At Blountstown, named for the Seminole gular cycling experience. conditioning, of course. Check out Bike next spring to experience a slice of Florida chief who helped Andrew Jackson wrest And then there’s the final night’s tour party Florida’s web site, http://www.bikeflorida. living of an altogether different flavor. Florida away from the Spanish, riders will in Sopchoppy (no doubt you remember the org, for registration details. cross the mighty Apalachicola River, “Visit Sopchoppy” sticker on Burt Reynolds’

Bike Florida 2012 Forgotten Coast Tour

Tallahassee, Quincy, Wewahitchka, Apalachicola (layover), Sopchoppy, Tallahassee A week-long, fully supported tour showcasing scenic back roads and charming destinations. The tour takes cyclists around the Apalachicola National Forest and bayside along a section of the Panhandle known as the “Forgotten Coast.” It’s designed to be a fun, active vacation for people who enjoy bicycle touring. Daily average distance: 40-60 miles. For more information visit the website or e-mail: Share the Road specialty license plate [email protected] proceeds benefit safety education throughout the State of florida. Read more about the Share the Road campaign at www.sharetheroad.org 10 Florida Bicycle Association

FBA Board begins critical strategic planning process by Tim Bustos

re we simply a board with good What does bicycling in Florida look like in intentions, or should we focus on five years through FBA’s efforts?” being a well-intentioned board? Board members were given flip charts and That was one of the pivotal instructed to visually represent where they questions posed to the FBA thought bicycling was going in Florida—or Board of Directors when it met on where it should go (Who knew we had so September 24. many artists in our midst?). This was the first of what will be a series It was an engaging and interactive activity of meetings for the board as it initiates the among board members to help them visualize process of developing a Five Year Strategic how we thought bicycling should evolve in Plan. Florida over the next five years – and where Part board development and part strategic we thought Florida bicyclists wanted us to planning, this meeting was expertly facilitat- take them. ed by Donna M. O’Neal & Associates, with Board members were then asked “What are Donna O’Neal guiding the strategic planning your key Strengths, Weaknesses, component, and Linda Alexionok focusing on Opportunities & Threats?” (SWOT), which board development. turned out to be one of the most useful parts As part of the day’s efforts, the board was of the session. challenged by going through a process of self-evaluation that included questions such Critical priorities as “What attributes should FBA board mem- As a result of the day’s discussions, strategiz- bers possess? What skills should board mem- ing, and visioning, the following list of criti- bers have? Should all board members be cal priorities was distilled to help guide the ‘subject matter’ experts (e.g. bike geeks), or board in its next steps: should we have board members who are accountants, environmentalists, or experts in 1. Consider monthly electronic conference fund raising as well?” meetings in addition to the board’s regularly The board then went through various exer- scheduled quarterly meetings (Note: cises such as an “audit” of current expertise Monthly conference calls have already been Cycling Savvy courses now available in Orlando, on the board to see what skills the board initiated since the September meeting). Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach, already has, versus what we thought we needed on the board. 2. Compile, review and act on materials Tallahassee and Tampa Bay areas. Go to the Web The board then went into breakout sessions brainstormed at the meeting. site to contact an area coordinator near you. with the following task: “Picture our Future: See Strategic on page 13 Fall 2011 11

Do you have a question about the laws related to bicycling? Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org* Enforcement Guides George Martin are available

Right turn across sidewalk closely from the opposite half of the roadway Thanks to the Florida Pedestrian/ Q: Guillermo asked: I made as to be in danger. Bicycling Safety Resource Center, a right turn into commercial the Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Additionally, there are two statutes that Enforcement Guides reflecting 2010 shopping area and out of require due care to avoid colliding with nowhere an officer on a bike on statute changes are available, includ- pedestrians or bicyclists. ing the mandatory bike lane law which the sidewalk almost hit my car. went into effect September 1, 2010. He said I was not looking for FS 316.130 – Pedestrian; Traffic Regulations pedestrians’ right of way. In reality, I did not (15) Notwithstanding other provisions of this This handy booklet, periodically up- see him. Who is at fault on this situation? chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exer- dated to reflect statute changes, has cise due care to avoid colliding with any been distributed to nearly 100,000 A: Bicyclists on the sidewalk have the pedestrian or any person propelling a individuals since 2001. human-powered vehicle …. same rights and duties as pedestrians. You can download a copy or request FS 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations FS 316.185 – Special Hazards copies for you and your friends by The fact that the speed of a vehicle is lower contacting FBA. (10) A person propelling a vehicle by human than the prescribed limits shall not relieve the New text includes: power upon and along a sidewalk, or across driver from the duty to decrease speed …. a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has when special hazards exist or may exist with Roadway position all the rights and duties applicable to a respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by [§316.2065(5)] * when reasonably necessary pedestrian under the same circumstances. reason of weather or other roadway condi- A person operating a bicycle to avoid conditions including If the driver is crossing a sidewalk while tions, and speed shall be decreased as may on a roadway at less than (but not limited to), a fixed entering the roadway from a driveway, there be necessary to avoid colliding with any per- the normal speed of traffic or moving object, parked or is a specific statute that requires the driver to son, vehicle, or other conveyance on or enter- under the conditions existing moving vehicle, pedestrian, yield to pedestrians (bicyclists) on the side- ing the street in compliance with legal must ride in the lane marked animal, or surface hazard walk. requirements and the duty of all persons to for bicycle use or, if no lane * when a lane is too narrow use due care. is marked for bicycle use, as FS 316.125 – Vehicle Entering Highway from for a bicycle and another close as practicable [safe] to vehicle to travel safely side Private Road or Driveway or Emerging from Riding on bike path not required the roadway’s right-hand curb by side. Alley, Driveway or Building Q: Jim asked: A bike shop employee told or edge, except under any of (2) The driver of a vehicle emerging from an us that we cannot ride on the roadway and the following situations: A cyclist operating on a one- alley, building, private road or driveway we must ride on the pathway that is a large way street with two or more * when passing another within a business or residence district shall sidewalk/paved area. If there is a designated marked traffic lanes may ride vehicle as close to the left-hand edge stop the vehicle immediately prior to driving bike path with symbol and signage am I to of the roadway as practicable. onto a sidewalk or onto the sidewalk area ride there? Otherwise, as is the case here, we * when preparing for a left turn extending across the alley, building entrance, should ride on the road, right? road or driveway, or in the event there is no A: Even if the area is marked and signed or Visit the FBA website to review a complete sidewalk area, shall stop at the point nearest otherwise designated as a bike path, cyclists the street to be entered where the driver has description of the Bike Lane Law and are never required to use a bicycle path or a a view of approaching traffic thereon and sidewalk. Cyclists may use a paved shoulder, to download a copy of the guide. shall yield to all vehicles and pedestrians sidewalk (Unless prohibited by local ordi- which are so close thereto as to constitute an nance), or a bike path if they so desire, but it immediate hazard. is not required. A bike path is not a bike The statutes about drivers crossing a side- lane, which is a portion of the roadway Show Your Support and walk while entering a driveway from another marked for the use of bicyclists. Use of a roadway are less specific, but also require marked bike lane by cyclists riding in the Help Get the Word Out drivers to yield to pedestrians (bicyclists) on roadway is mandatory under some circum- the sidewalk or crosswalk. stances. A crosswalk can be marked or unmarked, Educate other users that You should ask anyone who thinks otherwise and is the connection of the sidewalk across to show you the statute that requires it. They bicycle drivers are allowed the the roadway, which in this case is the drive- will not be able to do so. Please see this and full use of the lane on most of way. the other posts related to sidewalks, bike our roads* with an FBA static Drivers must yield to pedestrians (bicy- paths and bike lanes: clists) in or approaching a crosswalk. cling. Only $2.00 (mailing FS 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations included). New and renewing FS 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations (1) Every person propelling a vehicle by (7)(c) When traffic control signals are not in members get this free! human power has all of the rights and all of place or in operation and there is no signage the duties applicable to the driver of any indicating otherwise, the driver of a vehicle other vehicle. shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestri- There is no state statute requiring a cyclist to Order via FBA’s online an crossing the roadway within a crosswalk be off the roadway and to use a paved shoul- store at when the pedestrian is upon the half of the der, a paved sidewalk or a bicycle path. roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling www.floridabicycle.org or when the pedestrian is approaching so

As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, a website exists to provide a place to ask *Florida Statute 316.2065(5)(a)3. questions about the laws. This is a continuing series that addresses some of the questions and provide updates about FBA’s Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or on the streets differs from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and the FBA are not account- able for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. 12 Florida Bicycle Association Here’s who to call about your bicycle/pedestrian/transportation concerns. Selected State-wide Contacts Go to www.floridabicycle.org/statecontacts.htm for the complete, up-to-date list. AGENCY/FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY NAME TELEPHONE E-MAIL FDOT Central Office State Safety Officer Marianne Trussell 850.245.1500 [email protected] State Pedestrian & Bicycle Coordinator Dennis Scott 850.245.1527 [email protected] State SRTS Coordinator Pat Pieratte 850.245.1529 [email protected] Asst. Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Dwight Kingsbury 850.245.1520 [email protected] Florida School Crossing Guard Program Administrator Providance Nagy 850.245.1757 [email protected] Ped-bike traffic safety grants Ralph Salvas 850.245.1526 [email protected] ADA Coordinator Dean Perkins 850.414.4359 [email protected] Roadway Design Mary Anne Koos 850.414.4321 [email protected] District 1 District 1 Ped-Bike Coordinator Sarita Taylor 863.519.2216 [email protected] District 1 Safety Prgm Manager Michael Kautz 863.519.2522 [email protected] District 1 CTSP Coordinator Debra Stallings 863.519.2347 [email protected] Charlotte County MPO Gary Harrell 941.639.4676 [email protected] Collier County Community Development/dvlpmnt review Russ Muller 239.403.2462 [email protected] Lee County MPO Ron Gogoi 239.338.2550x239 [email protected] Lee County DOT Mike Tisch 239.533.8580 [email protected] Lee County Injury Prevention Dan Moser 239.334.6417 [email protected] Manatee County Sharon Tarman 941.749.3070 [email protected] Polk County TPO Ryan Kordek 863.534.6558 [email protected] Sarasota County Irene Maiolo 941.816.0891 [email protected] District 2 District 2 Ped-Bike Coordinator Jennifer Graham 904.360.5636 [email protected] District 2 Safety Engineer Scott Lent 904.360.5629 [email protected] District 2 CTST Coordinator Andrea Atran 904.360.5416 [email protected] City of Gainesville Transportation Services/Bike-Ped Coordinator Dekova Batey 352.334.5074 [email protected] First Coast MPO Elizabeth DeJesus 904.306.7505 [email protected] Duval County Health Dept/Injury Prevention Stephen McCloskey 904.630.3300x2308 [email protected] District 3 District 3 Ped-Bike Coordinator Zena Riley 850.415.9656 [email protected] District 3 Safety Prgm Manager Jonathan Harris 850.415.9516 [email protected] District 3 CTST Coordinator-West Barbara Lee 850.415.9231 [email protected] District 3 CTST Coordinator-East Stanley Rudd 850-415-9488 [email protected] Panhandle MPOs (West Fla RPC) Brian Youpatoff 800.332.7976x224 [email protected] Capital Region Transportation Planning Agency (MPO) 850.891.6801 District 4 District 4 Ped-Bike Coordinator John-Mark Palacios 954.777.4318 [email protected] District 4 Safety Prgm Manager Gilbert Soles 954.777.4358 [email protected] District 4 CTSP Coordinator Carmen Pullins 954.777.4361 [email protected] City of Boca Raton Municipal Services Engineering/transportation analyst Joy Puerta 561.416.3410 [email protected] City of Boca Raton PD/traffic safety educ Lori Wheeler 561.620.6056 [email protected] Broward MPO/Special Projects & Bicycle Coordinator Mark Horowitz 954.357.6641 [email protected] City of Delray Beach Parking Mgmt Scott Aronson 561.243.7286 [email protected] Indian River County MPO Phil Matson [email protected] Martin County MPO Beth Beltran 772-288-5484 [email protected] Palm Beach County MPO/Bike-Ped-Greenways Coordinator Bret Baronak 561.684.4163 [email protected] District 5 District 5 Ped-Bike Coordinator Joan Carter 386.943.5335 [email protected] District 5 Safety Engineer Anthony Nosse 386.943.5334 [email protected] District 5 CTST Coordinator Barry Wall 904.943.5324 [email protected] Space Coast MPO Transportation/Bike-Ped-Trails Prgm Coordinator Barbara Meyer 321.690.6890 [email protected] Space Coast MPO Transportation/traffic safety education Kim Smith 321.690.6890 [email protected] Lake-Sumter MPO/Transportation Coordinator Michael Woods 352.315.0170 [email protected] Metroplan Orlando (MPO)/Bike-Ped Coordinator, Smart Growth Planner Mighk Wilson 407.481.5672x318 [email protected] City of Orlando Ped-Bike Coordinator Cristina Cruz 407.246.3347 [email protected] City of Orlando Bike Coordinator/Planner Charles Brown 407.246.3325 [email protected] Seminole County Public Works/Principal Engnr David Martin 407.665.5610 [email protected] Volusia County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Stephan Harris 386.226.0422x34 [email protected] District 6 District 6 Ped-Bike Coordinator Ken Jeffries 305.470.6736 [email protected] District 6 Safety Engineer 305.470.5722 District 6 CTST Coordinator Carlos Sarmiento 305.470.5335 [email protected] Miami-Dade County MPO David Henderson 305.375.1647 [email protected] Monroe County Planning Townsley Schwab 305.289.2506 [email protected] District 7 District 7 Ped-Bike Coordinator Lori Snively 813.975.6405 [email protected] District 7 Safety Engineer Peter Hsu 813.975.6251 [email protected] District 7 CTSP Coordinator Jeanette Rouse 813.975.6256 [email protected] City of Clearwater/Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator Felicia Leonard 727.562.4852 [email protected] Hernando County MPO Steve Diez 352.754.4057 [email protected] Hillsborough County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Gena Torres 813.273.3774x357 [email protected] Hillsborough County Public Works/Engrg Tech, bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Deborah Carreno 813.307.1852 [email protected] Hillsborough County Public Works/Manager, Bicycle, Ped & School Safety Prgms Gary Tait 813.307.1871 [email protected] City of Pinellas Park/Planning Ron Hull 727.541.0704 [email protected] Pinellas County MPO/Bike-Ped Coordinator Brian Smith 727.464.8200 [email protected] City of St. Petersburg Transportation & Parking/bicycle-pedestrian coordinator Cheryl Stacks 727.892.5328 [email protected] City of Tampa Public Works Jan Washington 813.274.8303 [email protected] City of Tampa/Parks & Rec Dept/Greenways & Trails Coordinator Karla Price 813.274.5134 [email protected] Fall 2011 13

Selected State-wide Contacts Here’s whom to call about your bicycle/pedestrian/transportation concerns. Go to www.floridabicycle.org/statecontacts.htm for the complete, up-to-date list. FDOT Districts AGENCY/FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY NAME TELEPHONE E-MAIL District 1 Cities: Bradenton, Fort Meyers, Naples, Other state & federal agency staff Sarasota Florida Traffic Safety Education Program/Director Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Dan Connaughton 352.392.4042x1296 [email protected] Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota FTBSEP assistant John Egberts 352.392.4042x1370 [email protected] District 2 Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, St. Augustine FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Jim Wood 850.245.2052 [email protected] Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, FDOE Student Transportation/Director St.Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union Charlie Hood 850.245.9924 [email protected] District 3 Florida Tech Transfer (T**2) Center/Co-directors Janet Degner, Nina Barker 352.392.2371x227 [email protected] Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, FHWA Fla Div Safety Engineer Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington Hussein Sharifpour 850.942.9650x3024 [email protected] Florida Pedestrian/Bicycling Safety resource Center District 4 Wanda Wilkerson 352.273-1680 [email protected] Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Stuart Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St Lucie Other organizations District 5 Bike Florida Hope Howland-Cook 352-224-8601 [email protected] Cities: Coco Beach, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melborne, Ocala, Orlando Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia Rails-to-Trails Florida Office Ken Bryan 850.942.2379 [email protected] District 6 District 7 Epilepsy Foundation (Ped-Bike Safety Resource project) Cities: Key West, Miami Cities: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa Susan Eddins 561.478.6515 [email protected] Counties: Miami-Dade, Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Monroe Pinellas

Strategic plan to guide FBA FBA’s Facebook page and share your needed funds to help improve the safety of thoughts and visions. our transportation network – improvements The Florida Bicycle Association faces that would benefit all road users. action continued from page 10 many challenges over the next five years. The Florida Bicycle Association’s Five Year 3. Review FBA’s Mission and Vision 8. Diversify the Board and Advisory Board These challenges include proposed changes Strategic Plan will help us meet those chal- Statements in state laws that could affect all Florida lenges. 9. Begin to implement governance changes bicyclists, reduced funding for bicyclist and 4. Set a schedule for next steps and com- and board recruitment strategies. motorist education programs, and desperately pletion of the strategic plan Based on post meeting evaluations, most 5. Identify a strategic plan format board members found the day’s sessions very helpful, and they set the stage well for the 6. Identify and engage other stakeholders next phase of actually putting all the pieces Bed, Breakfast & who are crucial to achieving the plan. These together as we work towards developing a include other organizations that have a vest- meaningful strategic plan for the next five Bike Florida ed interest in FBA’s success, such as state years. and local government, educational institu- However, this is not a one sided process – by Dale V. Lally, Jr. tions, the bike industry, and others. we want to hear from you, the FBA members. 7. Identify and analyze (cost-benefit anal- Where would you like to see FBA be in This informative guide describes several dozen won- ysis) the programs and services that FBA five years? If you have any thoughts you derful inns or B&Bs, with at least two rides originating offers to its members would like to share, please send me an e-mail from each inn or nearby. ([email protected]), or feel free to go to Accommodations are described down to the smallest nuance; rides are illustrated by handy maps and The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and detailed cue sheets. Bed, Breakfast & Bike Florida communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. features one circular route and five interconnected cross-Florida routes covering The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable areas from Pensacola in the panhandle to Key West in the southeastern part of purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal the state. Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, “Touring by B&B” is a great way to see more of Florida. FL 32791. To join FBA complete the form in this newsletter and send with your dues, or join online at An avid cyclist, Dale was a longtime member of the Broward County Bicycle www.floridabicycle.org. Advisory Committee and was an FBA advisory board member. He passed away in The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members mid-2004 while attending the Tour de France. and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. Bed, Breakfast & Bike Florida www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail: [email protected]; Phone: 850-238-5238 by Dale V. Lally Jr. Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. ISBN: 0-933855-24-9 The Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for rates and 208 pages, paperbound, $16.95 specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither in the Order from www.anacus.com/bb.html or Amazon.com best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Although we carefully review arti- cles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information or opinions con- Do you have a favorite B&B or inn you’ve encountered on a bicycle trip? tained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. Send us the details (or point us to a Web site) and we’ll feature it in the FBA Messenger. © 2011 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved. 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 contact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry, as noted in the article above. 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/.

October of St. Pete and due west of Tampa). $35 at Crystal River. Active.com Online Registration catered lunch, music, pre and post ride reg fee for metric century and 25-mil- www.gulfcoasteventstours.com/ massages will be available and a beer October 22 (Sat) Gainesville ers. Routes include coastal roads, sce- January garden at the conclusion of the ride to 19th Annual Nationwide Santa Fe nic areas and paved trails. Rest stops December celebrate your fund raising efforts. Century every 4-10 miles. SAG support and ride January 22 (Sun) Cape Coral Contact Elaine Fowler Ride Director at A tour through the lush forest and pas- marshals on the route. $20 registration December 5-9 Cross City The 21st Annual Tour de Cape 904.733.3560 for more information or ture land north of Gainesville up fee for 5-mile Family Fun Ride which Gulf Coast Highlight Tour Presented by the City of Cape Coral email at [email protected]. through the Santa Fe River valley. stays on a paved trail. Breakfast and Tour package consists of 5 days and Parks & Recreation Department offers a www.cff.org/Chapters/nfl/ Rides start at 8:30 am from the North lunch included. Fundraising prizes & four nights; cycling on Florida′s beauti- 5K run on Sat. Jan. 21, and on Sun. West Boys and Girls Club at 2700 NW awards. Great cause. We′re riding to ful Gulf Coast, other attractions include Jan. 22 there are four cycling courses March 24-30 Tallahassee 51st Street in Gainesville. Enjoy a 100 defeat ALS, which is also known as a visit to Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see that travel through the City of Cape Bike Florida Forgotten Coast Tour or a 55 mile road ride, or the 18 or 28 Lou Gehrig′s Disease. ALS Association the Mermaids perform at Weeki Coral, one of the largest cities in the A week-long tour of the Panhandle. mile Millhopper Ramble family fun Florida Chapter. 888-257-1717 x131. Watchee Springs, and see the Manatees state. The Tour de Cape offers a 15mi., See the ad and story on page 9. ride, with well stocked rest stops. [email protected]. http://floridaridetode- at Crystal River. 31mi, 62mi and 100mi. course. All www.bikeflorida.org http://gccfla.org/gcf/ featals.org. www.gulfcoasteventstours.com/ courses are manned with support teams and rest stations throughout. March 31 (Sat) Jacksonville October 22-23 Gainesville November 5-6 Miami December 9-11 Sebring Ride with Me for Autism 2012 Gainesville Cycling Festival Dolphins Cycling Challenge Highlands Bike Fest February Benefits those who struggle with Two centuries in two days! (Or enjoy A two-day tri-county charity cycling Co-hosted by the Highlands Pedalers Autism. Routes from advanced to the shorter options for a weekend of event coordinated by the Miami bicycle club and the historic, bike February 4 (Sat) Gainesville beginner: INTRODUCING The bicycle touring.) See details in the list- Dolphins Foundation to increase cancer friendly Kenilworth Lodge. Scenic, low Gainesville Brevet Series: 300 km Florida-Georgia Century, 62-mi, 29-mi, ings for the Santa Fe Century and awareness, encourage healthy hobbies, traffic country roads of Central Florida. Second in a series of four events 10-mi, and a fun ride for the family. Horse Farm Hundred. Full info is avail- and raise funds for the University of 57/37/20/12 miles on Friday; required to qualify for Super T-shirt, healthy breakfast and a hearty able on the web site, along with an Miami Sylvester Comprehensive 100/62/51/33/22 on Saturday and Randonneur. 190 miles. Jim Wilson lunch included in the registration fee. application. http://gccfla.org/gcf/ Cancer Center. Registration Packet Pick 62/51/33/20 on Sunday. Meals include (352)373-0023. See website for details, Awards for the largest team, top team Up available the week of October 31st continental breakfast, buffet lunches, rules, equipment advice, and recom- fundraisers and top individual fundrais- October 23 (Sun) Flemington at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens. and on Saturday an ice cream social. mended accommodations. er. Support and Gear “SAG” services, Horse Farm Tours http://www.ridedcc.org Afternoon activity options include http://gccfla.org/brevet/brevets.html mechanical assistance and motorcycle The Horse Farm Tours start in meeting friends, swimming pool, holi- escorts and a post ride celebration. Flemington on CR 329 (Interstate 75 November 6 (Sun) Dunnellon day shopping, winery, golf courses, rid- February 19 (Sun) Boca Raton www.ridewithmeforautism.org CR 318 exit). Registration will be open Boys & Girls Club/ Dwight Fitzgerald ing stables, kayak tours, Hammock Tour of Boca Active.com Online Registration till 9 am. If you want to start with a Memorial Ride State Park, Archibald Biological Sponsored by the Boca Raton Bike group, we′ll send you off at 8:30 am. Honors Dwight Fitzgerald, a local resi- Station, the Sebring International Club and the City of Boca Raton and April Otherwise, you can start whenever you dent, friend, family man, cyclist. Raceway. www.kenilworthlodge.com/ recreational services. A 15 mile, easy- wish. With 25/30/45 mile routes to Proceeds from this event will go to the packages/?id=35 paced, police escorted bicycle ride April 1 (Sun) Bradenton choose from, there should be a distance Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion County. beginning at Patch Reef Park, 2000 American Diabetes Association′s Tour to satisfy everyone in the family. The Start at Rainbow Springs Park, with December 9-12 White Springs NW 51st St/Yamato Rd. (just west of de Cure Lakewood Ranch terrain that you will encounter as you rides of 33, & 64 miles thru the hilly Secret Santa Open House & Cycling Military trail). Registration: 12:30PM; Several different cycling routes avail- wind through the horse farms is rolling. roads of western Marion & southern Weekend Road and off road riding Ride starts: 1:00 pm; Registration able. 100 Mile Century Check-In 6:30 If you are from the coast, it will be a Levy counties. 7:00 am check in, 8:00 The Suwannee Bicycle Association’s $2.00. Rest stop midway through the am Ride Start 7:30 am Rest Stop Closes different challenge than just riding over mass start. $30 entry fee includes memorable weekend of preholiday ride. Children must be at least 10 years 3:00 pm *12.5 mph min pace 62 Mile the odd canal bridge. But many of you breakfast snacks, lunch, & early regis- cycling activities and festivities at the old and must be accompanied by an Metric Century Check-In 7:30 am Ride will want to make frequent stops to trants will receive a ride t-shirt. Secret Santa Open House and Century adult if under 14. No baby seats. All Start 8:30 am Rest Stop Closes 3:00 pm take in the scenery, and perhaps have a Families are welcome to enjoy the park, Ride. Both on-road and off-road rides riders are required to wear helmets. A *9 mph min pace 35 Mile Ride Check- conversation with a horse. swim, canoe & kayak. Entries post- will be conducted each day. Secret limited number will be provided. For In 8:30 am Ride Start 9:30 am Rest http://gccfla.org/gcf/ marked by Oct 15 will be guaranteed a Santa Open House is scheduled to coin- those who are unable to complete the Stop Closes 3:00 pm *6 mph min pace t-shirt. Call Blue Run Bicycles in cide with White Springs Festival of ride we also supply a SAG wagon( sup- 10 Mile Fun Ride Check-In 9:30 am October 23 (Sun) Gainesville Dunnellon @ 352-465-7538 for more Lights and the Christmas Parade. port vehicle). For more information, Ride Start 10:30 am *4 mph min pace 31st Annual Horse Farm Hundred info. Register online www.bgcmc.org to Saturday evening share in a great pot- call Call 561 391 6109 or visit Register at http://diabetes.org/swflori- The Gainesville Cycling Club′s tour pay via Paypal. Entries may also be luck dinner and participate in the secret www.bocabikeclub.org/. datour Contact Melissa Brochu through the picturesque horse farms of mailed to Blue Run Bicycles, 11352 N santa gift exchange. 813.885.5007 x 3358 mbrochu@diabe- northern Marion County. The 102 mile Williams St., Suite 310, Dunnellon, FL. http://www.suwanneebike.org/ February 25 (Sat) North Port tes.org. ride (and a 55 mile option that doesn′t 34432. Please make checks payable to Piggy′s Revenge http://diabetes.org/swfloridatour get into horse farm territory) starts at “Boys & Girls Clubs of Marion December 9-11 Sebring A free race/ride consisting of 60+ miles Active.com Online Registration 8:30 am at Loften High School at 3000 County” www.bluerunbicycles.com/ Highlands Bike Fest of off-road goodness in Sarasota East University Avenue. Bagels and Get away from the pre-holiday bustle County Florida. The big loop will con- April 7-8 Various muffins will be available before the November 19-20 Clermont and enjoy a mini-vacation during the nect three wilderness areas in the south Gainesville Cycling Club Fleche start. http://gccfla.org/gcf/ Horrible Hundred cooler fall weather. The 14th Annual end of the county. details at http:// 360 Km in 24 hours. Teams converge 32nd Annual. November 20. Two days, “Highlands Bike Fest” co-hosted by the piggysrevenge2012.blogspot.com on common finish point for wild and October 29 (Sat) Palm Harbor three routes and seven mountains Highlands Pedalers bicycle club and the crazy finishing celebration at 6AM Purrfect Howleen Ride4theAnimals makes this year′s event another great historic, bike friendly Kenilworth March Easter morning. Benefits the Suncoast Animal League adventure. Join the Florida Lodge. Scenic, low traffic country http://gccfla.org/brevet/ Cyclists can choose from four distance Freewheelers in celebrating one of roads and friendly motorists of Central March 10 (Sat) The Villages routes 0/31/62/100 miles, leaving from Florida′s oldest continuous rides. Florida. 57/37/20/12 miles on Friday; We Ride For Kids April 14-15 Tallahassee the Suncoast Animal League in Palm Course options of 35/70/100 miles. 100/62/51/33/22 on Saturday and Ride The Villages for children Tour of Southern Rural Vistas Harbor going north to Brooksville with Enjoy quiet country roads and true 62/51/33/20 on Sunday. Meals include http://redsoxnation-villages.com/ 200 miles /200 km in two days. Now an optional Ghost Tour available Friday Southern hospitality while tackling continental breakfast, great buffet with a year of experience on the new night, Oct 28, in Brooksville. The ride Central Florida′s “mountains”. Early lunches, Saturday ice cream social. March 11 (Sun) Boca Raton upgraded route, TOSRV-South is better is an out and back and will end with a registration pick up and familiarization Afternoon activity options include: Tour of Boca than ever. Start: Tallahassee at the State grand celebration next to the animal rides on Saturday, November 19 will be meeting friends, swimming pool, holi- RESCHEDULED from March 13, 2011 Capitol. Improved destination location shelter. Original artwork will be pre- available. Cycling and Fitness Expo day shopping, winery, golf courses, rid- See February 19 listing for ride details. in Albany, social events planned for Sat sented to top fundraisers and century will run Saturday and Sunday, ing stables, kayak tours, Hammock For more information, call Call 561 391 evening. Gentle rural vistas with law riders will receive a commemorative November 19-20. See the latest bikes State Park, Archibald Biological 6109 or visit www.bocabikeclub.org/. enforcement assistance at both ends. event jersey. Cyclists will enjoy pre- and gear from major manufacturers. Station, the Sebring International Classic 2-day supported ride with the ride snacks and drinks, well stocked pit Start: Waterfront Park, Clermont, Raceway. www.kenilworthlodge.com/ March 18 (Sun) St. Augustine same great food and newly improved stops and the support of a SAG driver. Florida. For more information and packages/?id=35 Cystic Fibrosis Cycle for Life accommodations. Baggage transported. You will ride with Canada’s national online registration go to the website. Once again our ride festivities will Watch the Capital City Cyclists web Tri-Athlete, Sharon Ingle and hear her Registration opens mid August. December 10-11 Lakeland begin and end at Ring Power site for more details: www.cccyclists. inspiring story. Optional multi-day ride www.horrible-hundred.com/ 2011 Florida Senior Games Cycling Corporation located at 500 World org. We will have special surprises from St. Augustine available. www. State Championships Commerce Parkway in St. Augustine. commemorating the 30th annual cycle4dreams.com 2011 Florida Senior Games State We offer ride participants the choice of TOSRV. http://cccyclists.org/ Active.com Online Registration November 21-25 Cross City Championships, held December 10-11, 29, 65 and 100 mile route options - all Gulf Coast Highlight Tour 2011 in Lakeland, Florida. Athletes traversing through scenic St. John′s November Tour package consists of 5 days and 4 from AL, FL, GA, LA, MS and NC County on beautiful back country nights; cycling on Florida′s beautiful expected to attend. Florida residents roads. This tour is fully supported with November 5 (Sat) Largo Gulf Coast, other attractions include a must qualify at Local Senior Games in SAG vehicles, motorcycle escorts, Ride to Defeat ALS visit to Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see Florida. Competition for athletes 50+. HAM radio support, fully stocked rest 62/25/5 mile routes. Start and finish at the Mermaids perform at Weeki For more information, contact Kevin areas and a clearly defined route. Walsingham Park in Largo (just north Watchee Springs, and see the Manatees Bryan at 866-354-2637 or Participants will enjoy breakfast, a Fall 2011 15

Legislation updates may affect all bicyclists continued from page 1 could strip TE when Congress takes up the clists and pedestrians while distracted (e.g. bill again in March. texting). This is a factor in many collisions. Members and friends of FBA were instru- o Legislation that would repeal the mandato- mental in helping TE stay intact when it was ry bike lane law, which puts cyclists at great NO EXIT © ANDY SINGER in jeopardy at the end of September. Con- peril when bike lanes are poorly designed, gress received more than 50,000 e-mails and and/or too close to parked cars. letters in support of TE, so your support can and will make a difference. Please stay tuned o Removing restrictions on some bridges and to our e-mails, blogs, and Facebook page as limited access roadways. In some locations, The Life Cycle we monitor this legislation for any potential there are few, if any, reasonable alternatives. threats. When you see a “call to action,” Additionally, we will be on the defensive please consider getting involved: send an this year with some legislation that has not e-mail, or make a call to your elected offi- been formally introduced yet, but could be. cials in support of keeping TE in the For example, in the waning weeks of the Transportation Bill! legislative session last year, there was legislation introduced that would have dramatically State Legislation changed the definition of a “bicycle” in the We are getting ready for the 2012 Florida State of Florida, thereby putting bicyclists in legislative session, especially since it will be peril at many levels. starting sooner than usual due to redistricting. We will endeavor to keep FBA members FBA will continue with most of the legisla- and all cyclists in Florida apprised of any tive platform we pursued last year, including, changes, or proposed changes in legislation but not limited to, the following: that could compromise our ability to ride o Legislation that would increase penalties safely and effectively throughout our great for motorists who cause collisions with bicy- state.

Anti-harassment law goes into effect in LA Compiled from multiple sources City of Los Angeles ordinance “Los Angeles Ordinance No. 181817”) considered by some as the tough- allows cyclists to sue in civil court drivers est in the nation went into effect who threaten cyclists verbally or physically September 5. harm or endanger riders. City Councilman Bill Detractors lean on the Constitution’s Rosendahl, who sponsored the Freedom of Speech Amendment in defending ordinance, acknowledged that it was “...not a a motorist’s right to verbally abuse a bicy- cure, but...a crucial step in returning our clist. streets to all users, and not just automobiles.” The ordinance does not, however, specifi- City Council unanimously passed the ordi- cally outlaw verbal abuse, only activities such nance back in July. Violators are liable for as physical assault, intentional distraction, treble damages, starting at $1,000, plus attor- attempt to force a cyclist off the road, or ney fees and court costs. imply injury or threat of injury. Punitive damages, where warranted, are also possible. The law, formally known as Chapter IV, continued on page 16 Article 5.10 of LA’s Municipal Code (a.k.a.

Add your voice Name: E-mail: for the future Address: of bicycling City: County: State: Zip: in Florida. Tel (H) (W) Bike Club Affiliation(s): Member Category: ❑ $15/student/living lightly ❑ $25/individual ❑ $35/household ❑ $100/club/corporate/agency Ride Preferences: ❑ On-road ❑ Off-road ❑ Touring ❑ Racing ❑ Commuting JOIN FBA I have taken a Traffic Skills 101 or Road I (formerly Effective Cycling) class ❑ Ye s ❑ No; Approximate year taken: I am a League cycling Instructor (LCI) ❑ Ye s ❑ No May we contact you about volunteer opportunities? ❑ Ye s ❑ No TODAY List any special skills or interests: Charge my ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard Membership includes the FBA Messenger! Card No: Expires: Please make checks payable and mail to: Signature: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Fall 2011

LA harassment law other civil rights laws – racial discrimination, Certain types of harassment are already on o Intentional forcing or attempt to force employment discrimination are examples – the books as criminal behavior. This law bicyclist off the road. continued from page 15 enacted to protect a class of people whose does not prevent criminal liability in addi- Contrary to complaints from critics, the It is too soon to tell whether calling a care- rights have been “historically violated and tion to the civil remedies. new law, according to attorneys, is not a free less cyclist a “#@%*!! moron!” is consid- very infrequently enforced.” Here are the categories of behavior the pass to the courtroom. ered by the courts to be distracting. The “Cyclist Anti-harassment Law...is law specifically addresses: Cyclists still need to show good cause, plus “Most retarded law ever. It’s a step too far,” novel in its application to cyclists who the o Physical assault or attempt to assault plenty of the usual backup – witness state- wrote Dennis Romero, a blogger for the LA Legislature has recognized are legitimate o Threat of physical injury ments, evidence of damage or injury, license Weekly’s Crazytown blog. road users whose responsible transportation o Intentional injury or attempt to injure, numbers, vehicle description and other such “What we really need in Los Angeles is choice should be encouraged – but are in threat of injury by words, vehicle or other information normally required to present a another reason to sue people,” wrote Romero. need of additional protections because they object winning case. But the new ordinance, according to LA are more vulnerable...” explains Hirsch, writ- o Intentional distraction or attempt to dis- bicycling attorney Ross Hirsch, is similar to ing on http://la.streetsblog.org for Sept. 27. tract Show ‘em where you’d rather be

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Sometimes ya gotta drive. But you don’t have to be happy about it. You’ve got an attitude and you might as well share it. So while you’re sharing the road, share the message as well. Get or renew your Share the Road plate. It’s a cheap, and friendly, way to share your attitude on a daily basis.

Bike Florida and FBA share in promotion of and proceeds from sale of Share the Road specialty license plates. Income from the plates is earmarked specifically for Show your your FBA colors proudly and help promote the new 3-ft law and the education and awareness programs for bicycle and motorist safety. Share the Road license plate campaign. Supply limited. Order online today! Get your own Share the Road license plate at your county motor vehicle registration www.floridabicycle.org 850-238-5328 office. For a list of county offices, go to www.dmvflorida.org/dmv-offices.shtml.

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.