Vol. 16, No. 1 Winter 2013 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Where My Bike Takes Me... Cyclists to catch a ride on the Bike Florida ‘Orange Blossom Express’

ecky Afonso’s trusty Schwinn “mule” is on the roads and trails again, this time at the Lake Kissimmee State Park “Florida Cow Camp.” Becky, who serves as ride director for the 2013 Bike Florida ride, took the photo during a recon for the Orange Blossom Express tour slated for March 23 through 29, 2013. Riders have an opportunity to visit the 1870s cow camp on the third stop on the 7-day tour, a layover in Lake Wales. See page 7 for more details. Or don’t take our word for it. Go to the Web site: www.bikeflorida.org.

In an occasional feature for the FBA Messenger, “Where My Bike Takes Me” highlights FBA members and staff doing stuff you like to do on your bike. If you have a high quality, high resolution photo you’d like to see published in full, living color (well anyway, the best we can do with our newsprint budget) send it to FBA Director Tim Bustos. PAID

Mid-FL, FL Permit #475 Permit U.S. Postage U.S. NONPROFIT ORG NONPROFIT P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 Box 916715, Longwood, P.O. Photo: Becky Afonso Becky Photo:

ADVOCATING A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY FLORIDA 2 Florida Bicycle Association

Time to change the ‘frame’ of the debate... We all are drivers 2012 Leadership Workshop by Dan Moser, FBA Program Director by J. Steele Olmstead, Esq.

was at the SWFBUD (South West 316.130(15), 316.2065(1), 316.2065(9); FBA’s annual Florida Bicycle Club focuses on representing cyclists involved Florida Bicycle United Dealers) and 4. “operating”: 316 .072(1), Leadership Workshop returned to in crashes. “Bicycle Bash” in Tampa in 316.091(4), 316.2065(5)(a), (5)(b), (6). Clermont November 17 after having Chris’s presentation covered liability November and had a lot of people A review of the popular literature for taken a year off in 2011. Over twenty issues clubs need to be aware of and pre- interested in how we can improve cyclists (Bicycling, Outside, Cycling club representatives, as well as all of pared for, a topic of which he has plenty our status on the roads from a legal World), almost uniformly presents the FBA’s and Bike Florida’s staff were in of firsthand experience. By citing many standpoint. cyclist as a “rider” of his vehicle. Not attendance the day before the very popu- examples and actual scenarios, he pro- Our problem as serious cyclists who good. lar and challenging Horrible Hundred. vided club leaders with invaluable infor- want the laws in our favor enforced is You may think, “Steele, wait, what’s Tim Bustos opened the workshop by mation that could serve to protect their that the motoring public cannot differen- wrong with saying I’m ‘riding’? Is this providing some insight into what FBA is organizations and individual members, tiate between us, who are using the road bad? “ My reply is, “Who else ‘rides’ doing for our member clubs, as well as including officers, directors, and even exactly as motorists are, and children. their vehicle?” for cyclists in general. I gave an update ride leaders. Based on the comments We share in common with children the Well, kids, children do. They ride their of the CyclingSavvy bicycle education and questions during and after Chris’s same machines and the same activity-to scooters, ride their Big Wheels, ride their program, Becky Afonso announced Bike presentation, there is little doubt in my wit- “riding” our bicycles. Unfortunately skateboards, ride their tricycles, and ride Florida’s 2013 “Orange Blossom mind that those in attendance were glad it is not the same. There are laws which their training wheel bikes. Riding is what Express” tour, and Ken Foster gave a to have made the effort to take part. put us on equal legal footing with motor kids do. rundown of “Share the Road” license Chris is also interested in hearing of vehicles and protect our adult cycling Furthermore, “you know how kids plate marketing and education activities. your experiences with law enforcement, activity. are.” A kid is “unpredictable, irresponsi- However, the featured presenter was insurance companies and agencies you It would appear we need to “reframe” ble, risk-taking, foolish, they are just Chris Burns, a long time FBA member may do business with or are looking the discussion. George Lakeoff, the bril- crazy kids.” and Jacksonville attorney whose practice into, crash outcomes, and other input liant behavioral linguist, shows that And kids don’t have any rights, they continued on page 4 debates are won by the side that don’t vote, they are non-citizens, their “frames” the language of the debate. parents are responsible for them, and need to watch out for cars. They’re And you don’t hit a driver a vehicle of Think “embryonic stem” cells (scientifi- they are just “a bother on the roads.” crazy.” This idea carries over to the adult without some serious consequences. So, cally superfluous) and “tax The motoring public believes: “We are cyclist whether it’s a cancer researcher too, should it be for human powered relief”(where’s the pain?). cars. The parents of those kids have or a veterinarian, distinguished retired vehicles. In my jury trials, very often the winner taught them to ‘look out for cars’ right? Navy commander, Navy fighter pilot, We need to start calling what we do is the one whose words/phrases frame Well, get out of our way.” photographer, entrepreneur, or trial law- drive. We drive our vehicles too. We the facts and makes the most heads nod So what does the general motoring yer. They are all riding their vehicles, so drive and we have the same rights as or gives the most memorable phrases. Re public think adult cyclists do on their they have to “look out for cars.” Right? other drivers. framing applies to any public image. human powered vehicles costing several The challenge we have is to differenti- You don’t hit us without some serious Think of the groups who’ve changed hundred dollars, even thousands? Why, ate ourselves from the “unpredictable, consequences. We are not kids: We their entire labels: “Negroes’ to “African they “ride” those too. irresponsible, risk-taking, damned-fool- DRIVE. When we start referring to our- Americans,” “homosexuals” to “gay,” Say, they are doing the same thing as ish, crazy kids” and get the same rights selves as drivers of our vehicles, we “atheists” to “Brights.” those kids on those bicycles! Ladies and of other vehicles. establish that we drivers get the same This is similar to the marketing con- gentlemen, you don’t have to make a How? It would appear the way to do rights as other vehicles. cept of “re-branding.” We cyclists need huge cognitive leap to understand how that is reframe what we do. We are not By reframing this discussion it appears to do the same. It’s time to change “the this is perceived: all bicyclists are kids, kids, so we do not “ride” vehicles on the we may take control of the debate and frame.” It’s time for us as cyclists to they should look out for cars. road. We “drive” our vehicles on the make the public aware of our real legal claim our rights by reframing what we When your typical motorist, who road. Just one word substituted: drive. status, get our rights and stop getting hit. do. hasn’t driven a bicycle since they were We must recognize our rights are tied What do you think? Florida statutes do not help us. fourteen, sees a 45-year-old cyclist, the up in reframing using the word “drive.” Anybody want to go for a bicycle Bicycles or human-powered vehicles do cyclist is viewed the same as those Cars drive, trucks drive, motor vehicles drive? many things under Florida Statutes “unpredictable, irresponsible, risk-tak- drive. Chapter 316, the traffic statutes. ing, foolish, crazy kids riding on the A driver of a vehicle is entitled to right Attorney J. Steele Olmstead practices A quick review has us: 1. “driving” road.” of way and to be passed with a safe law state-wide from offices in Tampa. 316.1995(1); 2. “Riding”: 316.151(1)(b) It’s the same with the law enforcement clearance. A driver of a vehicle must be One of his specialties is bicycle law and and (c), 316.2065(2), (3)(b), (3)(c),(3) officers I speak with. “What the heck are given the same road rights as other driv- he’ll even come to you...wherever you (d), (3)(e),(4); 3. “propelling”: they doing on a bicycle in traffic? They ers. got broken. Winter 2013 3

Thanks to Our Donors! 2nd Q 2012: City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! Lifetime members Advocating a Jacksonville Mighk and Carol Wilson Orange Park Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal bicycle-friendly Florida James Nash Duke Breitenbach P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Kimberly Cooper Dr. Joe Warren Executive Director Membership Director Program Director DeLand William R. Hough Tim Bustos Deb Devoe Dan Moser Orlando Earle and Laura Reynolds 336 N Woodland Blvd. 2738 Gables Dr. 1449 Linhart Ave. Deland, FL 32720 Eustis, FL 32726 Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Phone: 850-238-5328 [email protected] Phone/Fax: [email protected] 239-334-6417 [email protected] Golden Gears ($250 - $499) Port Charlotte Board of Directors Operations Manager Ft Myers Orange Cycle Laura Hallam Mighk Wilson, President Earl Lang, Treasurer 20420 NE 132nd Ave. Naples 737 S. Mills Ave. 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Waldo FL 32694 Orlando, FL 32801 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Phone: 407-399-9961 Phone: 407-488-9990 Phone: 941-258-3400 Silver Spokes ($100 - $249) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Stephen Steck Retro City Cycles Jodi Hohlstein, Vice President Michelle Avola Reese Ocala Mountain Bike Gary Smigiel 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle 300 Fifth Ave., Ste. 101 Association Champion Cycling & Orange Park, FL 32065 Box 464 Chapters & Affiliates Capitol City Cyclists Fitness Phone: 904-282-2180 Naples FL 34102 Dave Fletcher & Leo Space Coast Velo [email protected] Phone: 239-810-5949 First Coast Chapter Director Bike/Walk Central Fla., Inc. Ramos Sport [email protected] Jeff Hohlstein, Director Hal Downing, Chair Ted Wendler, Secretary Dwight Kingsbury Edward Reid Jacksonville Winter Park 716 Ohio Ave. Hope Howland-Cook Jon and Betsy The Racer’s Edge Phone: 904-291-8664 Phone: 407-960-5927 DeLand, FL 32724 10245 Winding Creek Lane Hughes, Track Fantasy of Flight [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 386-235-0057 Orlando, FL 32825 Shack Acme Bicycle Shop [email protected] (352)514-0652 [email protected] Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99) Advisory Board Theodore and Wendy Steven and Paula Isaksen Fee Becky Afonso David Henderson Bianca Pyko Charles Hofacker Tom Hoffman [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] and Linda Vaughn Jim Freeman and Don Braverman Herb Hiller, Journalist Louis Rossi Lalloux Health Carla Jimenez [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Center, inc. Ed and Sharon Randall & Valerie Hannon Keri Caffrey, Webmaster Dwight Kingsbury, Historian Tina Russo Williams Stuart Lilie [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] David and Carol Ken and Kate Paul Casazza, Law Enforcement Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special Programs Robert Seidler, Filmmaker Warren Gooderham [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Jeffrey and Lee Raphael Clemente Jessica Meurer John Sinibaldi, Jr Horowitz [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dan Connaughton, Director, Florida Traffic & Laura Minns Stephanie Striefel Welcome New/Rejoining Members! Bicycle Safety Education Program [email protected] [email protected] Rick Alberts Gerald and Susan [email protected] Danny Page Lisa Walker, Public Affairs Joshua Starnes Rexer Steve Diez [email protected] [email protected] Wendy Wiggs Lisa Elwell [email protected] Roger Pierce, Touring Calendar Randall Williams, Newsletter Jeremy Coffey Stuart Lilie Hal Downing [email protected] [email protected] Justine Viera Richard Knight [email protected] Carol Pulley Greg Gray William and Marian [email protected] Mark Kiester Pomeroy Carol Pulley Stephen Finn Anne Kruimer Charles and Missie Join FBA Visit FBA’s Website Messenger Deadlines Maureen Boyd Fox Debra Page James and Marica Use the application form on page www.floridabicycle.org Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Alberto and Ilaria Kehl Summer Messenger - May 15 15. Suggested contributions (tax Riva Gregory Bakeman Fall Messenger - August 15 deductible): George Meidhof Subscribe to FBA Winter Messenger - November 15 David Zeman News, and FBA Blog Spring Messenger - February 15 Individual $25 Johan Van Tol Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues Larry and Deborah Family $35 Inquiries and submissions: with these statewide forums. Wilbur Student/living lightly $15 tim@floridabicycle org Jack and Judy Bicycle Club $100 To subscribe to Florida Bicycle Logomarsino Corporate/Agency $100 Association's FBAlink, go to FBA’s Membership Categories: Jeffrey and Lee Higher donations are greatly appre- home page at the website URL listed Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Horowitz ciated! See membership categories here and click on the “Sign up for Titanium Partners ($500-$999) Dianne Franz at right. FBA News Updates by E-Mail” link. Chuck Wilson Golden Gears ($250-$499) Laura Wright and Make check payable and mail to: FBA's Blog is on the website Silver Spokes ($100-$249) Paul Coia George Mazur Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. Bronze Pedals ($50-$99) P.O. Box 916715 www.floridabicycle.org Kevin J Pryor Membership includes a subscrip- Longwood, FL 32791-6715 or join online at floridabicycle.org. tion to the FBA Messenger. 4 Florida Bicycle Association

President’s message... I can dream, can’t I?

Mighk Wilson

t is my pleasure to return to the o What if ... bicyclists were broadly seen to be as normal and reasonable as o What if … position of board president of considered to be the best trained, most can be? cargo bikes were Florida Bicycle Association. polite, and predictable of road users? o What if … good quality bike park- as common as David Henderson did a superb o What if ... all group rides were ing was available wherever it was need- pick-up trucks? job, and if you see him, be sure to managed so that everyone enjoyed hav- ed? thank him for guiding our organization o What if … Florida Bicycle ing them come through their communi- o What if ... there were connections Association had 100,000 members? through an interesting and challenging ties? time. between cul de sacs and walled commu- o What if … every Florida high Those of who’ve read my blog posts, o What if … all children in Florida nities so cyclists and pedestrians didn’t school had a bike racing team and a articles and previous president’s columns received comprehensive training on how have to travel on fast, noisy, busy arteri- social cycling club? know I’m not one to follow the latest to walk and bike safely? als, and we could instead travel mostly o What if … every major city in fads, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have on shady, quiet neighborhood streets? o What if … people walking on side- Florida had a Trips for Kids mountain some dreams of what could be. walks didn’t have to worry about being o What if … Florida Bicycle bike program? But rather than dreams of elevated buzzed by cyclists? Association expanded its mission to bikeways or the latest tech wizardry, o What if … one could make a com- o What if … all drivers kept their include the interests of pedestrians and mine tend to focus on how we might — fortable living solely by teaching cyclists attention on their driving, rather than on drivers of electric bicycles? as the oft-repeated Ghandian cliché goes how to be safe and confident road users? their gadgets? o What if … people from around the — be the change we wish to see in the world came to Florida to ride bikes o What if … Floridians were known world. o What if … a bicyclist driving confi- through our country-side and along our far and wide as the best cyclists in the So I’d like to start off with a list of dently and legally on a busy arterial was coasts rather than visit the theme parks? U.S., or maybe even the world? What Ifs...

BWCF* walks the talk in Central Florida by Brad Kuhn *Bike/Walk Central Florida

hat a difference six Education and Research in Safety, the The initiative has been embraced by Park Health months can make. Late organization that designed the program. both Orlando Police Department and the Foundation and its last May we launched The “Triple E” initiative combines Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and Healthy Central Best Foot Forward for low-cost engineering (signs and lines) received resolutions of support from Florida program, Pedestrian Safety as a com- with education and high-visibility Orange County, The City of Orlando, the Level One munitywide coalition to reduce pedestri- enforcement to act as a cultural catalyst, Winter Park, Maitland, Winter Garden, Trauma Center at an deaths and injuries. targeting behavior change by both driv- Eatonville, Windermere and Apopka. Orlando Health, Then, when a pedestrian stepped off ers and pedestrians, to get the Orlando- In education, we have partnered with Orange County Neighborhood the curb at an unsignalized crosswalk in Kissimmee MSA off the top of WalkSafe, a Sunshine State Standards Preservation and Revitalization Division, Orlando, only about one in 20 cars Transportation For America’s list of compliant curriculum developed by the Lynx, Lighthouse of Central Florida, The would stop – even on streets with speeds most dangerous communities for pedes- Miller School of Health at the (Orlando) Mayor’s Commission on posted 35 miles per hour or less. trians. University of Miami, and currently in Aging, AARP, the International Drive Now about one in three cars will stop. Best Foot Forward has garnered exten- use in Miami-Dade Schools. Improvement District and others. It is too soon to say how that has sive positive media coverage, and a Orange County Public Schools has This is an ongoing initiative with a translated vis a vis pedestrian deaths and groundswell of public support. approved the curriculum for classrooms goal of reducing pedestrian deaths and injuries, but it is right on projection, and An online reader poll conducted by the in Orange County. To date, 59 teachers injuries by 50 percent over the next five close to the “tipping point” for culture Orlando Sentinel, found that 80 percent have downloaded the curriculum. years. For more information, please visit change, according to the Center for of respondents supported ticketing driv- The coalition touches all aspects of the program website at ers for failing to yield to pedestrians. our community – including the Winter www.iyield4peds.org.

Leadership workshop continued from page 2 related to your rights as cyclists. You come your input for topics you’d like to can visit his Facebook page (www.face- see included. Just use our “Contact book.com/BicycleAccidentAttorney) for FBA” feature on our website or feel free contact and other useful information. to send them directly to me at dan@flor- This leadership workshop has been a idabicycle.org. It is our goal to have cooperative effort between FBA and the representatives from all Florida bicycle Florida Freewheelers since 2009 when clubs. Was your club represented? If they invited FBA to host the workshop in not, please help spread the word. conjunction with their premiere bike ride 2012 Participating Clubs & of varying distances but most notably its Organizations: Horrible Hundred. Plans are underway Bike Florida for next year, so mark your calendar for Boca Raton Bicycle Club the third Saturday of November Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club Florida Freewheelers Sumter Landing Bicycle Club (11/16/13). Daytona Beach Bicycle Club North Florida Bicycle Club Terrell Hogan Law Firm We appreciate the opportunity to offer Gainesville Cycling Club Peace River Riders Treasure Coast Cycling Association our member clubs this resource and wel- Highlands Pedalers Seidler Productions Winter 2013 5

Executive Director’s corner... Distracted driving: a threat to cycling as we know it Tim Bustos he Florida Bicycle My greatest concern now is a skinny Let’s face it – nearly all of us have Century, and Association has been very teenager texting “…not much – U?” done it at one time or another. I know I we’ve got to be busy this last quarter! There Too many people have been killed or have. I’ve always known it was danger- part of the solu- have been many positive hap- seriously injured in less time than it ous – I’ve seen the crash reports, and tion. penings and events in our great takes to text the above message. studied the research, so I kidded myself You say you’ve state that bode well for cycling. At the speed most people drive on by doing it the “safe way” – I used a never used a cell phone or text while However, I recently went to a very urban arterials and rural highways, you hands free (e.g. blue tooth) device. driving? Awesome! You’re one of the important conference that reinforced can travel the length of a football field. However, all of the modern research few, but there are other things you can many things I already knew, yet still pro- And those highly trained commercial indicates that hand held or hands free – do to make our roads safer. vided new information I think is very drivers? it’s all the same. It still affects cogni- The next time you call someone, and important to share. They’ve become a threat once more… tion. you realize they’re driving, please ask What I’m talking about is “distracted One of many horror stories related at Drivers on the phone – even good ones them if they can call you back when driving,” and just for this issue of the the conference – by the victims them- like you and me, – tend to brake too late they’re not driving. Messenger, I would like to focus on this selves – or the surviving family mem- and too hard if there is a problem. They And trust me – most people won’t one issue alone, so please humor me. bers, involved commercial drivers. over react and over steer if they have to think it’s sanctimonious or preachy. I’ve It’s very important for cyclists of all There was the case of the semi tractor avoid collisions – frequently leading to been doing it for years, and most people stripes. trailer that slammed into the back of a roll-overs. thank me for thinking of their safety. Distracted driving is the single greatest school bus – which then exploded – sim- And don’t get me started on texting. In closing, please allow me to remind threat to our happiness and well being ply because manipulating his cell phone One trucking company installed cameras our readers that, mile for mile, bicycling on our roadways – for all road users. was the most important thing in the in the cab of their trucks, and found that is still one of the safest modes of trans- It’s a hazard for those of us driving cars, world for the 3 – 4 seconds he took his in nearly every crash their drivers had portation out there (research has shown trucks, and SUVs, but as vulnerable road eyes off the road. over the period of several months – they that basketball sends more people to users, cyclists, pedestrians - and motor- However, as humans, we have a ten- had been texting immediately prior to a emergency rooms each year). cycles – have the most to lose. dency to compartmentalize things in crash. We here at FBA strive to make it even When I first started cycling decades terms of “us and them,” but in this case, We all tell ourselves “I’m smarter,” more attractive and safer. We’ve devel- ago (we won’t say how many), my big- that’s not necessary applicable. “I’m a better driver,” “I use a hands a oped very popular and successful educa- gest fear on the roadway was getting What I’m referring to are all the expe- free device,” but sadly, it doesn’t make tional programs such as “CyclingSavvy.” slam dunked by a cement truck. rienced cyclists I know that would be any difference. We contribute to the design and review Don’t ask me why, but they are very horrified to think the driver coming up One woman at this conference related of safer and more effective infrastructure big, very heavy, and they sit so high off behind them on a narrow two lane road how her mother was run over by a driver for bicyclists, and we also lobby the the road, I always wondered if the driv- is messaging his or her lunch order to a that “never hit the brakes, and never tried Florida legislature for traffic laws that ers could even see me! fast food restaurant while barreling down to avoid hitting her mother,” because the benefit all road users. However, over time, as I spent more the road at 55MPH! driver was talking on the phone. However, we can and must do what we and more time on the road, and got more However, I know many of these same She said the driver “wasn’t texting, can do so stop the epidemic and cata- experienced as a “roadie,” my fears sub- cyclists that do it themselves. wasn’t reaching for her phone – she was strophic habit of distracted driving. sided. Recent surveys indicate that 80 – 90 just talking on the phone…” For more information about the Florida Besides, as I moved into traffic safety percent of all drivers know that texting Too preachy? Perhaps, but texting and Distracted Summit, please go here: in my professional career, I learned that or talking on the cell phone is danger- talking on the phone is the single great- http://fastlane.dot.gov/2012/11/florida- commercial drivers are the most highly ous, they’d like to see it regulated, but est threat to traffic safety in the 21st distracted-driving-summit-has-a-clear- trained drivers on the road. they don’t want it to apply to them. safety-goal.html#.UKWmXYXkI64

Some Online Resources Have you a subscription to the Share the Road the questions and answers in the FBA Messenger, but Newsletter? It’s filled with information about bicycling there are many more on the site. events, people and places (including great trail maps for off road cycling). sign up at www.bikeflorida.org. Can’t get enough of Keri? Go to her Website/blog at http://CommuteOrlando.com. Lots of great information If you are an Adventure Cyclist, check out the ad- on “Bicycling in the Real World.” venturecycling.org newsletter, Bike Bits. To subscribe, visit: http://www.adventurecycling.org/bikebits/sub- And don’t leave your computer without a visit to (I scribe.cfm and read their blog at http://blog.adventu- know it’s another Central Florida site...sorry) the Or- recycling.org lando Sentinel’s own cycling blog, The Chain Gang. FBA board president Mighk Wilson blogs regularly http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_thechaingang at www.mighkwilson.com. His well-researched, Sign up for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy philosophical essays will get you thinking on a higher eNewsletter at http://support.railstotrails.org/site/ plane. PageServer?pagename=rtn_registration to keep on Don’t forget to check out our Cycling Savvy guru, top of advocacy, trail conversions and more. Keri Caffrey’s favorite site, http://cyclingsavvy.org. Florida Cycling Magazine, a semi-monthly digital There you’ll find a pannier-load of stories about “em- magazine dedicated to promoting Florida cycling and powerment for unlimited travel.” FBA’s own little pro- focusing on racing, can be found at www.floridarac- gram is so popular it’s spreading across the country. ingmagazine.com. Sign up for the e-mail. Have you taken your class yet? A man of many talents, FBA Executive You’ve certainly run across many more. The list is virtually end- Director Tim Bustos practices his dis- For information about Florida’s bicycle laws, go to less. These few offer a variety of subject matter, just to get you tracting drivers techniques at Bike Bash http://.Flbikelaw.org. Read through the archives, or started. 2012. Hey, ED, where’s that helmet? ask your own burning question. We reprint some of 6 Florida Bicycle Association

Gears 102 ... Get max performance from your legs and gears and save $$s Jeff Hohlstein, CSI, Chapter Director ADENCE IS THE es cadence, more blood is pumped to the CROSS-CHAINING IS HARD ON accelerates wear on both the chain and FLYWHEEL OF YOUR legs, improving endurance. 90 rpm is YOU AND YOUR BIKE gears. Like a car, regardless of your POWERTRAIN! ideal through both acceleration and Cross-chaining at its worst is where the cruising speed, it’s best to down shift as When I was first riding, I cruise. chain goes from the large (outside) chain you come to a stop so that you start found that I got to the highest I once coached a woman who thought ring to the large (inside) cog, or vice again on the mid crank ring and cassette gear combination by 15 mph. I she had hit the wall at 39 miles into versa, as shown in Figure 1. Either way, gear #1 or #2. went into the bike shop and said, “I making it to the 43 mile end point. I did it puts tremendous side force on the SO WHAT IS THE IDEAL SPEED TO need a bigger crank ring because I’m it by coaxing her up from her habitual 45 chain. The following link clearly illus- SHIFT FROM THE MID TO THE running out of gears.” rpm cadence to about 70, coaching her trates the problem. http://www.youtube. LARGE FRONT RING? The shop representative looked at my down through the necessary gears to get com/watch?v=24vfX2PtSMM . The ideal point depends on your gearing bike and said, “I’ll sell you a bigger there. Rule #1 for performance: Shift up If you are fully cross-chained when and cadence. On the middle front crank crank ring if you wish, but your prob- or down, however, is necessary to main- you start, you are putting maximum ring, I run out of rear gears, fully cross- lem is you’re not peddling fast enough. chained at 21 mph. You need to pick up your cadence.” By shifting to the large ring, I could Cadence is the number of pedal pedal to above 30 mph if I were strong strokes of one leg that the rider com- enough. pletes in a measure of time (normally When you shift to the large ring, you measured in rpms). typically have to downshift the cassette Unlike automobiles, whose engines 2-3 gears to maintain the same speed can develop a great amount of torque and cadence. (power) at low rpm, humans need high On the middle ring I start mild cross- centrifugal pedal torque to generate chaining at about 17 mph. So if I’m power. tain your cadence. force on the drive train as you acceler- going to dash up to 20 for a short burst I The League of American Bicyclists If you don’t have a cadence meter on ate, increasing the wear on both your won’t bother shifting to the big front recommends a cadence rate of 75-95 your bike, you can get your cadence by equipment and your legs. crank. rpm, regardless of one’s bicycle speed. counting the number of cycles one leg Conversely, the cyclist who fails to If I intend to dash above 20 or cruise at A cadence below 75 makes the knees completes in 15 seconds and multiplying shift the crank up to the large ring for or above 17, I shift to the big ring. Once use more brute muscle power and is by four. For instance, a 90 cadence is high speed will cross-chain in the oppo- you start even mild cross-chaining at more fatiguing on long rides. 22.5 and an 80 cadence is 20. It might be site direction. cruise speed, if you’re alert to it, you can Over time a slow cadence can be dam- difficult to get to 90 initially but keep Extended riding in this configuration feel the drag. aging to the knees. As the rider increas- working at it and your legs will adapt. is less efficient due to chain drag and Please see Spinning, page 8

Naples bike and brunch promises fun, food and friends ooking for a ride that offers option to extend your mileage. The breathtaking scenery for your 62-mile and 100-mile options include visual palette and delicious some of the Olde Naples charm but will freshly made treats from local extend into eastern Collier County for cafes along the way, ending at the opportunity to extend into the heart the beach with a sizzling buffet rate zone of your choice. amidst towering palms and a gentle Join Iron Joe Bonness if you want to breeze? really bump the ante. Enjoy sumptuous Mark your calendar for Sunday, home-made treats from some of Naples’ January 27 – the ride that offers it all for finest local cafes at conveniently located any fitness level: The 7th Annual Moe’s rest stops along the way. Bike Brunch & C.A.N. Walk in beautiful When you return you can stretch out Naples! under the shade of a palm tree, soak up Enjoy piping hot coffee and continen- some sun, splash in the waves, or maybe tal breakfast at Lowdermilk Beach Park join a game of beach volleyball! (We’ll while gazing at the rolling waves and even be hosting a hula hoop contest at diving pelicans. noon!) Then choose the ride that’s right for Moe’s Southwest Grill will provide an you. There are 10-mile, 20-mile, array of delicious lunch options. Enjoy 30-mile, metric century (62-mile) and your fill, and hey, you’ve earned it – go full century (100-mile) routes. back for seconds! Stay for live music, The 10 and 20-mile routes take you silent auction, raffles and contests. through the exquisite neighborhoods of The Pedaling for Pathways Bike Olde Naples. Brunch is brought to you by Naples Catering to families, children and Pathways Coalition (NPC). newer riders, the Naples Police extends Proceeds will benefit NPC and the its support by riding along on these Cancer Alliance of Naples, devoted to routes. helping local individuals and families The 30-mile ride remains in Olde who have been touched by cancer by Naples but extends to its outer limits providing financial aid, support, educa- offering a peaceful yet challenging tion and information resources. Winter 2013 7

Bike Florida 2013... Hop aboard the ‘Orange Blossom Express’ March 23-29

lanes, trains and bicycles! All aboard for the 2013 Bike Florida Orange Blossom Express! The 2013 Orange Blossom Express spring tour offers a 2-Day Weekend Getaway in Lakeland or a 7-Day Tour with additional stops in Clermont and Lake Wales.

First Stop: Lakeland (2-Day and 7-Day Tours) Spend two days (Saturday and Sunday) touring in and around the City of Swans – Lakeland! Rich in history and the newest recipi- ent of League of American Bicyclists Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community, Lakeland is ready to wel- come our riders with friendly and fasci- nating places and people. Our overnight facility, Sun ’n Fun aviation complex, sits between the sparkle of downtown lakes and the still of Florida orange grove farmland. Set your own pace to explore with route options from 27 miles to 100 miles. Enjoy an afternoon social at Sun Second Stop: Clermont (7-Day Tour) We’ll spend two nights at Clermont Take a day off from riding on Tuesday ’n Fun before shuttling to evening enter- Pack your bags for a Monday morning Middle School, located within a mile of to relax or choose to saddle up and test tainment including Lakeside Live on departure to spin into Florida’s Gem of downtown, Waterfront Park and the Saturday. the Hills – Clermont. South Lake Trail. Please see Bike Florida, page 8 8 Florida Bicycle Association

Bike Florida 2013 goes ‘Orange’ continued from page 7 your love of climbing with the Sugarloaf Ride, walk or take a seat along the Mountain Challenge. Lake Wales shore, this day is destined to There is also an option to stay in the take you back in time. “orange” theme and cycle the West The evening entertainment will feature Orange Trail. a citrus dessert buffet as the 60 bell caril- lon of the Singing Tower plays and the Third Stop: Lake Wales (7-Day Tour) sun sets on our last night of the tour. The luggage gets loaded on Wednesday as our route goes south to Lake Wales Final Stop: Back to Lakeland for two nights at Lake Wales High (7-Day Tour) School. We end the tour on Friday with a route Your Thursday layover offers Florida’s through orange groves, a rest stop at Natural virtual tour, Bok Tower Gardens, Homeland Heritage Park, a pass through Lake Kissimmee State Park, Main Street Bartow and a trek on the Fort Fraser Murals and the legend of Spook Hill. Trail. Our end of the ride treat will be citrus- based and our gift to participants will be

a commemorative 20th Anniversary water bottle announcing our celebration plans for 2014. For more information, please visit our web site, www.bikeflorida.org. Have You been injured wHile cYcling? Right: Pedaling through the orange ( i have. That’s why i’ll fight groves in central Florida; above: the so hard for you.) stay at Sun ’n Fun includes entrance to the Florida Air Museum and photo ops Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury with planes; on page 7: feeding the attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his swans and other hungry fowl along Lake Morton in Lakeland (photos by Becky experience on the road with his expertise Afonso) and insight in the courtroom. This unique perspective provides cyclists across Florida with the representation they deserve. Spinning is good for you Your race for compensation begins here. continued from page 6 SPINNING UP IS A GOOD THING. LAST BUT BEST, SAVE MONEY! Have you ever been at a point where A worn out (stretched) chain rapidly your cadence is just a bit slower than destroys the cassette and crank ring(s) you like and you just know that if you before giving the rider significant warn- 904- 632- 2424 had the reserve to get your cadence back ing of what’s going on. up, you could sustain that higher speed? The links don’t actually stretch, but One way to do it is to “spin up.” through wear the rivet holes become Downshift once and immediately spin up elongated and the chain no longer fits your cadence to 10-15 rpm more than the cogs. When this happens the chain your normal cadence, Then use that fly- begins to rapidly eat away at the gears. wheel effect to upshift and drop to your desired cadence. It’s like using the pass- ing gear in your car. Please see Check your chain, page 12 Winter 2013 9 Membership STR Specialty Plate Sponsors Classic Cycling Events by Ken Foster, Marketing Director, Bike Florida and Share the Road changes coming by Dan Moser, FBA Program Director hare the Road sponsored The Spaghetti 100 Riders capped off the day by visiting fter years of using database man- four cycling events this on Oct. 6 had perfect weather and a Mount Dora’s exceptional restaurants, Aagement software, FBA is moving year: the Endless Summer record number of riders. This year, 401 coffee houses and bars. to an online system that will provide Watermelon Ride in Ponte riders participated with increases in both benefits to members and management. The Gainesville Cycling Festival Vedra, organized by the the dirty, clay road options and the 35 ClubExpress is the online system. on Oct. 26-28, had perfect weather as North Florida Bicycle Club; mile road option. And all we need from you is a current well, although it started out a little the Spaghetti 100 in All the proceeds from this ride support e-mail address. cold on the second day. Tallahassee, organized by the Capital the Capital City Cyclists Kids on Bikes These benefits mean better opportuni- The back country roads and beauti- City Cyclists; The Gainesville Cycling Program. Among other activities, they ties for FBA to fulfill our mission and ful vistas make riding horse farm Festival in Gainesville, organized by the teach the Florida Traffic & Bicycle put more resources towards education country is a wonderful experience. Gainesville Cycling Club; and the Safety Education Program in the Leon and advocacy programs. Thanks for allowing us to sponsor one Horrible 100 in Clermont, organized by County Schools. ClubExpress will provide you the abili- of the rest stops. the Florida Freewheelers. They will reach over 3,000 third, ty to manage your own account...ad free. As a vendor, we also supported the fourth and fifth-grade kids this school The Horrible Hundred Your unique username and password will Mount Dora Cycling Festival, organized year. on Nov. 17-18, after a cool and windy enable you to log in and view member- by the Mount Dora Chamber of only content. The Withlacoochee Rails to Trails start, was another ride with perfect Commerce and the Withlacoochee Rails You can update personal information, Ride weather. to Trails ride. bio, photo, preferences for forums, inter- on Oct. 7 had wonderful weather as well. Over 2300 riders participated this Share the Road sponsors events like est groups and other modules, and view Riders typically gravitated to the south- year. Share the Road set up near the these to express our appreciation for your complete payment history. ern portion of the trail after a short ride registration area to answer questions your support. Communication between members and north out of Inverness. about the plate and hand out water Each time you buy or renew a Share management will be greatly enhanced While riding the Southern section of bottles to Share the Road plate own- the Road specialty license plate, your through traditional e-mail to discussion the trail, one rider was quoted as saying ers. $15 contribution is split between Bike forums, blogs, and surveys, allowing you to one of the eight people she was riding We also raffled a new Share the Florida and the Florida Bicycle to be even more engaged with FBA. with, “It is so beautiful here, I love this Road jersey to a Horrible Hundred Association. The target date to go live with trail.” rider. Each of these long-established rides ClubExpress is January 2013. You will Michelob Ultra was a welcome spon- We thoroughly enjoyed each of these offers excellent riding: receive details as the date approaches, sor, providing free refreshments after the events and the opportunity to meet so but for the time being, please go to Endless Summer Watermelon Ride ride. many riders and Share the Road spe- www.floridabicycle.org, click on on Sept. 9 started off a bit rainy then cialty plate owners. “Contact Us” and provide or update your turned into a sunny, yet windy ride. The Mount Dora Cycling Festival Cycling is fortunate to have such a information. For those who aren’t com- Riders enjoyed this year’s route along on Oct. 12-14, Florida’s oldest cycling diverse group of people supporting an puter savvy or keen on making the A1A. event, was well attended. Multiple ride exceptional sport. switch to an all-electronic system, we A quick dip in the Atlantic was a great choices gave riders of all abilities won- We appreciate the support we will do our best to work with you. way to round off the day’s activities. derful route options. already have and encourage everyone to buy a Share the Road specialty Thank you for your continued support. license plate.

10 Florida Bicycle Association

Bar on wheels could replace pub crawls with pub pedals

“Cheers” afficionados, take stock. Here’s a place you can go where everyone knows your lane. It’s a pub that goes with you – and nine or so of your best drinking buddies – as you pedal along the byways while quaffing a pint of your favorite beverage. The pubcycle takes driving while drinking to a different level. The new tact on urban tourism has been approved in a number of cities. The pictured vehicle is one of several similar designs, some carrying an onboard draft keg, others Cycling Savvy courses now available in Orlando, De- requiring patrons to BYOB. Land, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach, A non-imbibing (we certainly hope) tour guide provides the steering and brak- Tallahassee and Tampa Bay areas. Go to the Web ing. An onboard motor assists where hilly terrain makes pedaling difficult. site to contact an area coordinator near you. Helmets are not required, but recommended for extra thirsty patrons. Winter 2013 11

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

Motor scooters (82) Motorized Scooter – Any vehicle ride as close as practicable to the right- o Bicyclists can leave the right side of Walter asked: In the not having a seat or saddle for the use of hand curb or edge of the roadway except the roadway to avoid any unsafe condi- Qstate of Florida do you the rider, designed to travel on not more under any of the following situations: tion. need a special license for than three wheels, and not capable of 3. When reasonably necessary to avoid o Substandard-width lanes are specified operating a gas scooter or propelling the vehicle at a speed greater any condition or potential conflict, in the statutes as unsafe conditions. will a valid drivers license than 30 miles per hour on level ground. including, but not limited to, a fixed or o Experienced and educated bicyclists be ok? s. 316.2128 – Operation of Motorized moving object, parked or moving vehicle, are not going to intentionally place them- [For some reason, questions about Scooters and Miniature Motorcycles; bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface haz- selves in positions that would endanger Amotorized vehicles keep coming up, Requirements for Sales ard, turn lane, or substandard-width them. probably because much of the language (1) …. motorized scooters or miniature lane, which makes it unsafe to continue o Educated and experienced bicyclists in bicycle-related legislation is confusing motorcycles …. are not legal to operate along the right-hand curb or edge or know that riding far right encourages at best. Here is our best shot at an on public roads, may not be registered as within a bicycle lane. [emphasis mine] unsafe and illegal passing within the sub- answer for Walter.] motor vehicles, and may not be operated The statute does not specifically per- standard-width lane. o on sidewalks …. mit a bicyclist to “take the lane,” but pro- Since it is in Bicycle Regulations sec- There is no specific definition of tion, some assume it is only applicable to “motor scooter” in the statutes. I assume vides an exception by way of inference... Bicycles in crosswalks bicyclists. you are referring to a motor vehicle such (5)(a) 3. For the purposes of this sub- Debbie asked: Is there a law that o Some also feel that the statute should as a Vespa Motor Scooter, which meets section, a “substandard-width lane” is a you are supposed to walk your bike state a finite measured width. the definition of motorcycle, and the Q lane too narrow for a bicycle and anoth- through the crosswalk and not ride it? o When the true intent of the statute is operator must have a license that autho- er vehicle to travel safely side by side There is no state law that requires a fully understood, it is easy to see why rizes operation of same. within the lane. Acyclist to dismount in a crosswalk. those are not correct. s. 316.003 – Definitions In fact, the applicable statute states that So you may infer from this that a sub- o There are no responsibilities imposed (22) Motorcycle – Any motor vehicle cyclists riding in the crosswalk have the standard-width land creates a potential on the bicyclist by the substandard-width having a seat or saddle for the use of the same rights and duties they have while conflict because is creates a situation lane clause in statute. rider and designed to travel on not more on a sidewalk. where it is unsafe for a motorist to pass o There is however, great responsibility than three wheels in contact with the without leaving the lane. placed on motorists overtaking a bicy- s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations ground, but excluding a tractor or a So to prevent this unsafe condition clist in a narrow lane. (10) A person propelling a vehicle by moped. (motorist attempting to “squeeze by”) the o The importance of substandard-width human power upon and along a side- lanes does not apply to the lane position s. 322.03 – Drivers Must be Licensed; bicyclist moves left to encourage a legal walk, or across a roadway and along a of a bicyclist. It is simply the presence Penalties (3-feet minimum separation) pass. crosswalk, has all the rights and duties of the cyclist in the narrow lane that the (4) A person may not operate a motor- Here are some important points: applicable to a pedestrian under the motorist is overtaking, even if the cyclist cycle unless he or she holds a driver’s o The burden for safety in passing same circumstances. is far to the right. license that authorizes such operation, bicycles lies entirely on the motor vehi- o Whether the cyclist is far right, far subject to the appropriate restrictions I am aware of one situation in which cle operator, as is the case with all pass- left, or in the center of the lane, the and endorsements. there is a local ordinance that requires ing situations with other vehicles. dismounting before crossing a roadway o The motorist is responsible for know- requirements are the same. The motor scooter described above is in a crosswalk. You should check with ing that their vehicle and a bicycle can It’s up to the cyclist, however, to not a moped. your local authorities for such regula- safely travel within a lane, and if not decide how much confidence he or she s. 316.003 – Definitions tions. change lanes to pass. has that overtaking motorists see the (77) Moped – Any vehicle with pedals [Local ordinances can usually be found o Drivers cannot pass a bicyclist within cyclist, are driving responsibly, know the to permit propulsion by human power, online. Suppose the name of the city is the lane if it is unsafe and they cannot law, are cognizant of the danger, accept having a seat or saddle for the use of the Dolce Vita Beach. Search for “Dolce provide the minimum of three feet. responsibility for the cyclist’s safety. rider and designed to travel on not more Vita Beach Code of Ordinances.” Any o If the adjacent lane is not clear, they Much food for thought. than three wheels; with a motor rated regulations pertaining to cycling are usu- must wait. not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and ally kept in a chapter titled “Traffic.”] not capable of propelling the vehicle at a Show Your Support and speed greater than 30 miles per hour on Requirement to keep to the right level ground; and with a power-drive Herman asked: What statute Help Get the Word Out system that functions directly or auto- requires cyclist to keep right? matically without clutching or shifting Q FS 316.2065 is the law that requires Educate other users that gears by the operator after the drive sys- bicyclists to stay as close as practi- tem is engaged. If an internal combus- A bicycle drivers are allowed the cable to the right-had side of the road. tion engine is used, the displacement full use of the lane on most of may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters. FS 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations our roads* with an FBA static (5)(a) Any person operating a bicycle The motor scooter described above is cling. Only $2.00 to cover ship- upon a roadway at less than the normal not a motorized scooter, which is not ping and handling. New and speed of traffic at the time and place and permitted on the roadways or sidewalks. under the conditions then existing shall renewing members get this free! As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, a website exists to provide a place to ask 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 Order via FBA’s online provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in store at 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 www.floridabicycle.org 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. *Florida Statute 316.2065(5)(a)3. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. 12 Florida Bicycle Association

First Coast Chapter... Context sensitive streets, mobility fee, bike/ped planning study by Stephen Tocknell

ate last summer, the City of The other council members on the Jacksonville established a spe- committee are Greg Anderson, Doyle cial city council committee on Carter, and Kimberly Daniels. context sensitive streets. From September through November The committee was estab- 2012, the committee has been meeting lished by Council President Bill Bishop, twice a month. to “review the existing Context Sensitive According to CM Boyer, “It is my Streets Guidelines that have been drafted hope that we can create a system in by the Planning Department but not which pedestrian, bicycle and transit implemented, determine the appropriate- design is given much greater weight in ness of these guidelines, investigate any more urban areas than in rural, in which other information pertinent to this issue, one size fits all is modified to recognize and make recommendations for and/or the differing needs of differing parts of draft legislation as appropriate to address our consolidated City as well as different Before you get on this beast, make sure you practice your track stand. this issue.” contexts within those geographic areas This committee is chaired by Council (industrial park vs. residential neighbor- date. In addition, a large contingent of Member Lori Boyer, whose district hood), and that we can do this without context-sensitive-streets-special-commit- bicyclists attended the last city council includes the San Marco, San Jose, and adding time or difficulty to the permit- tee.aspx meeting that was held prior to the sched- Mandarin neighborhoods in Jacksonville. ting or design process.” uled expiration date for the mobility fee Council Member Don Redman, an avid For more information about Mobility fee to help pay moratorium. bicyclist whose district includes down- Jacksonville’s Special City Council for new bicycle facilities During the public comment period at town Jacksonville and the Southside, Committee on Context Sensitive Design, the end of the meeting, all of the bicy- serves on this committee as the represen- use the link below: Bicyclists in Jacksonville deserve much clists in attendance stood up together to tative of the Jacksonville Bicycle and http://www.coj.net/city-council/coun- of the credit for the reinstitution of a fee show their support for the end of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). cil-committees,-boards---commissions/ on new development that will help to mobility fee moratorium. pay the costs for building new pedestri- Besides helping to get the mobility fee an, bicycle, transit, and roadway projects back in place for the funding of new in our city. Here’s the story: bicycle and pedestrian facilities, the Check your chain State legislation was changed a few bicyclists at that meeting demonstrated continued from page 8 years ago, in order to allow counties to that we are ready to have a significant long term influence upon the design and Once these gears are damaged, a new Believe them if they tell you it needs to develop multimodal “mobility plans,” in construction of new transportation facili- chain will not work properly on them. be replaced, even if you have seen no place of more highway oriented “concur- ties in Jacksonville. Several bike shop owners have told signs of trouble. rency management systems,” in support me collectively, “When I replace a chain Personally, I’m on my third chain of new development. on a road bike I usually also have to with the same cassette and the cassette is So far, only a handful of counties in change the cassette. And usually, only a doing fine. I don’t expect to replace the Florida have taken the mobility plan The North Florida couple of the cogs are worn out. The rest cassette with my fourth chain and if true, option. Regional Bicycle and of the cassette is fine.” I will have spent about $340 for four Duval County, where Jacksonville is The equipment manufacturers have fig- chains, tax and labor. located, is one of these counties. Pedestrian Planning ured this out. Where they used to sell Had I treated my equipment the way Jacksonville also adopted a schedule of Study is underway individual replacement cogs, they now many cyclists do I would have spent “mobility fees” for funding the projects only sell them in a complete cassette. about $765 for four chains and cassettes, that are in its mobility plan, including The North Florida TPO is currently They went on to say that if people a difference of $425. If I have to replace projects for new sidewalks and bicycle developing a Regional Bicycle and used their gears properly, kept their the cassette, I will still have saved about lanes. Pedestrian Plan for Clay, Duval, Nassau, chains clean and lubricated and replaced $320. These mobility fees are intended to and St. Johns Counties. them when worn out, there is no reason Usually when someone destroys a cou- offset the traffic impacts of new develop- To help in developing the plan, mem- that a cassette shouldn’t last through sev- ple of cassettes they also destroy a front ments, and they are to be paid by the bers of the bicycling community have eral chains. chain ring. I haven’t priced this out but developers rather than by the general been asked to provide input by partici- You can check your chain for wear you can add the $$. public. pating in a survey. with a simple tool that costs as little as So now that your power-train is your In October 2011, shortly before the A link to the survey is below. $10 as shown in Figure 2 or you can go friend, use it all, take care of it, and go mobility fees were set to go into effect, a https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ to any bike shop and have it checked. out and have fun! one-year moratorium was imposed on northfloridatpo_bikepedplan_survey the collection of these fees. In February and March, 2013, public Although the intent of the moratorium workshops on the plan will be held in was to stimulate new development in each of the four counties in the study Jacksonville, there is little or no evidence area. that the moratorium has had any such To learn more about the North Florida effect. Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Study, In October 2012, just before the mora- contact Elizabeth DeJesus at 904-306- torium was set to expire, the chair and 7505, or send a message to Elizabeth at vice chair of the Jacksonville Bicycle [email protected] and Pedestrian Advisory Committee sent a letter to every member of the Fig. 2. This Park CC-3.2 gauge tells me that my chain still has lots of miles in it before Jacksonville City Council, requesting needing replacement. This is the one time that you don’t want the tool to fit because if — Stephen Tocknell is the First Coast them to allow the mobility fee moratori- Chapter regional Advocacy Director it does, you need to replace the chain. um to expire on its originally scheduled Winter 2013 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 Central Office State Bicycle-Pedestrian Safety Program Manager FDOT Districts Trenda McPherson 850.245.1528 [email protected] State SRTS Coordinator District 1 Sarita Taylor 850.245.1529 [email protected] Cities: Bradenton, Fort Meyers, Naples, Asst. Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Sarasota Dwight Kingsbury 850.245.1520 [email protected] Florida School Crossing Guard Program Administrator Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Providance Nagy 850.245.1757 [email protected]. Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota fl.usState ADA Coordinator Dean Perkins 850.414.4359 [email protected] District 2 Roadway Design/Special Projects Coordinator Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, St. Augustine Mary Anne Koos 850.414.4321 [email protected] Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, District 1 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, Michael Kautz (acting) 863.519.2216 [email protected] St.Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union District 2 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Jennifer Graham 904.360.5636 [email protected] District 3 District 3 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee Zena Riley Taylor 850.415.9656 [email protected] District 4 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, John-Mark Palacios 954.777.4318 [email protected] Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington District 5 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Joan Carter 386.943.5335 [email protected] District 4 District 6 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Stuart Ken Jeffries 305.470.5445 [email protected] Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St Lucie District 7 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Lori Marable 813.975.6405 [email protected] District 5 Other Cities: Coco Beach, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melborne, Ocala, Orlando FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia Jim Wood 850.245.2052 [email protected] Florida Pedestrian-Bicycle Safety Resource Ctr District 6 District 7 Wanda Tison 352.273.1680 [email protected] Cities: Key West, Miami Cities: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bike Florida Board President Counties: Miami-Dade, Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Leigh Matusick 386.736.1202 [email protected] Monroe Pinellas Rails-to-Trails Florida Office Ken Bryan 850.942.2379 [email protected] Coalition of church groups provides aid to cyclists in need by Mike Olsen

olunteers from several We saw a great need for bicycles for our strength is in the volunteers who We have helped migrant communities Tampa area churches for both adults and kids in the community, work two nights a week. in Florida, and Native American children the last 15 years have refur- so we started a building fund to give us Our policy of recycling parts from un- in North Carolina. bished and donated bicycles more room, and to help attract more vol- repairable bikes would shock avid We repair small bikes at a local to people in need. unteers. After many meetings and con- cyclists, but the bikes we adopt out pro- orphanage, and tricycles at a challenged Russell Johnson at Tampa’s tacts for sponsors, we had a 23x60 foot vide safe transportation to help adults adult daycare center near Tampa. University Baptist Church created concrete building shell find and retain We have been able to help a Port “God’s Pedal Power Ministry” on July 4, constructed. employment, and Charlotte bike ministry needing parts for 1997, to help kids in the challenged Our building has five kids to get to bikes they need to refurbish (retirement neighborhood around the church. My roll up doors and two school and the communities keep their bikes a lot lon- wife, Karen, and I learned about the new entry doors. Volunteers library. ger), and we have driven almost to ministry at our church, St. James United from another church Currently, the Alabama to pick up bikes from a rotating Methodist Church, and offered our help. helped electrify the ministry provides bike rental business. After a couple meetings, the two building and a Christian more than 1,500 The current economy has doubled the churches created a shared bicycle minis- supplier donated the refurbished bikes a number of bicycle requests we get and, try. In the beginning, just a couple of hardware for the job. year. With the hard though my energy level at 63+ makes it volunteers worked outside at night at Soon after construc- economic times, a little more difficult to jump up in the University Baptist. tion, founder Russell we now give out morning, we are on a record pace this We had no storage, so we walked bikes Johnson realized that almost 95% adult year. and parts about 200 yards to an upstairs, his family needed more of his time at bikes. Adults get lights, a lock and Karen and I have no plans to retire or burned out apartment the apartment home, so Karen and I took over to con- chain, a Bible and a new safety helmet if slow down, but we encourage others to manager let us use for free. Soon we tinue to grow the ministry. they want it. Kids get a bike, a lock and work within your own neighborhood to graduated to a small contractor’s trailer As business owners, we were able to chain, a safety helmet, and a Bible if help people in need. The pay for your donated to us, but we still worked out- apply our skills, knowledge and contacts they choose. efforts is lousy, but the retirement bene- side, rain or shine. to help GPPM expand. We could write a We register every bike, and the new fits are out of this world. We were a close group – four guys book on how to set up and successfully owner can bring the bike back for If you have a bike ministry or ques- working back to back under a 12x12 run an all-volunteer bicycle ministry. repairs. tions, we would like to share information pop-up tent with one tray of tools, and GPPM really is an all-volunteer minis- We also have provided over 800 new with you. Our e-mail is Molsen@tam- two light bulbs (“…hey, anyone have try. In our 15 years, no one has received bikes for foster children at Christmas pabay.rr.com. Our (in need of an the 10mm wrench?”). We were bitten so a penny of compensation. We have and have worked with church groups to update) website is at many times by the same mosquitoes that applied for some grants, and we get send bikes to missions in Cuba, Haiti we considered ourselves blood brothers donations from wonderful people, but and the Dominican Republic. www.godspedalpower.org in Christ. 14 Florida Bicycle Association Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida This printed version is ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the con- tact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calen- dar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, and much of the hype we edited out in this here version, at www.floridabicycle.org/fbtc/. January Department offers a 5K run on Sat. including one 10 miles from the from LCpl Justin J. Wilson Park April Jan. 19, and on Sun. Jan. 20 there end that should not be passed up. (Palm City, FL) proceeding west January 6 (Sun) North Port are four cycling courses that travel At 10:00 AM on Saturday, there through the picturesque farmlands, April 7 (Sun) Lakewood Ranch Piggy’s Revenge through the City of Cape Coral, will be a group ride to lunch with ranches, undisturbed woods, and Tour de Cure Southwest Florida A free race/ride consisting of 60+ one of the largest cities in the state. ride leaders and a sag on call. wetlands of western Martin 100 Mile Century Check-In 6:30 miles of off-road goodness in The Tour De Cape offers a 15mi., Questions? Call (904)563-7724 County. An awesome post ride am Ride Start 7:30 am Rest Stop Sarasota County Florida. Get ready 30mi, 60mi and 100mi. course. All (Jeanne) NOTE: The Active.com lunch will be served, along with Closes 3:00 pm 12.5 mph min pace for a self supported gravel, dirt, courses are manned with support link is old and will be updated very several fun events scheduled for -- 62 Mile Metric Century Check- sand, water and road ride. The big teams and rest stations throughout. soon. the entire family. On-site registra- In 7:30 am Ride Start 8:30 am Rest loop will connect three wilderness This is a great family event. suwanneebike.org/sweetheart.htm tion/check-in opens at 6:30AM. Stop Closes 3:00 pm 9 mph min areas in the south end of the coun- Active.com Online Registration Advanced $35 preregistration thru pace -- 35 Mile Ride Check-In ty. Shorter options will be avail- January 27 (Sun) Naples 3/8/13, with $40 day of event reg- 8:30 am Ride Start 9:30 am Rest able. 7th Annual Moe′s Bike Brunch / February 24 (Sun) Viera istration. Guaranteed event T-shirts Stop Closes 3:00 pm 6 mph min piggysrevenge2012.blogspot.com/ CAN Ride & Walk Gran Fondo Brevard with preregistration by 2/24/13. pace -- 10 Mile Fun Ride Check-In The rides start and end at Supporting the KLD. Join I.R.O., 100 mile Century departs at 9:30 am Ride Start 10:30 am 4 January 7-11 Cross City Lowdermilk Beach Park. 10, 20, Inc., a non-profit organization as 7:30AM, followed by Metric mph min pace Times are subject to Gulf Coast Highlight Tour 30, 62, and 100 mile routes we raise money and awareness for Century at 8:15AM, and 40 miler change. diabetes.org/swfloridatour Tour package consists of 5 days throughout Naples and the sur- the KLD Youth Foundation - a at 9:00AM. Fully SAG supported and four nights; cycling on rounding area. This is an event for local non-profit organization with well stocked Rest Stops and Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, everyone! It will be a fully sup- focused on supporting and educat- marked routes. See event website April 7 (Sun) Everglades City other attractions include a visit to ported road ride (or walk if you ing our local youth. Experience for details. justinswings.org Stay n Play Everglades Ride Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see the prefer) with Brunch on the Beach Brevard′s first Gran Fondo com- Ride starts at McLeod Park in the Mermaids perform at Weeki from Moe′s Southwest Grill to fol- plete with a challenging course and March 11-15 Cross City heart of Everglades City and takes Watchee Springs, and see the low. Proceeds go to support the SAG stops to help you along the Gulf Coast Highlight Tour you through beautiful scenery. On- Manatees at Crystal River. Cancer Alliance of Naples and way. Register early for a Unique See January 7-11 listing. and off-road routes to choose from. gulfcoasteventstours.com Naples Pathways Coalition. 2013 Gran Fondo Brevard Cycling Ride registration includes continen- Continental Breakfast and registra- “Kit” Please check our website for March 16 (Sat) The Villages tal breakfast, aid stations along the tion open at 6:30 100 mile ride further details. – The Gran Fondo We-Bike-For-Kids route, SAG vehicle support, maps, January 12 (Sat) Alachua starts at 7 am 62 mile ride starts at Brevard Team Three routes: 10/30/62 mile rides and a delicious lunch catered by a Tour de Felasco 8 am 30 mile ride starts at 8:30 am granfondobrevard.org include well-stocked rest stops, local favorite! RIDE OPTIONS: 62 An off-roadbicycle tour, held each 20 mile ride starts at 9 am 10 mile marked routes, and SAG mechani- mile, 8:00 a.m. (on-road) 27 mile, year on the second Saturday in ride and 3 mile walk start at 10:00 March cal support. Light breakfast, lunch, 9:00 a.m. (on- & off-road) 16 mile, January. Featuring 50 miles of roll- am Stay for an all-you-care-to eat March 7-10 Chiefland goody bag, DJ, a free raffle ticket 9:00 a.m. (on-road) Registration ing terrain (plus optional mileage buffet generously donated by Chiefland Spring Bicycle Bike/ for great prizes, and commemora- and breakfast open at 7:30 a.m. for a metric century), cyclists expe- Moe′s Southwest Grill Registration Tour tive t-shirt for the first 300 riders. www.naplespathways.org rience the best single-track trails in fees begin at $20 and you save $$ Four fun-filled days riding on Ride will benefit two non-profit Active.com Online Registration north central Florida. Challenges by signing up before January 7th! Florida’s Gulf Coast Trails. All organizations: Project Legacy, include rolling hills, long distances, e-mail michelle@naplespathways. rides start in Chiefland. Choose www.projectlegacy.net, and the April 13 (Sat) Summerfield creek crossings, and log bridges. org if you have questions, from several options to these desti- Sumter County Youth Center. Both Take Stock in Children Cycling Registration opens October 1 at naplespathways.org/page/bike- nations - Trenton, Cross City, organizations address the needs of for Success noon. Registration fee includes brunch-1 Active.com Online Cedar Key and Horse Shoe Beach. children in our tri-county area. $30 35/63 plus mile ride. Registration park entrance fee, t-shirt, sag stops, Registration. Phone: (727) 457-6994. pre-registration on Active.com or opens at 6:30 am. Mass start at hot lunch, and pre-ride and post- chieflandbicyclefest.com by mail to Project Legacy, 106 S. 7:30 am. Scenic ride through the ride snacks. Registration fee is $50. February Old Dixie Hwy, Lady Lake, FL heart of Marion and Lake counties. This ride accepts 450 riders, and March 10 (Sun) Boca Raton 32159. $35 on ride day. Further With ride options for most skill typically fills in within a few February 3 (Sun) Fort Lauderdale Tour of Boca information: Wally Kurz, Ride levels, cyclist can expect to tour hours. sanfelasco.net/tour.shtml RIDE with HEART ~ 2nd Annual RESCHEDULED from March 13, Director, at [email protected]. some of the most scenic roads in Active.com Online Registration February is Heart Awareness 2011. See January 13 listing. webikeforkids.com Central Florida. Some challenging Month. PINKIE’s Promotions and Active.com Online Registration climbs and some thrilling speeds January 13 (Sun) Boca Raton Events, LLC will host the 2nd March 10 (Sun) Palm City on the descents, along with abun- Tour of Boca ANNUAL Metric Century (62 2nd Annual Riding for Heroes March 23-29 Lakeland dant wildlife. Full SAG support, Sponsored by the Boca Raton Bike Miles) and Half Metric (31 Miles) Treasure Coast Cycling Association Bike Florida 2013 Orange rest stops, bicycle repair, and awe- Club and the City of Boca Raton cycling event. Ride along beautiful (TCCA). Benefits the LCpl Justin Blossom Express some food (breakfast and lunch) and recreational services. Tour Atlantic Ocean. Two Rest Stops. J. Wilson Memorial Foundation, See ad and story in this issue. are all included in the low entrance beautiful Boca Raton with a 15 SAG Support. Pedals up at 7:30 Inc. Select from 100/60/40 mile bikeflorida.org fee of $40 and $45 day-of registra- mile, easy-paced, police escorted am. Scatter start times. Benefits the ride route options. All rides depart tion. www.pefmc.org/events/ bicycle ride beginning at Patch Division of Cardiovascular Reef Park, 2000 NW 51st St/ Medicine at the University of Yamato Rd. (just west of Military Miami Miller School of Medicine. The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy trail). Registration: 12:30PM; Ride NO ADDITIONAL greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. starts: 1:00 pm; Registration fee FUNDRAISING NECESSARY. The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable purposes. FBA is a $2.00. There is a rest stop for facebook.com/#!/ nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including refreshments midway through the events/360860183943869/?fref=ts membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting ride. Promote safe cycling while FBA, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. spending a pleasant afternoon with February 10 (Sun) Boca Raton To join FBA complete the form in this newsletter and send with your dues, or join online at www.floridabicycle. family and friends. Children must Tour of Boca org. be at least 10 years old and must See January 13 listing. The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members and advocates for be accompanied by an adult if a bicycle-friendly Florida by the under 14. No baby seats. All riders February 11-15 Cross City are required to wear helmets. A Gulf Coast Highlight Tour Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. limited number will be provided. See January 7-11 listing. www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail: [email protected];­ Phone: 850-238-5238 For those who are unable to com- plete the ride we also supply a February 16-17 White Springs Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. SAG wagon( support vehicle). Call Suwannee Sweetheart Cycling The Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for rates and specifications or 561-391-6109 or visit bocabike- Weekend e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising club.org. bocabikeclub.org No, you certainly don’t need a that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objec- sweetheart to do this ride. But it’s a tives. Although we carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information January 20 (Sun) Cape Coral “sweetheart” of a route. On or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. The 22nd Annual Tour de Cape Sunday, 25/52/62/100 miles with Presented by the City of Cape maps, marked route, roving SAG © 2013 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved. Coral Parks & Recreation and well-stocked rest stops ... Winter 2013 15

Phil the knife sharpener FBA transitioning to online by Earl Lang membership database FBA is transitioning to a simpler and more efficient management system to had just started a solo self-supported I took my first long dis- manage and grow our association. One of the most important features will cross-country trip, and was headed tance bicycle ride. I allow FBA members to update their contact information directly. for my brother’s place in Oklahoma. decided to ride to Myrtle Beach, which Somewhere between Pensacola was about 250 miles. On a Saturday Please assist us with this transition by providing your current e-mail and Mobile I spotted up the road morning, I just tied a sleeping bag to my address by using the “Contact FBA” feature on our website at what looked like a big box on bicycle, and told Mom that I was going www.floridabicycle.org/about/contact.html. wheels being pulled by a man. to Myrtle Beach and would be back.” An online system will also lower our postage costs so more funds can Closer, I saw that it was a man, push- According to Phil, he made it to be used toward education and advocacy programs. Thank you for your ing a bicycle pulling a big two wheeled Myrtle Beach, went surfing and got back continued support. trailer. He was off the road and moving home on Monday. in the grass and as I went by I spied the “I thought you were going to Myrtle Your membership makes us stronger. painted sign on the side of the trailer, Beach?” his mother asked. “Phil’s Knife Sharpening.” He answered, “I did and I’m back.” I did a quick check for traffic, made a I guess that was the start of his travel- “U-turn” and went back to meet him. ing career. I asked him where he was Phil looked to be about 60 and, while a headed. He either didn‘t hear me or little overweight, seemed in good shape. didn’t want to say. He did say that he The bicycle was an old “Post Office” had spent the winter in Key West. He model with a small front wheel that opened the trailer to show me all the allowed for a big basket, one that would stuff he carried and it was full. carry a lot of mail. Phil claimed that it He had a full-size deep cycle battery to was the only bicycle built strong enough operate his radio and tail lights which to hold up to the strain he put on it. were all 12 volt automobile lights. He The basket had a plywood cover and kept the battery charged with the little was full of mostly snacks, water and solar cell attached to the top of the box. tobacco to roll his cigarettes. He had a good supply of food and He insisted that he give me something clothing and prize possession, a hand- and offered me a package of frosted cup cranked knife-sharpening grinder. He cakes. I declined, but when he insisted showed me how he clamped it to the that I take a package of “handi-wipes,” I side of the trailer to sharpen knives. On realized that he wouldn’t be happy until the front of the trailer he had tied a I accepted something. I soon learned that steel-folding chair. Weight was no con- those handi-wipes are really a great thing sideration. to have on a trip. “Do you ever get tired of the continual It didn’t seem to matter to Phil how traveling?” I asked. much his rig weighed. It was more He thought for a moment. “Yep, every important that it be durable. He and his day.” I thanked him for the handi-wipes brother built the trailer and used steel and wished him safe travels and took my angle iron and half-inch plywood on an leave. Now when I get tired of riding, I axle with lawn tractor wheels. It certain- just think about Phil, with his old bike ly was roomy, durable and heavy. and big trailer and my tiredness seems to “Phil, how long you been traveling like lose significance. this?” I asked. I cannot say that I have ever met a “Thirty years about,” he said. “Back more free or happier man. when I was about 17 and living at home

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 ❑ Other (amount) JOIN FBA I am a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) ❑ Ye s ❑ No I am a CyclingSavvy Instructor (CSI) ❑ Ye s ❑ No May we contact you about volunteer opportunities? ❑ Ye s ❑ No List any special skills or interests: TODAY Charge my ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard Card No: Expires: Membership includes the FBA Messenger! Signature: Please make checks payable and mail to: * We require your e-mail for the FBA online database. See top of this page. Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Winter 2013

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.