ESTABLISHED 1997

BICYCLE ASSOCIATION Messenger www. oridabicycle.org Building a -Friendly Vol. 22, No. 1 • Winter 2019 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC.

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Titusville Mayor Walt Johnson (holding sign) with city staff, OGT staff, and Greenways and Trails Council members at Titusville event. SPECIAL Vilano Beach public pier. 20 PAGE Four New Trail Towns Photo by Doug Alderson TRAILS ISSUE Designated By Doug Alderson, Office of Greenways Membership 2 Titusville Bicycling Off-Road 8 he space industry has long been TTitusville’s primary source of revenue, Trail Connectors 10–11 but after the space shuttle program was discontinued, town leaders decided to diversify and embrace eco-tourism. FL’s New Bike Vision 12 Besides having a wealth of opportunities for fishing, kayaking and birdwatching, it Ask Geo 15 became apparent that Titusville also sat at the crossroads of three long-distance paved Legacy Trail Win 16 multi-use trails – Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, East Coast Greenway and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. In 2013, Titusville began taking earnest steps to provide amenities and safe passage for bicyclists by forming a trails committee, Malabar’s volunteer-built trail shelter. Photo by Doug Alderson spearheading efforts to build a bicycle/ PAID

Tampa, FL Tampa, Our downtown merchants are excited trail system to neighboring towns and they U.S. Postage U.S.

Permit #2899 Permit pedestrian bridge over their busiest and beginning to see the increase in their came together to build an impressive trail NON-PROFIT ORG. thoroughfare (Garden Street), revamping businesses by those trail users who eat, shelter, an ideal spot for a rest break or downtown streets to be more bicyclist/ shop and enjoy our unique offerings.” An picnic or to take refuge from a storm. pedestrian friendly, and opening a new eight-minute video produced by the town visitor center in 2017 that includes a bike Vilano Beach shows their Trail Town evolution. shop inside! ilano Beach, located just north Titusville celebrated their new trail To fine-tune their efforts, town planners of St. Augustine along Highway town designation September 14 as part V also took a field trip to Dunedin, long A1A, has developed a wide range of of their downtown street party. Earlier recognized as being bicycle and pedestrian amenities for bicyclists on the East Coast that same day, the Florida Greenways and friendly and crowned Florida’s first trail Greenway and paddlers on the Florida Trails Council met in the Titusville City town last spring. As a result of their efforts, Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Chambers and designated three more Titusville was voted as Florida’s second Trail. The town has wide paved trails on trail towns—Malabar, Vilano Beach and official trail town by the Florida Greenways both sides of their main boulevard along Clermont. and Trails Council at their June meeting. with directional signage on every block. “We could not be more proud and Malabar Clermont excited about being designated Florida’s alabar, a small town located at the lermont, located at the halfway point

P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 Box 2452, Oldsmar, P.O. second Trail Town by the Department of southern end of Brevard County M of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail,

EST. 1997 EST. Environmental Protection,” said Mayor along Florida’s East Coast, was designated C provides numerous amenities for trail Walt Johnson. “The city recognizes the due to its vigorous efforts to establish users such as restrooms, benches, shade, economic impact and importance of walking, bicycling and paddling trails information kiosks, way finding signs, becoming a Trail Town. We continue to through its conservation areas. The town water fountains and showers. Plus, motels, work diligently to become the premier has an active Trails and Greenways www. oridabicycle.org www. oridabicycle.org BICYCLE ASSOCIATION BICYCLE destination and Trail Town in the state. Committee that works to connect their (continued on page 4) Page 2 Florida Bicycle Association Building a Bicycle-Friendly Florida We Love Our Members! Thanks to the Support of our Donors and Members Lifetime Members New Businesses/ Tracy & Bryan Elmore Carol & Mike Miller Duke Breitenbach Clubs/Organizations Sarah Entlich David Miller Kimberly Cooper Gulf Coast Velo Ted Fielding Bill & Mary Nesper David Henderson Key West Bicycle Association Jon Freeman & Michelle Milita Jeff Orner BICYCLE ASSOCIATION Patricia Huff St Johns River-to-Sea Loop Alliance Richard Garrett Michael Pettinato www. oridabicycle.org EST. 1997 William R. Hough VeloSports Events Patrick & Lori Gillis Diane Queller Walter Long Robert Guatelli Miranda Ray Dan Moser New Members Levi Hermann Deanna Rhodes-Tanner James Nash Grace Andry-Lee David Joy Rafael Rivera Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Christine Arbogast Steven Kelly Samuel Rose Join FBA Today! Raynal Anthony T Arculeo David Kennedy Tina Russell Earle & Laura Reynolds Patty Boatman Laszlo Kosa Stephen Salvo Your membership makes a difference Dr. Joe Warren Cesar Borri Richard & Deena Lonzo Nancy Sanford for all bicyclists in Florida. Mighk & Carol Wilson Jeff & Anne-Marie Brooks Daniel Lynch Kim Smith Jared Carter Aleksandr Magiday Brian Soucy Visit: www.fbamembership.org Individual/Family Brian Courchesne Michael Martin Pieter Van Dien High Donors William Dawes Roger & Cindy McVeigh Frank Veit Student/Living Lightly...... $15 Winchester Dermody & Chris Kiriazis Legacy: Jennifer Mendoza Tamiya Williams Snowbird...... $15 Michael Dickerson Deborah Miller-Albanese & Michael Janet & Jeff Wilson Timothy & Elizabeth Whalen Richard L Eldridge Albanese Individual ...... $25 Larry Copp & Patricia Weaver Family ...... $35 Benefactor: Bicycle Club...... $100 John & Pamela Appel Bicycle Shop...... $100 Winchester Dermody & Chris Business/Organization. . . . . $100 Kiriazis Carl Gross Government Agency...... $100 David Henderson Higher donations are most appreciated! Bob & Shirley Kelly Pay conveniently online or make check Court Norris payable and mail to: Edward Reid Florida Bicycle Association James Shirk P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar FL 34677 Supporter: Jeff & Anne-Marie Brooks Individual/Family High Dick Combs Donor Memberships: Douglas & Paula Fowler Lifetime (contact FBA) Robert Guatelli Bruce LaMere Legacy ($500+) Richard & Deena Lonzo Champion ($250-$499) Roger & Cindy McVeigh Bill & Mary Nesper Benefactor ($100-$249) George & Patti Sousa Supporter ($50-$99) Club/Business Business/Organization Categories High Donors (annual donations) Premier Partners: Polk County Sports Marketing Premier Partner ($10,000+) Champion: Champion ($5,000-$9,999) Florida Freewheelers Bicycle Patron ($2,500-$4,999) Club Advocate ($500-$2,499) Patron: Member Clubs & Shops ($100) Boca Raton Bicycle Club Serving AAA Members, Highlands Pedalers Bicycle Memberships include a subscription Club to the quarterly Messenger, access to even on two wheels. online member forums and general sense Advocate: AAA - The Auto Club Group Take the worry out of your journey — even when you’re on a bike. of satisfaction for supporting bicycle Bike/Walk Central Florida education and advocacy in Florida. AAA now offers roadside assistance for . The Bond Foundation-Derek Blakeslee AAA Bicycle Service is a new benefit with every membership, that provides Stay in Touch with FBA! Jim Dodson Law transportation for you and your bicycle if it breaks down on your ride. Florida Greenways and Trails It’s one more way AAA helps members relax and enjoy the ride! Subscribe to our weekly blog from Foundation the FBA website: Friends of River of Grass www.floridabicycle.org Greenway (FROGG) Gainesville Club Not a member? Join today! Like us on Facebook: Jack the Bikeman AAA.com/Bicycle North Florida Bicycle Club www.facebook.com/ AAA Bicycle Service is available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, FloridaBicycleAssociation Ocala Mountain Bike Wisconsin and portions of Illinois and Indiana. Association Bicycle transportation service is counted toward your allotted roadside assistance service calls per member, per membership year. AAA will transport you and your bicycle to any point of safety within the limits of your coverage. AAA Bicycle Service is available in Follow us on Twitter: Orange Cycle Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and portions of Illinois and Indiana. Spacecoast Freewheelers www.twitter.com/FloridaBicycle 18-PR-0975B Bicycle Club Winter 2019 Page 3 Reduce Your Odds of Being Carol & Mike Miller Hit by 50% David Miller Bill & Mary Nesper by Jim Dodson Jeff Orner n amazing study has been published Michael Pettinato on the effects of wearing a bright Whether you’re Diane Queller A Miranda Ray fluorescent jacket while riding during the cycling along Deanna Rhodes-Tanner daylight. It was conducted in Denmark, a Rafael Rivera country with a dense population of cyclists Samuel Rose and, incidentally, where cycling injury side the horses Tina Russell crashes are vastly under reported by the Stephen Salvo riders. In fact, the study suggests under and carriages Nancy Sanford reporting by cycling crash victims of 86% Kim Smith for those with serious injuries and over near Nazareth, Brian Soucy 90% by those with minor injuries. (There Pieter Van Dien must be a dearth of bicycle injury lawyers PA… Frank Veit in Denmark!) Denmark is in the EU which Tamiya Williams experienced 2000 cycling traffic deaths in Janet & Jeff Wilson 2010, about 7% of all traffic fatalities. One purpose of the study was to provide a way to reduce the “I never saw” them response from motorists after colliding with a person riding a bicycle. In Denmark, 82% of multiparty cycling crashes occur the high visibility yellow florescent jackets. during daylight. The theory behind the Their effectiveness in preventing crashes study was that increasing rider visibility with motor vehicles was even higher at a would result in fewer crashes. 55% reduction. The results were greater There were 6793 participants who in the winter (they have more hours of were randomly divided into essentially reduced day time sunlight intensity than equal numbers of people in a test group we have in Florida). …or strolling and a control group. To participate in the The results of this study were much study they each agreed to ride their bike higher than what I have seen in the past. along the at least three times per week, although They noted that the effectiveness of the most participants rode their bikes daily florescent jacket was on the same level of ancient and a high percentage used their bikes magnitude in reducing crashes as using for transportation. Each member of the permanent running lights (41% reduction) roadways in test group was required to wear a yellow citing another study (also an amazing florescent jacket each day they rode. The number!). Jerusalem, jackets were all alike and were provided What is our takeaway? Cyclists should by the study. The control group wore their be wearing bright florescent clothing Israel… normal riding attire. during the day. This study used jackets, but The study relied on web based self Denmark is a much cooler climate. Each of reporting each month about whether they us should be using fixed daytime running had been involved in a crash involving lights, front and rear (not a weak light no another person or vehicle. In addition, the one can see!). While not addressed in this test group received random reminder emails study, visibility is significantly increased following-up on their use of the jacket. by wearing florescent colors on our knees/ The test results showed an astonishing legs and at our ankles. Finally, remember to 47% reduction in overall personal injury wear reflective clothing at night. Florescent crashes involving the test group wearing colors are ineffective at night. …it’s a small world when it comes Source: Safety Science, “The effect of a yellow bicycle jacket on cycling accidents,” Harry Lahrmann et al, Volume 108, October 2018, Pages 209-217. Jim Dodson is a cyclist, author of the Florida Bicycle Accident Handbook, and an experienced to the common courtesy of injury & bicycle accident lawyer. His primary office is in Clearwater, and he represents injury victims throughout Florida. He is a advocate and Florida Bicycle Association board member. floridacyclinglawyer.com SHARE THE ROAD. *Legal information is not legal advice. Nothing in this article may be considered legal advice. If you have specific questions for Jim Dodson, simply call his office at 1-888-340-0840. There is never a charge to talk about your case.

Russ Drevitson Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A. submitted this photo of the sunset from the Pinellas Trail CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Kenneth L. Scearce, CPA David A. Satcher, CPA Carla M. Hansen, CPA (407) 647-6441 Office (407) 645-0099 Fax 1030 W. Canton Ave., Suite 210, Winter Park, FL 32789 Page 4 Florida Bicycle Association Closing the Gaps President’s Message... Trail Towns Are Here! New Section of Coast-to-Coast Trail by Patty Huff, President n a blustery and beautiful recent was the guest of honor. His leadership role rail Towns are attracting the attention of cyclists/ ONovember morning, over 100 people during the 2014-15 Legislature resulted in Thikers/paddlers/equestrians around the country. gathered at the historic train depot in the SUN Trails Program in the FDOT. This The first time I realized that I was traveling (cycling) Brooksville to “cut the ribbon” on the program provided the funding to close the through a “trail town” was during my 2008 summer bike newest section of the Coast-to-Coast Brooksville-to-Withlacoochee gap. trip in Virginia where we commenced our ride along the Trail. Dozens of volunteers and trail Congratulations to the many individuals Virginia Creeper Trail in the historic town of Abingdon enthusiasts joined local and state elected and community leaders who have pursued (famous for its Barter Theatre). We discovered that most officials to declare a new day was coming for two decades this dream of a re-birth of visitors experience the trail by taking a bus up the mountain to Brooksville. This long-planned trail this abandoned railroad corridor as a trail. to Whitetop Station and cycling back downhill. However, our connection through the Croom Unit of the The focus of everyone’s efforts now turn to plans were to cycle to D.C. and around as Florida’s first official trail town by the Withlacoochee State Forest now links the the western gap that will link the depot to the state so we cycled uphill. The beautiful Florida Greenways and Trails Council under communities of Inverness and Floral City downtown Brooksville and eventually to town of Damascus is just halfway to the top its new program administered by the Office to this historic hub of Hernando County. the Sun Coast Trail. and is known as “Trail Town, USA” because of Greenways and Trails. Then, in September Former Senate President Andy Gardiner of its many nearby trails in addition to the I was privileged to attend the dedication of Virginia Creeper: the Appalachian Trail, Titusville as the second trail town in Florida the Trans-America National Bicycle Trail, as the hub of three converging multi-use the Iron Mountain Trail, the Daniel Boone trails: the Coast-to-Coast Trail, the St. Johns Heritage Trail, the Crooked Road Musical River-to-Sea Loop, and the East Coast Heritage Trail, and Virginia’s Birding and Greenway! Three other towns have recently Wildlife Trail. www.visitdamascus.org been designated: Clermont, Malabar and In 2014 we cycled on several multi-use Vilano Beach. This is all very exciting for trails throughout Minnesota, leaving our Florida and all trail users! vehicle at the Country “Trails” Inn in Preston The benefits of visitors to trail towns as we cycled the first day to Harmony and are substantial: in addition to numerous back. Both of these small towns are part amenities, such as detailed trail maps of of the River Root Trail System and Towns the area, accommodations tailored to trail (http://www.rootrivertrail.org/). The next users, great food and shops, there are also day we bicycled through other Minnesota friendly residents who welcome you to trail towns: Lanesboro, Wahlen, Peterson, their area. The benefits to the trail towns and Rushford before heading north to the themselves are also outstanding which Paul Bunyan Trail. Two weeks later we may include creating economic growth, found ourselves back on River Root Trail, providing opportunities for new and current biking through the small town of Fountain businesses (more jobs), encouraging trail for a wonderful, long downhill ride back to users to stay longer (generating more our Inn. Beautiful quaint towns celebrating revenue), improving infrastructure in City Councilmembers Kemerer, Young, Battista, and City Manager Mark Kutney different events all along the way made our rural areas, promoting a healthier lifestyle trip extra special. for residents, and preserving our natural This past summer my husband and I resources. Your community can apply to decided to stay in Florida to experience become part of the “ Town Starkey Gap Trail Groundbreaking many of our own trails. This included Program” at Office of Greenways and Trails n Tuesday, October 30, Pasco County ultimately connect Pasco County to Pinellas the Pinellas Trail from Tarpon Springs to website: https://floridadep.gov/parks/ogt/ Ocelebrated the Starkey Gap Trail County as part of the Coast-to-Coast Trail. Dunedin which was designated in January content/florida-trail-town-program. groundbreaking with a ceremony in The Coast-to-Coast Trail promises to be Longleaf. Due to be completed summer a 250-mile network across the state, from of 2019, this small gap will allow for Titusville to St. Petersburg, with multiple continuous travel from St. Petersburg opportunities for additional trails to spur to Brooksville. Commissioner Kathryn off of it. Starkey championed the trail that will

Four New Trail Towns Designated (from page 1) restaurants and stores can easily be reached strengths and weaknesses in relation from the trail. to nearby trails and users. Trail Town Several other communities are applying candidates fill out an application and for trail town status and their applications are then considered for approval by the will be considered at the January 23-24 legislatively-established Florida Greenways Florida Greenways and Trails Council and Trails Council. To recognize Florida’s meeting in Ocala. Trail Towns, designated Trail Towns are Commissioner Katherine Starkey (4th from left), Florida Greenways & Trails Council chair Becky Afonso DEP’s Office of Greenways and Trails featured on the OGT website and given (5th from left) and vice chair Brian Smith (6th from left) join county officials and trail enthusiasts for the (OGT) encourages interested communities metal signs that can be placed at trailheads ground-breaking. to conduct self-assessments to gauge their along with stickers for business windows. Winter 2019 Page 5

Executive Director’s Corner... Personally, I don’t see transportation as • Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers – 2016 gloom and doom. I continue to drive, to Bicycle Business ride, to walk; always being accountable to • Lisa Indovino – 2014 Educator Award Winning pay attention and practice CPR – Courtesy, • Friends of the Legacy Trail – 2015 Trails by Becky Afonso, Director Patience and Respect. I don’t believe I’m Promoter alone in this. Why? Let’s go back to that • Herb Hiller – 2016 Trails Promoter hey say you’ve got to have friends and I agree. opening statement: I’ve met great friends • Brian Smith – 2016 Citizen Advocate Each of us knows the value of a friend and I bet T and network with wonderful and inspiring • Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation there are some out there who can attest to meeting great organizations and businesses through – 2016 Supporting Agency friends through cycling. I know I have. I’ve also networked cycling; all doing what they can to make • Florida Department of Transportation with wonderful and inspiring organizations and businesses transportation in Florida better. District 7 – 2015 Supporting Agency through cycling. Sure, the networking is part of my job, • George Martin – 2006 Special Example: This past September I fulfilled a personal but the success stories are real and in some Recognition challenge to ride the entire Katy Trail in Missouri. I doubt I cases, award-winning, thanks to Florida Great things are happening and continue would have done so if not for Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers, a bicycle Bicycle Association. Here’s a sampling to happen. I don’t mind one bit that meeting touring organization I became familiar with after meeting Bubba over 15 years ago at Cycle of FBA award recipients mentioned or these people and hearing the success stories North Carolina. In fact, thanks to Bubba’s BubbaFest tour in the Florida Keys, I was able featured in this special trails issue of the are part of my job. We achieve great things to hook up with Alison Higgins, City of Key West Sustainability Coordinator for the FBA Messenger: together - stay positive! Request on page 18. On behalf of the FBA Board and Advisory Board, Happy Holidays! Another example: On November 14, I happened. I also received emails from Hank had the pleasure of being in front of Oldsmar Danielson of the Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Elementary School third graders as part of Club and Mark Schiefer of Gulf Coast Velo The above column was written over the Thanksgiving weekend, prior to the news of Pinellas County’s Great American Teach- as the story made the news and social me- another traffic crash in south Florida. According to the Miami Herald, In. I doubt it would have been as much fun dia. It’s not unusual for cyclists in this area “Weston resident Denise Marsh, 53, died from her injuries. Marsh’s Facebook if not for the insights Lisa Indovino, a Safe to be members of multiple bicycle clubs and page says she was a native of Bloomfield, New Jersey, an office manager, a wife, Routes to School educator, shared with me I am a member of all three. Suffice to say, it’s mother of two and summa cum laude graduate from Broward College in May. at the Open Streets Palmetto event. Suffice the kind of news that is paralyzing. Her photo posts featured family, especially her sons, and her pedaling family, to say, I met Lisa through, you guessed it, The Wall Street Journal reported that Cycling Family Broward. cycling. Lisa’s recommendation to do the Pinellas County is the most dangerous place Carlos Rodriguez, 62, was in surgery “with an unknown prognosis,” according egg drop demonstration, which shows the in the country to ride a bicycle. Joy Hancock to Davie police. Edgar Reyes, 48; Maria Bautista, 56; and John Beitz, 49 were importance of wearing a helmet, not only of Bike Florida provides her insights to the in stable condition. A 14-year-old boy suffered a scraped knee. All appear to be caught the attention of the children but the WSJ article on page 12. Joy and I both live in from Cycling Family Broward.” teachers as well. Pinellas County and on occasion meet for a I can always tell stories of the positive bike ride that includes lunch. Carlos Rodriguez died on November 27. No charges have been filed against the driver when it comes to cycling, but I know it’s not The stats have never stopped me from as the crash remains under investigation. always happy. riding, or driving for that matter. Florida’s Cycling is not always happy, and as corny as this sounds, my thoughts are with the Example: On October 30, four cyclists, Integrated Report Exchange System families and cycling friends of the injured and those that have died. Cycling Family Sarah Calabrese, 55, William J. Harrington, (FIRES), show motorist traffic fatalities Broward is hurting as are all of us. 57, Joel Calabrese, 67 and John Ustruck, 60, for this year, as of November 23, at 2,564. Florida Bicycle Association was first founded after the happy occasion of 1987 known were hit from behind while changing lanes The fatalities for non-motorists in the as the Post Grape Nuts Bike Festival. The second inception of FBA was inspired by the on Center Road in Venice. All the cyclists same time frame are 115 bicyclists and 564 loss of two cyclists on December 26, 1996. required hospitalization. On November pedestrians. That’s a total of 3,243 people; 5, William Harrington succumbed to his people who drive, people who ride bicycles Our work continues throughout Florida and we will be in Tallahassee once again for injuries. The others have since been released. and people who walk. Simply put, there are the 2019 legislative session, advocating for distracted driving laws. We appreciate the Sarasota-Manatee Bicycle Club pres- no guarantees in transportation, no matter support of our members, our sponsors and all of those who truly enjoy one of life’s ident Bud Gaunce texted me when this the mode you choose. simple pleasure – the bicycle. We will achieve great things together – stay positive!

by Herb Hiller from Armstrong all the way to Wilmington, Hastings Steering Committee with support Trails and the Long Game North Carolina. from Hastings Rotary and the SJR2C Loop n Florida with its singular drive for Missouri on a newly finished Katy Trail Armstrong was inspiring. Why not Alliance. It’s an up-by-the-bootstraps Igrowth, eco values play the long game. having to work around boulders rolled the entire Hwy. 207 corridor adopted for initiative to make sure that residents get By eco values I mean not just conserving onto the asphalt by aggrieved property agritourism? Farmers who watched the heard about decisions that affect them. the natural order but also preserving owners who claimed reversionary rights. four-laning of 207 felt the rail bed should Meanwhile, the agritourism corridor cultural heritage. We are the creatures of At the micro level, a decade ago the have been set aside as a way for slow- takes shape. Flagler College, St. Johns River nature and culture alike. residents of Armstrong quit fighting moving equipment. State College, Flagler Hospital, FPL, health Driving along the SR 207 farm corridor the new trail and embraced it instead. Rail had prospered Hastings as a farm care plan companies, and county tourism between East Palatka and St. Augustine, The East Coast Greenway Alliance, for center, the same as its removal in the late and cultural agencies have invested in roadside barns collapsed by recent storms which I worked, introduced touring ‘60s hastened town decline. When trail the corridor’s emergence. Come January occur as landscape artifacts. Something companies to the trail. Bike Florida quickly construction began, many thought the 10, Flagler College will start monthly van happened. Cycling the canopied trail and adopted it and Armstrong itself. Velo railroad was coming back. Adults didn’t tours. Tours will include visits to Blue Sky backroads, we stop where the farms are, at Fest Community Initiative and the North ride bikes. Kids did. Maybe the farmers Farms in Hastings, to the produce and Jim’s Place in Elkton or at Molasses Junction Florida Bicycle Club followed. DOT built a were right. crafts market at Spuds Farm, and to the Country Store. Conversation quickly reveals spur to a new trailhead at Armstrong Park. Ironically, the motive to reconsider Saturiwa Conservation Area in Elkton. how those collapsed barns symbolize the Funds generated by meals prepared for coincided with last year’s vote to dissolve Lunch will come from newly opened waning of family farms and the communities cyclists paid for the acquisition of a trail- town government. Dissolution won Norma D’s Kitchen in Hastings. they’ve sustained. Something’s happening. adjacent house planned for conversion as a big because county takeover promised Celebration of the values at work We’re in the moment. hospitality center. drastically reduced utility rates. But the loss will take place April 5 and 6 at the 2nd Henry Flagler’s trains 130 years ago Filmmaker Derek Hankerson has of local government palled the community. Annual SJR2C Loop Summit in Palatka prospered corridor farms, but after the captured the story of how these moves This fall, a retired Citi Banker/cyclist and and Hastings. The long game will have trains left and only the rail beds remained, inspired the Gullah Geechee Cultural the pastor of The Lord’s Temple gave rise to a perceptibly advanced. farmers along 207 resisted their conversion Heritage Corridor Commission to embrace to trail. I remember years ago cycling the community-building value of trails SJR2C Loop Summit information at: www.http://sjr2c.org. Herb Hiller writes from his home in DeLand. Page 6 Florida Bicycle Association Our “Gap” (Great Allegheny Passage) Trail Lessons Learned Preparing Palatka’s “Trail Town” application Photos and text by Linda Crider, SJR2C trail Alliance member; The Bartram Inn Bed & Breakfast, Palatka, FL

e began our quest August 9th traveling from operated and NOT (as well at least) maintained. The Wdifferent directions to meet in Pittsburgh, surface of the C&O is more subject to mud puddles/ PA, the beginning (or end) of the Great Allegheny potholes, cracks, and stray rocks. In fairness, the Passage Trail. Bob Stevens drove his van with bikes money for the C&O Trail seems to be absorbed by from Grove Park, FL; Mike Mahony flew in from the trailhead sites and the lock and dam maintenance Gainesville, and I flew in from Phoenix. Riding (they were completely redoing the Williamsport this trail had been on each one of our “bucket lists” viaduct when we visited by car). for years so we decided on a date to finally make it As Palatka proceeds to become an officially happen – a plan to ride our bikes 150 miles from designated “Trail Town” in the state of Florida, Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD on the abandoned the lessons learned from the “GAP” experience, railroad line that years earlier had been turned especially the passion and persistence of volunteers, into a trail by a group of visionary and committed are valuable. As one of the pieces of our St. Johns volunteers, “The Allegheny Trail Alliance,” and their River-to-Sea (SJR2C) loop puzzle, we have an 12 trail partners. important role to play. Palatka is already a trail “hub” I procured a copy of the Great Allegheny Passage with the million-dollar investment in a bicycle/ Trail Guide book that was filled with information – pedestrian bridge crossing the St. Johns River, this bike trail hub is not enough), we can add the designation of the St. mileages, lodgings, restaurants and cafes, bike shops, connecting our downtown and Keystone Heights to Johns River as a state Blueways Trail and National Recreation Trail, the shuttle services, information about the various towns the Loop trail in East Palatka and all the way to St Bartram Scenic Byway, the Florida Hiking Trail crossing SR100 at Etonia we would pass through, and an excellent fold out Augustine. It is significant that this bridge is the only Creek, Welaka State Forest trails, equestrian trails near Florahome and map of the entire trail. It was an invaluable resource safe way for cyclists to get across the St. Johns River Welaka State Forest… all part of a comprehensive trail system. that enabled me to plan out a 5-day/7-night itinerary for 40 miles to the north or south. Palatka serves to become an important trail town and link in all four cycling an average of 30 miles a day (fully loaded with The SJR2C loop trail received the nod by the directions. As a strong Alliance partner, the city of Palatka, Putnam our clothes and necessities in rain proof panniers Florida Greenways and Trails Council last year to be County government and chamber of commerce, and the “Putnam and bike packs) and reserve rooms at reasonably second in line for legislatively approved SUN Trail Blueways and Trails Citizens” support organization, and the downtown priced Bed & Breakfasts. funding to complete gaps in this 260 mile 5-coun- merchants are all charged with pursuing the “Trail Town” designation We lucked out on the weather, dodging rainstorms ty trail. Herb Hiller, trail mentor and founder of the and creating an action plan to welcome trail users and support their that held off most days until late afternoon or SJR2C Loop concept, helped establish the SJR2C needs with local facilities, restaurants, lodging, shops, bike repair, kayak evening, helping to keep August temperatures down Alliance, as a non-profit group to shepherd the trail rentals, farmers market, artists studios, trail guide booklet and maps, etc. to a comfortable level. development effort. They are gathering partnerships It is an economic development project in the making and will bring a The trail was very well signed and easy to find much as the “GAP” trail Alliance did along the five tourism dimension back to this once thriving tourist town. each morning from the small towns that this trail counties (St. Johns, Putnam, Volusia, Brevard and traverses. The deciduous forest canopy shaded the Flagler) that contain the trail. Approximately 35% of The Bartram Inn Bed & Breakfast is located at 116 Kirkland St., Palatka, Florida 32177. Email [email protected]. Phone: 352-359-0623 lime rock and cinder packed trail that was well this trail is already in place, and it is also designated as maintained and continuous, despite occasional a spur of the national East Coast Greenway Trail (that constrained right-of-way widths that utilized runs from Maine to Key West). sidewalks, striping on the road with delineators, and Putnam County’s north section of the Loop Trails for the Health of It even sections of “rails WITH trails.” The railroad Trail has been completed from East Palatka to the trestles and tunnels had been excellently maintained county line. St. Johns County will help complete a By Eric Draper, Florida State Parks Director and converted for bicycle use; several of the tunnels gap in Hastings this November with the completion were even lit with electric lights overhead. of the Deep Creek bridge and the trail from the recently attended the ribbon-cutting for a new section of the The little towns we stayed in and went through Putnam County line alongside SR207 all the way to ITallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. The energy was had been at one time successful industrial (steel, coal, I-95 outside of St. Augustine. A grand celebration great — a mix of city leaders, students and local bicyclists had joined railroad) towns but now were just barely “holding is planned for Nov.17th in Hastings with booths, together to celebrate a milestone in the trail’s history. The completion on” and hoping the “GAP” tourism would bring venders, children’s activities and runners and of the new connector trail means that now, residents and visitors to people and money. We did our part, staying at Bed bicyclists coming from Palatka and from St. Tallahassee can ride from Florida State University to the coastal town & Breakfasts, eating at local cafes and restaurants, Augustine in either direction to “drive the golden of St. Marks without leaving a paved multiuse trail. and looking for things to do in the evenings. spike” in the middle of Hastings. This small town has I’m a passionate cyclist, and that naturally translates into an Unfortunately there wasn’t much. Aside from a visit high hopes and expectations that the trail will bring appreciation of trails and safe roads. The question is how we build to a developing brewery, a “band on the Square” bicycle and pedestrian travelers to visit cafes, shops the kind of enthusiasm that made the St. Marks connector happen (40’s music in a downtown parking lot), and some (bike and ice cream), B&B’s, farmers market and trail among people who may not think of themselves as bicyclists or fitness lovely eat out dining experiences, there wasn’t much head museum. enthusiasts. Part of the solution is sharing how trails can make people to do. Only a few places along the trail had any type From East Palatka south toward Volusia County, of all abilities happier and healthier. of commerce; a tile mosaic artist, Amish farmers the trail is only in the planning phase except for the I’m reminded of a story a friend told me. After a difficult knee market, and some ice cream stops were about the recently completed trail parallel to the road widening surgery, his mother had trouble getting her usual exercise, a walk extent. We were sadly disappointed in this. The of State Road 17. around her neighborhood on Amelia Island. She bought a bicycle excellent marketing “spin” far exceeded the actual As this road widening project continues south, a because it was an easy way for her to get exercise, but she wasn’t experience, we thought. trail will be built alongside it to be part of the SJR2C comfortable cycling on nearby roads. A friend introduced her to the Hooray for the marketing (way-finding signs, Loop five-county trail. An ambitious project for Timucuan Trail, a beautiful stretch along the coast from Little Talbot brochures for each town, trail guide booklet), sure, but one the people of Florida have voted and Island State Park to Amelia Island. Riding the trail helped speed up excellent directional signage, mile markers, supported through funding amendments to support her recovery and gave her back confidence and a sense of well-being. trailheads (converted train stations turned museum all modes of transportation, as well as the tourist I like this story because it echoes my own experience cycling to and information centers), and the well-maintained dollars the trails promise to generate. Many are stay active after injuries and to further my lifelong commitment to trestles and tunnels. We were NEVER lost. saying, “Bicycling is the new golf.” But who knows. fitness and healthy living. Recent reports from health professionals The “GAP” trail maintenance appears to be The economic input is a small investment for the recommend that adults get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every orchestrated by volunteers and is well done in potential output generated for communities. week. What better way to move the heart and legs than cycling, and comparison to the C&O Canal Trail that is federally In our application to become a “Trail Town” (as if where better to ride that bike than on a trail? Winter 2019 Page 7 Board of Directors City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! Patricia Huff, President Edward Mingus, Treasurer 10

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

Courtney Reynolds, Vice President John Egberts 75 100 Myrtle Street, #106 P.O. Box 118208 Longwood Longwood FL 32750 Gainesville FL 32611 321-439-2781 352-294-1685 Oldsmar 4 [email protected] [email protected] BICYCLE ASSOCIATION (FBA HQ) Lakeland www. oridabicycle.org EST. 1997 Clearwater Tampa Jim Dodson, Secretary J. Steele Olmstead 310 Wildwood Way 14517 N. 18th Street Clearwater FL 33756 Tampa FL 33613 75 727-446-0840 813-979-4949 Working Together to Everglades [email protected] [email protected] City Build a Bicycle-friendly Florida 75 Staff Becky Afonso, Executive Director OUR MISSION: 174B State Street E, Oldsmar FL 34677 for Florida bicycling is to network and share best practices, 813-748-1513, [email protected] to educate and advocate and to build awareness as a unified voice. Laura Hallam, Administrative Assistant OUR VISION: for Florida is to be a state where bicycling is safe, respected 367 Buckhorn Creek Road, Sopchoppy FL 32358 and encouraged as a means of transportation and recreation. 407-399-9961, [email protected] Mary Beth Garcia, Ride Leader/Ride Marshal Program Director OUR PURPOSE: [email protected] • To educate bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists about safely sharing roadways and paths Advisory Board Henry N. Lawrence, III, • To be a powerful, influential voice that protects and advances the interests of Past President & Founding Member, bicyclists Tim Bol, Past Board Member, FBA, [email protected] FBA, [email protected] • To encourage the creation of great on-road and off-road places to ride Laura Minns, Central Florida Chris Burns, Chair, Jacksonville • To provide a statewide communications network for bicyclists Regional Transportation Authority Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Com- • To encourage more people to bicycle more often (LYNX), [email protected] mittee, [email protected] Keri Caffrey, Co-Founder, Dan Moser, Bike/Ped/Traffic CyclingSavvy. Program Safety Consultant, Help Us Grow the Base! Give to FBA Consultant, American Bicycling [email protected] he Florida Bicycle Association was founded by people like you who want to make Florida a Education Association, better place to ride a bicycle. Our projects and programs that benefit bicyclists are made [email protected] Roger Pierce, Florida Bicycle T possible primarily through membership and sponsorship to our organization. Simply put, without Chris LeDew, City of Jacksonville Touring Calendar, Chief of Traffic Engineering [email protected] membership, sponsorship and donations, the Florida Bicycle Association would not exist. Keep bicycle enjoyment alive in Florida and help us in the fight against bicycle fatalities, Join FBA! [email protected] Paula Saracki, FBA Messenger, Dan Connaughton, Director [email protected] Did you know your membership donation to FBA is tax-deductible? Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety FBA is a 501(c)(3) education and charitable nonprofit corporation. You can join FBA online or Education Program, John Sinibaldi, Jr. [email protected] St. Petersburg Bicycle Club, download and mail an application from our website, www.floridabicycle.org. You can request an application to be mailed to you by contacting Becky Afonso at 813-748-1513. Steve Diez, Hernando County [email protected] MPO, [email protected] Lisa Walker, Public Affairs, Does your place of employment offer matching gifts to non-profits? Think FBA! David Henderson, [email protected] Bicycling is one of life’s simple pleasures to enjoy, not fear. Join or donate to the Florida Bicycle Past President, FBA, Association and let’s ride together for Florida bicycling excellence. Contact Becky Afonso at becky@ Miami-Dade County MPO, Randall Williams, former [email protected] Messenger editor, [email protected] floridabicycle.org for more information on ways to donate to FBA.

Brian Smith, VP Florida The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable purposes. FBA is a not-for-profit, tax- Greenways & Trails Foundation, exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA. submitted this photo of the Polk/ Lake County lines on the To become a member supporter of FBA, join online at www.fbamembership.org General Van The Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the: Fleet Trail Florida Bicycle Association, P O. . Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 www floridabicycle. org. • e-mail: Becky@floridabicycle org. • Phone: 813-748-1513 Messenger Copy and Advertising Information and Deadlines: FBA Membership includes a subscription to the Messenger. The FBA accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the website for rates and specifications or e-mail: [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of Deadlines: the Association, is neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Winter Issue – November 15 Although we carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for Spring Issue – February 15 the information or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. Summer Issue – May 15 ©2018 Florida Bicycle Association all rights reserved Autumn Issue – August 15 A copy of the official registration and financial information (ch9008) may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. http:/www.800helpfla.com/ Page 8 Florida Bicycle Association

BICYCLING OFF-ROAD

by Patty Hu in Wonderful Wild Florida Building a road in the middle of a swamp Tamiami Trail was quite a feat, likened to one of the great wonders of the world. To accommodate the outh Florida has an abundant of ex- traffic along this route, Barron Collier built citing backcountry trails through our S way stations every 10 miles and provided parks: Collier-Seminole, 10,000 Islands gas and food. Fast forward 90 years and his Wildlife Refuge, Picayune Strand Preserve, legacy has become a two-lane rural highway Fakahatchee Strand Preserve, Big Cypress connecting the various parks between the Preserve and . All east and west coast. It is no wonder that of these are located either along or adjacent long distance cyclists come from all over to the Tamiami Trail (yes, a “trail”), named the world to experience the wonders of in the early 1900s connecting Tampa with the Everglades in a non-motorized vehicle. Miami. Today the south section is the main Over the past 35 years that I have traveled artery between Naples and south Miami. the Tamiami Trail, there have been many Alligator Alley (Interstate 75) is parallel safety improvements: large Australian and 20 miles to the north, linking Tampa Pines lining the canal were removed (they to Ft. Lauderdale. Many cyclists and group were invasive and easy targets for crashes); tours travel the most southern route along FBA President Patty Huff submitted this photo of Janes Scenic as a submission to the the road surface has been resurfaced Favorite Trails Contest. the Tamiami Trail in order to experience several times with shoulders added where the beauty of our national and state parks. there were none; a stoplight was installed the lane of traffic. for Tiny-Hands Foundation. In March we’ll Adventure Cycling has an agreement with at the entrance to Everglades City on Experienced bicyclists who are used have another charity bike group “Ends of the to promote a bicy- SR29; two separate multi-use pathways to riding on two lane highways and who the Earth Cycling” who take a slower trip cling network through our National Parks. in the western section close to Naples enjoy long distance cycling will continue between the two cities, relaxing along the For background information, Barron were built to accommodate bicyclists and to come to south Florida to appreciate the way in Everglades City. In addition, many Gift Collier provided the state of Florida pedestrians; two “Share-the-Road” signs uniqueness of this area. There is a variety of touring cyclists come from all over the the funding needed for the completion of now alert motorists to cyclists, fishermen birds, wildlife, vistas and cultural / historic world; just last month I met up with a the Tamiami Trail with an understanding and photographers; some of the many sites for the traveler along the Tamiami German long distance rider traveling east that the southernmost part of Lee County rumble strips have been removed. Despite Trail that can’t be found anywhere else in to Miami from Naples and a Brazilian rode (which he owned the majority) be re- these enhancements, there are still safety our state. The first weekend in November, a 120 miles one recent Sunday from Miami named Collier County. A state-wide concerns: high speed traffic and the narrow group of 67 cyclists (see photo) celebrated to Naples. He emailed me how much he celebration was held in Everglades City bridges and the remaining raised pavement their 9th annual “72-hours to Key West” Ft. liked the road and had a good ride. Come on April 26, 1928, for the grand opening. markers, requiring the cyclist to move into Myers to Key West bike ride to raise funds enjoy Wonderful Wild Florida for yourself! VeloSport Events of South Florida and FBA’s Ride Leader   to Ride Marshal Certification Program Partnership VeloSport Events of South Florida and Florida Bicycle Association’s Ride Leader to Ride Marshal Certification Program entered BICYCLE ASSOCIATION a partnership on November 1st . Through this partnership FBA will assist in recruiting, training, supporting and certifying Ride www. oridabicycle.org EST. 1997 Marshals for all of the VeloSport cycling events scheduled from November 1, 2018 through 2019 . VeloSport Events sought out FBA as a partner to ensure their events had trained ride marshals and that all cyclists obeyed Florida Bicycle Laws and smart cycling RIDE LEADER / RIDE MARSHAL practices . FBA is pleased to partner with VeloSport as a trusted advisor to provide consistently trained marshals through the FBA PROGRAM certification program . Sunday, November 11, was the first event of the season . The CycleFest event was a 2-day expo and bike ride with over 800 cyclists participating out of CB Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, FL . FBA’s RLRM Program Manager, Mary Beth Garcia, recruited 18 Ride Marshals for the four rides from Social—12-15 MPH 30-mile ride, to Advanced 15-19 MPH, Elite 19-23 MPH and Open 23+ MPH 60-mile rides .

VeloSport is sponsoring a Ride Leader to Ride Marshal certification class for this group of Ride Marshals and future Ride Marshals in the south Florida area over the next month . Stay tuned for more details posted on our website about registration for this upcoming RLRM certification workshop . The goal is to host the RLRM If you are interested in joining the Ride Marshal Certification prior to the next VeloSport event on January VeloSport Team, please contact Mary Beth Garcia, 20th, the Giro Bella Women’s Ride out of Snyder Park [email protected]. in Fort Lauderdale, FL supporting women in cycling and Register for the Giro Bella ride @ domestic abuse . Proceeds from the registration fees for www.velosportevents.com/giro-bella-womens-ride this ride go to the No More Tears Foundation . Winter 2019 Page 9

Do you care about making our roads safer for cyclists? Want to do more but you don't know where to start? Get the Tag! Become a Share the Road Champion - It's easy, inexpensive, and a great way to join thousands like you who want to make our roads safer for cycling.

Proceeds from the STR Tag go directly to the Florida Bicycle Association and Bike Florida. It’s as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Visit ShareTheRoad.org

2. Click on “Get the Tag”

3. Put the tag on your car and show the world you support bicycle safety and education in Florida! Page 10 Florida Bicycle Association Winter 2019 Page 11 Regional Priority Trail Connectors A look at how SUN Trail connects, thanks to our friends at Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation and Genesis. Members’ Favorite Trails Pr inting Date: 3/27/2017 3:21:40 PM Visit Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation (www.fgtf.org) or SUN Trail (www.floridasuntrail.com) for more information. FBA asked our members and cycling enthusiasts to submit their favorite File:F:\8586\004\GIS\MXD\20170321-RegionalPriorityTrailConnectors-11x17.mxd Florida trail photos for this special issue. Enjoy the views as our trail ALABAMA photographers enjoy their special edition FBA Polar water bottle. ESCAMBIA ¤£331 HOLMES GEORGIA MISSISSIPPI OKALOOSA JACKSON Regional Priority ¤£29 SANTAROSA ¤£23 «¬8 §10 WALTON WASHINGTON JEFFERSON NASSAU ¨¦ GADSDEN ¨¦§110 «¬10 Trail Connectors CALHOUN LEON HAMILTON «¬20 MADISON «¬30 ¤£98 ¤£231 £90 DUVAL 90A BAY ¤ ¤£ «¬71 ¤£221 BAKER ¨¦§10 LIBERTY SUWANNEE COLUMBIA 295 ¤£98B ¨¦§ WAKULLA £301 TAYLOR ¤£129 ¤ ¨¦§75 UNION CLAY GULF BRADFORD ST FRANKLIN LAFAYETTE JOHN¤£S1B St. Johns River to Sea Great Northwest Coast 2«¬00 «¬15 ¤£319 Regional Connector Regional Connector ¨¦§95 Regional Connector Regional Connector GILCHRIST ALACHUA PUTNAM DIXIE ¤£17 Capital City to ¤£27A FLAGLER the Sea Trails Nature Coast LEVY MARION «¬9 Regional Connector VOLUSIA ¤£1 ¤£19 Coast to Coast Old Florida SUMTER CITRUS LAKE «¬5 Regional Connector Regional Connector SEMINOLE Lisa Portelli took this selfie with her friends on the new section of the East Central Trail from Maytown Road to Titusville. They are at Vergie’s Pit Stop, a SAG stop with incredible ¤£27 ORANGE HERNANDO provisions, entirely on honor system. Bikes bring out the best in folks! Heart of Florida Atlantic ¨¦§4 Regional Connector «¬55 PASCO Ocean 4«¬00 ¤£92 ¤£192 HILLSBOROUGH OSCEOLA ¤£41B ¤£19A POLK BREVARD «¬60 ¨¦§275 INDIAN RIVER

Gulf of MANATEE HARDEE OKEECHOBEE Legend Mexico ST LUCIE HIGHLANDS ¤£441 East Coast Greenway / ¨¦§75 Florida National Scenic Trail «¬70 «¬91 Tropical Terminus SARASOTA DESOTO Blueway «¬25 MARTIN Adrian Viloria’s photo from Black Point Park & Marina. Note cyclists reflected in the water. GLADES SUN Trail Network Gulf Coast CHARLOTTE

Existing Trail Regional Connector PALMBEACH Gap LEE HENDRY «¬45 Connectors «¬29 Coast to Coast Regional Connector - 250 miles «¬93 BROWARD COLLIER §595 Heart of Florida Regional Connector - 135 miles ¨¦

Gulf Coast Regional Connector 225 miles ¤£41 «¬90 ¨¦§195 Nature Coast Regional Connector - 175 miles MIAMI-DADE Old Florida Regional Connector - 100 miles MONROE Florida Keys Great Northwest Coast Regional Connector - 275 miles Overseas Heritage Trail °¬ Tropical Terminus / East Coast Greenway - 250 miles BICYCLE ASSOCIATION 50 0 50 Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail - 100 miles www. oridabicycle.org EST. 1997

St Johns River to Sea Regional Connector - 90 miles Miles Capital City to the Sea Trails - 85 Miles Ronna Fisher took this photo at Green Springs Park - Spring to Spring Trail. See more favorite trail photos on pages 3, 7, 8, 13, 17 and 19.

Data Source: FDEP OGT TI T LE Prepared Date: March 21, 2017 This map is for planning purposes only. Any other use is not advised. Engineering - Landscape Architecture - Planning - GIS Page 12 Florida Bicycle Association

A Different Vision for Bicycling in Floridaby Joy Hancock, Executive Director, Bike Florida

ate September my attention was brought Florida and when comparing cycling to FBA, Bike Florida and Alert Today Lto a Wall Street Journal article labeling other places I’ve lived and ridden, Florida Florida partner with the Tampa Bay Pinellas County, FL as the most dangerous always comes out on top as my favorite Lightning to sponsor on-ice bicycle place to bicycle in America. As a resident of place to ride. Here the roads are smooth (as races during intermissions at select Clearwater and therefore Pinellas County, opposed to being full of wheel-destroying home games. This is a fun and I must admit I was a little surprised. Sure, potholes), dogs are kept safely fenced effective way to raise awareness of there is a lot of traffic and there are plenty (as opposed to needing to carry mace to bicycle safety. of places I would never ride a bicycle. I ward off packs of aggressive dogs loose on know people (including my husband) who the street), and there is an extensive trail have gotten into accidents involving cars network that is currently expanding to and I’ve had some scary moments myself. connect across the entire state (as opposed At the same time there are great trails, an to almost none). Plus, the weather couldn’t active cycling and community, be any better. and tons of tourists out enjoying the sun on I also know that cycling where there is beach cruisers. If it were so dangerous, then a lot of traffic is just as dangerous as trying why do so many people ride? And how are to race away from a hungry Rottweiler. they having fun? Pinellas County is the most densely Almost immediately the Tampa Bay populated county in Florida, in the third Times came out with their own article: “Is most populous state in the country (6.5% Pinellas County really the most dangerous of all US residents) that currently has the place in the nation to ride a bicycle?” If third highest rate of population growth you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, I at 1.56%. These numbers do not include The good news is that slowly but Florida has decreased by about 23% strongly suggest you do. It provides a fair tourists. According to Visit Florida there surely people are waking up to the need since 2015. This is significant, even more and balanced assessment of what the Wall were a record 116.5 million tourists that to prioritize the rights of vulnerable road so when you consider the concurrent Street Journal’s claims and corrects a lot came to our state in 2017 alone. This is an users. Through initiatives such as the population growth in the state. of the misinformation contained within. increase of 3.6% over what was the current Statewide Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety • In 2017 Florida was ranked 15th in the Furthermore, it provides a more in-depth record holder in 2016. It is also highly likely Coalition, Bicycle Pedestrian Partnership League of American Bicyclist’s Bicycle account of what is really going on in that 2018 will break 2017’s record. When Council, Florida Bicycle Association, Bike Friendly State Ranking. Seeing as how Pinellas County and around the state with you look at it this way, you can see the Florida, and many other federal, state, and in 2009 Florida was 32nd, this shows a regards to bicycle safety. enormous challenges Florida faces to keep local partners, stakeholders, and safety large amount of relative progress. Our With these articles in mind, I started vulnerable road users safe while at the same advocates, some significant change is aim is of course to be number 1, and we thinking a bit more about Pinellas County time trying to manage the influx of people taking place. Here are just three examples: will continue our hard work until this is and Florida as a whole. I am not native to to what is already a crowded state. • The number of bicycle fatalities in achieved. (continued on next page)

In 2019, the Florida Freewheelers will be hosting the 39th edition of the Florida Bicycle Safari. Over the decades, the Safari has built up a reputation to deliver 3 or 6 days of great cycling, games, fun activities, and catered meals in North Florida and South Georgia that will have you licking your chops long after the event is over. To learn more about this annual getaway, visit https://www.floridabicyclesafari.com/ or email [email protected] for more details and information.

Winter 2019 Page 13

• In 2018 funding for bicycle and pedestrian their work in bicycle safety and education. safety programs in Florida increased by $4.2 Plus, when you have the plate on your car, million from the previous year. you are providing a constant reminder to Bad reputations are hard to repair. But the your fellow motorists to Share the Road. The facts show Florida is combating past failings more people we get out there with the plate, and building a safer future for vulnerable road the louder our voices will be heard. Get the users. And Bike Florida wants to help make this plate at www.sharetheroad.org. future happen. 3. Sign up for Bike Florida’s 25th Annual For 25 years, when most people hear of Spring Tour! From March 29 to April 3 we Bike Florida, they think of our annual bicycle will be having tons of fun in the lovely towns tour. We are so much more than that. Our of Brooksville and Inverness, riding the vision is of Florida as the premier cycling Withlacoochie, Good Neighbor, and Sun experience. This vision is of a future with no Coast trails. traffic-related bicycle fatalities, wide-spread While we want our participants to have are Your bicycle infrastructure, and a culture of safety fun, our primary focus is to help our host amongst all road users. Our vision is of Florida’s communities improve their economic health towns thriving economically from both bicycle through bicycle tourism. As the tourism tourism and people choosing to live in these dollars come in engineers, planners, tourism towns because of their bicycling culture. And development councils, chambers of commerce, we believe this is achievable as long as we work etc. realize that bicycles mean business—a lot with others who have the same vision. of business. As we spread this message, more We also know that we need you to help us and more Florida towns will put more funding get there. If you want to be part of this but not towards bicycle infrastructure in order to heels u sure how to get started, there are three simple attract more bicycle tourism. The outcome is  rnin? things you can do today: a win-win: Florida communities attract more 1. Become a member of the Florida Bicycle tourism, and bicycling becomes safer and more Association. Already a member? Get a friend enjoyable. Did I mention how much fun you’ll to join. Membership is only $25 (or less) have? Visit bikeflorida.org. are Your annually and fees go directly to grass roots Bicycle safety is not yet where it should be development and advocacy for bicyclists in Florida. With everyone working together to around the state. build on the great things that have already been 2. Get a Share the Road specialty license accomplished, we can achieve what was once plate. It costs just $19 more than a standard thought of as impossible. And the next time we plate, and this tiny contribution goes a long are featured in the Wall Street Journal it will say: way. All proceeds go to the Florida Bicycle “Florida is the best place in the nation to ride a Association and Bike Florida to continue bicycle.” Teresah Mooree submittedel thiss photo from theu Vierar Wetlands.nin? are Your

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

800-828-7655 twitter.com/VisitCentralFL facebook.com/VisitCentralFlorida Page 14 Florida Bicycle Association Upcoming 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. Data are gleaned and summarized from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce and published on the FBA web site. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, at www.floridabicycle.org/touring.

JANUARY MARCH 19, 37 & 64 mile options January 6 (Sun) March 2-3 (Sat-Sun) https://raceroster.com/events/2019/18660/deans-ride Venice Piggy’s Revenge Endurance Challenge Key Largo Bike MS: Breakaway to Key Largo Starts at 8:00 a.m. at 1800 Mabry Carlton Pkwy, Starts at 7:00 a.m. at FIU Stadium, March 30-31 (Sat-Sun) Naples Pan-Florida Challenge Venice, FL 34292. 10,20,40 & 60+ mile options 11310 SW 17th St, Miami, FL 33175 Starts all day at North Collier Regional Park, 15000 https://www.bikereg.com/piggys-revenge https://secure.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/ Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109 Bike/FLSBikeEvents;jsessionid=00000000. 10, 31, 62, 100 & 2-day 200 mile options January 13 (Sun) Punta Gorda Hamster Wheel 200 app30113a?pg=entry&fr_id=30139&NONCE_ http://www.caamevents.com/caamtourseries/ Starts at 5:00 a.m. at Ridge Harbor Community Center, TOKEN=D8595644977803662E505EC532792A65 30337 Cedar Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. 30 & 62 mile March 30 (Sat) Palm Coast Up with Down Bike Ride www.eventbrite.com/e/hamster-wheel-7-tickets-52539050715 March 3 (Sun) Naples TD Bank Naples Bike Brunch Starts at 8:00 a.m. at Mezzaluna Pizzeria, 101 Palm Harbor Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Fleischmann Park, Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL 32137 January 27 (Sun) Gainesville Battle of Olustee 1600 Fleischmann Blvd, Naples, FL 34102 31, 62 & 100 mile options Starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Gainesville- https://raceroster.com/events/2019/20432/td-bank-naples-bike-brunch https://raceroster.com/events/2019/20082/ University Center, 1250 W University Ave, up-with-down-ride?aff=0CWS4&aff=0CWS4 Gainesville, FL 32601. 113 miles March 9 (Sat) Dunedin Ride 4 the Animals https://www.facebook.com/events/959445567555332/ Starts at 8:00 a.m. at Highlander Park & Aquatic Complex, APRIL 1937 Ed Eckert Dr, Dunedin, FL 34698 April 6 (Sat) FEBRUARY 25, 31 & 62 mile options Multiple Locations Dolphins Cancer Challenge https://raceroster.com/events/2018/14906/ Starts at various times at multiple locations all ending at February 9 (Sat) Arcadia Ride for Tiny Town ride-4-the-animals-2018?aff=0CWS4&aff=0CWS4 Starts at 7:45 a.m. at Mosaic Arena, 2450 NE Roan St, Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens, Arcadia, FL. 5, 15, 30 & 60 mile options FL 33056. 14, 25, 35, 52 & 100 mile options March 16-20 (Sat-Wed) https://dolphinscancerchallenge.com www.active.com/arcadia-fl/cycling/ride-for-tiny-town-2019 Fort Myers 8th Annual Key West Bike Ride Starts at 1:30 p.m. at NMSI/Ends Cycling, 2701 Cleveland February 10 (Sun) April 7 (Sun) Cocoa Beach Cross Florida Ride Ave #200, Fort Myers, FL 33901. 300 miles Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Shepard Park, 200 E Cocoa Beach White Springs Suwannee Sweetheart Ride https://www.endscycling.com/keywest5day Starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Suwannee Bicycle Association Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 90, 77 & 167 mile options Headquarters, 12 Bridge St, White Springs, FL March 22-23 (Fri-Sat) 25, 52, 62 & 100 mile options https://raceroster.com/events/2019/18045/38th-annual- Punta Gorda Pedal and Play in Paradise cross-florida-ride?aff=0CWS4&aff=0CWS4 http://suwanneebike.org/events/sweetheart.php Starts at Laishley Park Pavilions, 100 Nesbit St, Punta Gorda, FL. 15, 30 & 62 mile options April 13 (Sat) Amelia Island Katie Ride for Life February 10 (Sun) Palmetto SPBC Cycling Classic http://pedalandplayinparadise.com/event-details/ Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Palmetto’s Manatee County Starts at 8:00 a.m. at Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Fairgrounds, 1303 17th St West, Palmetto FL 34221 Atlantic Ave, Amelia Island, FL 32034 March 23 (Sat) Inverness Clean Air Ride 18, 34 & 63 mile options 18, 36, 60 & 104 options Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Inverness Trail Head, 1270 N Apopka https://raceroster.com/events/2019/17510/spbc-cycling-classic https://katiecaplesfoundation.donordrive.com/index. Ave, Inverness, FL 34450. 14, 28, 48 & 100 mile options cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=537 https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Inverness/CleanAirRide February 10 (Sun) Clermont Tour Latino Starts at 7:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park, Park Palm Street, April 13-14 (Sat-Sun) Palatka Palatka Bicycle Weekend March 24 (Sun) San Antonio Gran Fondo Florida Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Riverfront Park, Clermont, FL 34711. 10, 25, 50, 70 & 100 options Starts at 8:00 a.m. at Vo2max Cycles, Inc., 32807 https://raceroster.com/events/2019/18892/2019-tour-latino 2000 Memorial Parkway, Palatka, FL 32177 Pennsylvania Ave, San Antonio, FL 33576 25, 31 & 62 mile options 36, 55 & 96 mile options http://www.putnambluewaysandtrails. February 16 (Sat) Lake Worth Loop for Literacy https://www.bikereg.com/florida-gfns Starts at 7:00 a.m. at John Prince Park 2700 6th Ave S, org/2019-Palatka-Bicycle-Weekender Lake Worth, FL 33461. 40 mile option. March 24 (Sun) April 13-18 (Sat-Thur) 39th Florida Bike Safari www.literacypbc.org/event/ Hallandale Beach Granfondo Garneau Ride lsupport-literacypbc-org2019loopforliteracy/ Live Oak & Cherry Lake (3 & 6 day options) Starts at 8:00 a.m. at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, Starts at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds, 1302 11th St 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 February 16 (Sat) Boca Raton Ride 4 Orphans SW, Live Oak, FL 15, 31, 40, 62, 80 & 100 mile options Multiple miles options daily Starts at 7:30 a.m. at Spanish River Church, 2400 Yamato https://www.facebook.com/events/337777633720826/ Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431. 15, 31 & 62 mile options https://www.floridabicyclesafari.com/index.php https://events.hakuapp.com/ride-4-orphans March 24 (Sun) Palm City Riding for Heroes April 14 (Sun) Starts at 7:30 a.m. at Justin Wilson Memorial Park, 2050 St. Petersburg Tour de Cure – Greater Tampa Bay February 17 (Sun) Tallahassee The Champions Ride SW Mapp Rd, Palm City, FL 34990 Starts at 7:00 a.m. at the Golf Club at Summerbrooke, 7500 Starts at 7:30 a.m. at Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore 40, 58, 80 & 105 mile options Dr SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Preservation Rd, Tallahassee 32312. 13, 39 & 62 miles https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15969/ https://www.bikereg.com/champions-ride--criterium 10, 31, 40 & 65 mile options riding-for-heroes?aff=0CWS4&aff=0CWS4 http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?fr_id=12678&pg=entry February 24 (Sun) Melbourne Cycle 4 Alzheimers March 24 (Sun) Venice Tour de Parks Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, April 28 (Sun) St. Augustine Tour de Forts Classic Starts at 7:00 a.m. at Venice Train Depot/Legacy Trail, 202 Starts at 7:30 a.m. at St. Augustine High School, 3205 4676 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne 32935. 10, 62 & 100 miles E Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285. 20, 35 & 62 mile options https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15051/cycle4alz-2018 Varella Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 https://www.friendsofthelegacytrail.org/next-tour-de-parks/ 25, 37, 56, 70 & 100 mile options https://raceroster.com/events/2019/19533/tour-de-forts-classic February 24 (Sun) Havana Havana Hills Spring Classic March 30 (Sat) Plant City Dean’s Ride Starts at 8:30 a.m. at Wanderings, Starts at 7:30 a.m. at Hillsborough Community College- 312 1st St NW, Havana, FL 32333 Plant City Campus, 1206 N Park Rd, Plant City, FL 33563 https://raceroster.com/events/2019/18267/havana-hills-spring-classic Winter 2019 Page 15 Questions about the laws related to bicycling? Sidewalk Cycling in Largo, FL chained or locked to trees, any other plant life or structures, or placed so as to obstruct Thomas asked: Is sidewalk bicycling pedestrian or vehicular movement. Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org* prohibited anywhere in Largo? Q You can search the Code of Ordinances by George Martin Unless there is a local ordinance to for your location by going to the Muni As part of the Enforcement Program, FBA maintains www.FLBikeLaw.org Athe contrary, bicycling is permitted Codes for your city or county. to provide a place to ask questions about the laws. Questions come direct to FBA via on sidewalks. the “Contact FBA” form from www.floridabicycle.org as well as other sources. Herein is a very limited s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations sample of questions and answers found on the site. Go online for more. eBikes on Private Property (9) A person propelling a vehicle by Steve asked: I live in a 400 unit human power upon and along a sidewalk, Q“condo” complex in So.Florida. As Officer Must Witness Bicycle Lights at Night on or across a roadway upon and along a I anticipate purchase of an e-bike, I’ve Incident Private Roads crosswalk, has all the rights and duties noticed that the rules of the facility (a very Joe asked: I ride my bicycle to work Susan asked: Kris at Trek bicycle store applicable to a pedestrian under the same rigid, 35 yr old project, which prohibits Qand back each day. Most of the Qsaid it was illegal to ride a bicycle circumstances. “motorcycles, pickup trucks (including commute is on rural roads with a wide without lights. Even in the daytime. We The only local restrictions to bicycling $85,000 Escalades), and motorized shoulder but not technically a marked bike live in a gated community and she knew relate to parks within the city of Largo. bicycles”. I’m concerned that I may have to transport a folding e-bike off the property lane. This morning, while I was riding on that. I only ride in the community not on Chapter 17 Parks And Recreation the shoulder a vehicle pulled along beside the city streets. to operate or risk running up against the Sec. 17-2. Traffic laws. HOA. I’m hoping that with the “greening” me, slowed, and made a right turn which Lights are only required on bicycles (a) Applicable state vehicle laws shall of our country and Florida in particular, forced me into the ditch to avoid being run when operating at night or in A apply in and about all park property and in that some wiser, legal authority will over. She stopped and said she thought I inclement weather. was further back and I should have addition thereto the following rules shall be assist in prohibiting local law and HOA seen her turning. The ride immediately s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations applicable on roads and driveways within type associations from effectively killing preceding the incident was pretty rough (7) Every bicycle in use between sunset park property. e-bike sales and use. Any thoughts and guidance that will help me (and others) so I can’t say whether or not she actually and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on (b) No person driving, operating, to successfully transition to the world of hit me. When the deputy sheriff arrived he the front exhibiting a white light visible from controlling or propelling any vehicle, e-biking will be appreciated. said that since it wasn’t a crash he couldn’t a distance of at least 500 feet to the front motorized, horse-drawn or self-propelled, do anything since he didn’t witness the and a lamp and reflector on the rear each shall use any other than the regularly Condominiums and Home Owner’s incident. Does this sound right to you? exhibiting a red light visible from a distance designated paved or improved park roads AAssociations are private organizations This is the applicable statute: of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider or driveways, except when directed to do so and can devise rules as they wish. Buyers may be equipped with lights or reflectors in by a law enforcement officer or department should be aware of any rules in place before s. 316.083 – Overtaking and A addition to those required by this section. employee. buying into any private organization. You Passing a Vehicle might want to consider asking the board s. 316.217 – When Lighted Lamps are and Pinellas County. The following rules shall govern the Required of directors the justification for the rules overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding Chapter 90 – Parks And Conservation about ebikes. Their concern may be about (1) Every vehicle operated upon a in the same direction, subject to those Resources gas motor assist bicycles which are noisy highway within this state shall display limitations, exceptions, and special rules Sec. 90-5. – Vehicles and traffic control. and not road legal unless registered as a lighted lamps and illuminating devices as hereinafter stated: moped. herein respectively required for different (e) Bicycles shall only be ridden on (1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions roads and trails designated for bicycle traffic The FBA is considering possible another vehicle proceeding in the same with respect to parked vehicles, under the within parks and environmental lands legislation concerning ebikes in Florida. direction shall give an appropriate signal following conditions; and are prohibited on boardwalks. Where You may want to contact the FBA at https:// as provided for in s. 156, shall pass to the provided, bicycle racks must be used for floridabicycle.org/contact-us to voice your (a) At any time from sunset to sunrise left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not the parking of bicycles. Bicycles shall not be views on ebike legislation. again drive to the right side of the roadway including the twilight hours. Twilight hours until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. shall mean the time between sunset and full The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle night or between full night and sunrise. COALITION CORNER or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass (b) During any rain, smoke, or fog. the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle If the roads in your gated community at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet are public roadways, all the laws apply. If between the vehicle and the bicycle or other the roadways are private property and an nonmotorized vehicle. agreement between the community and Since violation of the statute above is law enforcement is in place, the same laws a non-criminal violation, what the officer apply. stated is essentially correct. Normally an officer must witness the incident to Dashed Bike Lane Lines properly evaluate the facts. If a crash Herman asked: Why does the line that occurs, an investigation can be initiated Qseparates a bike lane from the travel and witness statements are taken and other lane turn to dashed at an intersection? evidence is collected. That is the correct way to mark a bike If you were not satisfied with the Alane approaching an intersection, as outcome, you could have asked for a required by FDOT documents. It helps superior officer to follow up on scene, or define the proper actions of both the Most people recognize the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but you could file a report after the fact with the bicyclist and the motorist. Unfortunately, seldom consider the dangers of walking or riding a bicycle along a roadway while impaired. Alert sheriff’s office asking that they investigate. many intersections are not so marked. Today Florida and ABC Action News, along with other partners, worked together to film two new public service announcement videos to help drive the message home that one foolish act can ruin *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material provided here and through a thousand other great ones. The first video shows a bicyclist struggling to ride a bike home after other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no way constitute or be construed as legal advice having too much to drink with friends. The second video is a pedestrian also struggling to get by the officers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or home after having too much to drink after watching the big game. The two videos have a positive on the streets differs from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and FBA are not accountable message at the end with the characters making better decisions and getting home safely. Please for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. visit www.AlertTodayFlorida.com to view the videos. Page 16 Florida Bicycle Association Winning Ways of Friends of the POLK COUNTY NEWS: Lakeland Cycle Legacy Trail by Roger Normand, President, Friends of the Legacy Trail he Legacy Trail is a 10.5 mile long the Friends of Sarasota County Parks. Track by Jack Cormier Trails-to-trails multi-use paved path in We became an independent 501(c)(3) hree little-used blocks of New York Sarasota County, connecting to the nine tax exempt organization in 2015, able to TAvenue in downtown Lakeland will mile long Venetian Waterway Park trail in raise tax deductible contributions. soon become a two-way bicycle path, Venice. It attracts 225,000 uses per year. • Find friends in high places. The County continuing the city’s long-term goal of A November 6th general election ballot partnered with the Trust for Public Land becoming a mecca for cycle commuters. asked County voters to approve up to a $65M (TPL), a nationwide organization that Dubbed a “cycle track,” the south- bond to extend the Legacy Trail another creates parks, to negotiate acquisition bound lanes of New York Avenue will eight miles to downtown Sarasota, with of the rail corridor. TPL brought us a turn into a two-way bike path between overpasses and amenities, and better con- strategic level of excellence, expertise, Lime Street and Main Street. Costing nection to North Port. The bond would be personnel, and resources. We also part- roughly $674,000 – coming from state repaid through property taxes over 20 years. nered with three prominent local area and federal transportation money – the The Friends of the Legacy Trail (FLT), as charitable foundations. project includes a physical barrier that the grassroots community catalyst for this • Establish a political action committee. will separate the bicycle lanes from car initiative, is euphoric to report that 71% OF As a 501(c)(3), we were limited by law in traffic, which will travel north bound. SARASOTA COUNTY VOTERS VOTED saying VOTE YES for the referendum. It may not seem like much, but YES, winning 99% of the precincts! TPL established a political committee in reality, it is the first step to a more Cyclists ride tandem on the Lakeland Cycle Track. How does a small group of communi- with individuals from across the politi- cohesive cycle commuter network. ty activists convince local governments cal spectrum who were recognized and City staffers feel the New York Avenue as well as decorative lighting. and 417,000 residents, who tend to be tax- respected in the community. They raised modification combines well with other The city started to implement cyclist averse, to invest many millions of dollars to funds, sought endorsements, and ran plans already in the works. Those other and pedestrian safety improvements expand a multi-use trail? the Vote Yes campaign. projects include a bike path planned for shortly after a driver collided with a group Here’s our recipe for success, backed by • Develop a succinct, easily communi- the west side of Lake Hunter, as well as a of cyclists near Lake Hollingsworth in 2012. tens of thousands of hours of hard work cated core message. We emphasized planned and state funded bridge over CSX Since then, changes have been made to over six years: safety for trail users and motorists, en- tracks to the north, coupled with the bike traffic signals and intersections, all with an • Recruit passionate board members. Let hanced property values and quality of path around Lake Wire and a planned bike eye toward improving visibility and traffic each oversee one facet of the organization, life, and that funds could only be used to route up Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. flow while protecting cyclists. Additionally, turn them loose, and trust their efforts. extend the trail and its connections. All together, the city aims to help cyclists some sidewalks were raised to improve Our eight committees: Trail Extension, • Facilitate communication with volun- flow easier – and safer – through the pedestrian safety. Safety, Marketing, Trail Maintenance/ teers and the general public. Our FLT burgeoning city. All the improvements continue Enhancement, Membership, Public web site, monthly newsletter and social The addition of the cycle track is the Lakeland’s push toward being a cycle- Meetings, Volunteers, and Information media presence (Facebook, Instagram, first part of a master plan that, if staffers and friendly city. That work was recognized Technology. and Twitter) offers a wealth of fresh, en- planners have their way, will eventually tie in 2012, when the League of American • Put some skin in the game. We asked gaging content. Our referendum FAQ downtown bike and pedestrian pathways Bicyclists first dubbed Lakeland a bronze- and the County Commissioners agreed featured a map of the planned extension. into a citywide and regional system, level Bicycle Friendly Community. The crown jewel is the Lake-to-Lake Greenway to study the feasibility to extend the trail • Engage the local news media. We met including the General Van Fleet State Trail, and Bikeway Network, a 26-mile network along the unused rail corridor to down- with local print media editorial staff and the TECO-Auburndale Trail and the Fort of paths that runs from Lake John, circles town Sarasota, provided we raise (we columnists, receiving favorable cover- Fraser Trail. Lake Hollingsworth, goes by Florida did) half the $150,000 cost, demonstrat- age. We had many letters to the editor Nevertheless, the project isn’t only about Southern College, and travels through ing community support. published. We did local radio and tele- pedal power. The city also hopes that the Lakeland by Lake Hunter, Lake Wire, Lake • Grow the membership and volunteer vision interviews and panel discussions. plans for New York Avenue help to revitalize the area between Florida Avenue and the RP Morton and Lake Bonny. It then passes base. We focused on organizational • Seek political party support. We Funding Center. The project will also add Southeastern University and winds up growth, now with 1,000+ dues-pay- remained bipartisan! ing members and 300+ volunteers. We streetscaping similar to the rest of downtown along Lake Parker. • Be creative. Our Square Foot Campaign gained recognition as a political force in allows individuals to “buy” a $20 tax the community, like when our support- deductible square foot of the extension, ers wore yellow FLT shirts at key County receiving a certificate with the precise meetings. GPS coordinates of their square foot. • Engage local governments in a con- We have raised $59,000 from 550+ tinuing dialogue. We periodically met donors, demonstrating community individually with government leaders to commitment. establish a dialogue, discuss mutual op- • If you don’t count, you won’t count. We portunities, and address their concerns. discovered our old passive infrared count- • Raise the organization’s profile in the ers were substantially undercounting. We community. Our Speakers Bureau de- donated new electronic counters to the livered a five-minute “elevator” speech County, and developed a new statistically or longer Power Point presentation to sound algorithm to count trail usage. The businesses, community groups, and County adopted our new count, a 47% home owner associations. For four increase over previous years. years, we participated in countless farm- We were proud recipients of the Florida ers markets, neighborhood and major Bicycle Association 2015 Trail Promoter of events across the county, like food fes- the Year. To our fellow trail builders, WE tivals, health fairs, and business expos. DID IT. YOU CAN ALSO! We sponsored helmet-fitting giveaways We are extremely grateful for the over- for kids. whelming community support for trail • Become a stand-alone charitable or- building. See the extension map (right). ganization. FLT started as a chapter of Winter 2019 Page 17

Wheels of Justice – Ask a Lawyer Favorite Designs to Protect Bicyclists by J. Steele Olmstead, Esq. practices law statewide from offices in Tampa. He has been helping bicyclists back on the road since he was a tech in his brother’s shop in Tallahassee. Instead now he does it in front of a jury. ecently in Tampa there was a changes. Secondly, there is less push back So, that’s your job. If Rpresentation at a prominent restaurant from motorists. There was a movie about you don’t know about the asking the question, “What is your favorite the “Kinder Mord” campaign in Holland. wonderful infrastructure in bicycle safety design?” Ironically enough, I remember one specific scene where a New York City, Amsterdam, attendance was hampered because there motorist, angry because the road was no Berlin, and other major was no motor vehicle parking. The easiest longer available to his car, got out and cities, you probably don’t way to get there was walking or bicycling. pulled up the car barrier. The residents on know about what’s called them on twitter or checking the website. I couldn’t attend because of a prior that street who wanted the barrier actually derisively by motorists: “bicycle Nazis” in You can also set up email deliveries for commitment. However, I prepared to fought back and a brawl ensued. (Now New York City. You also probably don’t announcements about meetings and the discuss my ideas. that’s bicycling/walking advocacy– I don’t know about the: “Kinder Mord” campaign bicycling or walking contents of meetings. This is not the first time something like recommend it). It is far better to show up in in Holland started by a seven-year-old You, the bicycling person and your this happened. There have been a lot of your county and city council meeting with child who had too many of his friends friends in your community or in your discussions about what is the safest design. your fellow bicyclists and demand they killed by cars. Google them both. You can bicycling club have this power to protect It seems like each engineering firm or start buying buckets of green paint. find out when your county or city is having you from motorist hurting you. Go use it. metropolitan planning organization have Bulb-outs a meeting about bicycling by following a design they want to push. For me, it is simply anything that removes the dreaded In this issue there’s an interview with sound of an approaching car from behind Alex Henry who is a bicycle and pedestrian me knowing there is nothing between its coordinator for District 7 of the Florida bumper and my body. However, I do have Department of Transportation. During his some specific favorites. interview, I asked him what his favorite bicycle safety device was and he said, Protected Intersections “Bulb outs.” These are simply extensions The majority of injuries and fatalities of the corners at roads intersections and in the United States are at intersections. have on-street parking. So, instead of the Predictably, 35% of them are a result of parking ending and the motorist able to the “right turn” by a motorist. I am sure make a dangerous, tight right turn, the you have experienced this. Suffice to say, bulb out extends out into the street to the any kind of structure on the road at a same distance as the width of the parking Marion & Fred Korzec corner that prevents a car from cutting lane. Hard to explain. Google it. These are submitted this photo from the St. Marks trail. off the cyclist is going to reduce injuries not new ideas. I have a picture of these in and death. Solutions from cities around Seattle, Washington in 1941. Bulb outs the world have ranged from the fender- require a city to put down cement and build damaging upright steel pipes that prevent a up the roadway. At certain intersections hubcap – removing right turn or the Dutch with lots of people walking and on bicycles, Join FBA Today! design that includes ellipticals at the corner these are actual lifesavers. that accomplish the same thing as the steel As Alex Henry explained to me, these Your membership makes a difference. pipes. As a cyclist, I want the motorist to be give an extension to where a person Add your voice for the future of all bicyclists in Florida. cognizant of the lane I’m in and not cut me walking or bicycling can wait without being off at the intersection. Anything that can run over by a car. A small, but committed, do that is a step in the right direction. By groups of Margaret Mead type citizens can Name______saying that, I am telling you, dear reader, get these installed. Gender: Male Female there are dozens of designs out there that Throughout this article you’d notice your city and county can put in place to each paragraph ended with an observation Business/Club/Agency______save your life. If you go to a city or county that citizens of cities and counties have Address______counsel meeting and tell what you have to received these bicycle and walking safety go through to drive your bicycle, you can infrastructure when they demanded it. So City______get a Jackson Street infrastructure like the my final choice for a safety design is you. city of Tampa has. You, a city, county and U.S. Citizen voicing State ______Zip______your desire for bicycle infrastructure. But Green Paint Phone______that’s not all, in light of the recent election, I have been to many city, state and you can see that voting for representatives Email______county planning conferences and heard and showing up to the city and county Membership type: many proposals for safety designs. The council meetings gets results. In a large easiest and cheapest for your city is simply metropolitan county in the West Central Individual ($25) Family ($35) green paint. I don’t care where they put it, area of Florida not one but two walking Student/Snowbird ($15) Supporter ($50) just put it down the road where cyclists are and bicycling advocates were elected to supposed to be. Your governmental road the County commission. I have every Club/Business/Agency ($100) Benefactor ($100) department can put it in the bicycle lane; it intention of going to every single County Champion ($250) Legacy ($500) can paint a green box, it can paint a green commission meeting and alerting my turn lane (variation of a bicycle box) or put social media groups to join me every time a Other/additional donation______it wherever. It is just paint. It simply alerts walking or bicycling issue comes up. I have the motorist “Hey, this ain’t your space- every intention of calling these County Membership includes a FREE subscription to the FBA Messenger! stay out.” commissioners and reminding them why Please mail check to: Florida Bicycle Association I like paint for several reasons. First, they were put there by us bicyclists: to stop PO Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 it is just paint. It is cheap. It can be put the injury and slaughter of cyclists on the Or go online to: www.floridabicycle.org down or taken up as the need or design road in the state of Florida. Page 18 Florida Bicycle Association

FBA wishes to thank Steele Olmstead and Alex Henry Interview with Alex Henry, Bike/Ped Coordinator for their time and efforts to save lives. by Steele Olmstead, FBA board member Alex Henry is the bicycle/pedestrian coordinator for Florida Department of Transportation District 7, working under District 7 Secretary David Gwynn. Recently at Bike/Walk Tampa Bay’s fall summit in St. Petersburg, Alex gave an exciting presentation about everything District 7 is doing for people, bicycling and walking. or those who missed the summit, FBA Alex: Context is what is outside of our right- Pinellas County, get their government in- parking. That was the primary concern. Fboard director sat down with Alex to of-way line: the communities and their volved with a resurfacing project to get a Steele: Where did the funding come from record his words and wisdom: characteristics; how dense the populations protected bicycle lane or other Complete for the Jackson Street project? Steele: What is the mission that District 7 are and who are using the roads. We also Streets improvements? Alex: FDOT and federal funding. The local Secretary Gwynn has given you as the bicy- look at volume of transit, freight and if there Alex: We are reaching out to local govern- businesses provided some of the landscap- cling/walking coordinator? are a lot of people bicycling and walking. So ments and planning agencies as part of our ing. Typically, extra aesthetic bushes and Alex: It is consistent with the direction our context looks at all of that and then we make process for resurfacing projects to try to shrubs [landscaping] are covered by the lo- central office in Tallahassee. The statewide sure we design our roads complementary to see if opportunities for improving bicycling cal government. The City of Tampa provid- refocus in the last couple of years is to put the surrounding context. This is kind of the and walking can be part of the project. ed that for the Jackson Street project. It was a focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety and crux of our Complete Streets policy. Steele: Yes, but how does a citizen get their definitely a collaborative project. Complete Streets. Secretary Glenn, espe- Steele: So there is a Complete Streets government to reach back to FDOT? City Steele: What do you think would be the cially here in District 7, has been a very big project in Tampa on Fletcher Avenue. It Counsel meetings? County Commission single most important thing that a local or proponent of safety of all road users, which is composed of medians with plants and meetings? Writing letters? Speaking during city government could do to decrease the definitely has overlap with Complete Streets. elaborate crosswalks with flashing lights public comment? death of bicyclists and people walking? Complete Streets [policy] provides a lot of facing the motor vehicles. Are there other Alex: Being engaged in your local bicycle Alex: Taking a Complete Streets type ap- benefits for vulnerable road users, including Complete Streets designs, like protected bi- advisory committee is a really good place proach to the way governments design and people bicycling and people walking. cycle lanes, in the program’s toolbox? Bike to start. A lot of the feedback that we get is plan their roadways. Being mindful of the Steele: In the presentation Thursday night boxes at intersections? Protected corners at through those bicycle advisory committees. type of users in the community surround- you talked a lot about the Complete Streets intersections? Steele: Do businesses support bicycling ing the roadway and having that informa- program. For the folks who are not sure, Alex: Yes, that can be part of it, but and walking infrastructure improvements? tion to help in the design process. what is the Complete Streets program? Complete Streets is less so about spots Alex: We reach out to businesses along a Steele: What is your favorite tool to make Alex: Sure, so Complete Streets is really specific treatment of a roadway and more corridor and we explain to them what we are any given intersection safer? about putting the right street in the right about the overall characteristic of the road. doing. The Tampa Downtown Partnership, Alex: My personal favorite is a bulb out or place. For a long time we had a couple of What is, what we call, the design speed of which is comprised of multiple business crew extension-type treatment. It’s typical- different ways of classifying roads – urban the road: What kind of vehicular speeds owners, was very supportive of the recently ly used most in situations where you have road, rural road, etc.. Now, a lot that is put is the roadway encouraging, what kind of completed project on Jackson Street. That on-street parking. It allows you to pull out into [studying] how the roadway interacts users are being accommodated, what other project, in fact, received an award nomina- the curb to both a) reduce the crossing dis- with the surrounding, what we call context. adequate bicycling and pedestrian facilities tion for transportation excellence. tance that a person walking has to cross the This is stuff that starts at the right-of-way can be provided. Steele: Any pushback from businesses? intersection and b) it decreases the turn line [on the edge of the road]. Steele: How would a regular old bicyclist Alex: I know some of them were con- radii which promotes a slower turning ma- Steele: Wait, what is context? in a community, like Madeira Beach in cerned with how we had to reconfigure the neuver by motor vehicles. TRAINING CERTIFICATION, GENERAL PUBLIC SESSION

 Saturday, January 12, 2019 $20 00. For All FBA Members $35 00. For All Non-FBA Members Membership In FBA For Individual Participants ($25 00. Per Year)  12:00 noon – 4:00 pm BICYCLE ASSOCIATION Lake Myrtle Sports Complex REGISTER ONLINE AT: www. oridabicycle.org EST. 1997 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, www.floridabicycle.org or the RLRM page: RIDE LEADER / RIDE MARSHAL Auburndale, FL https://floridabicycle org/fba-ride-leader-ride-marshal-program/. PROGRAM CONTACT: Mary Beth Garcia, Program Manager, email: [email protected] FBA Annual Awards FBA Request, Key West Style FBA executive director Becky Afonso recently rode her Dahon Espresso from Boyd’s Campground on Stock Island to Key West City Hall to give the City of Key West Sustainability Advisory Board a presentation called “FBA Today.” It took Nominate those worthy individuals and organizations to acknowledge the southernmost point their significant service and contributions to bicycling in Florida during 2018. of the United States to Categories include but are not limited to: allow for a true bicycle Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Bicycle Club, Off-Road Club or Advocate, Enforcement Officer or commute to a FBA Agency, Educator or Regional Trainer, Trail Manager or Promoter, Bicycle Friendly Community or Business, presentation, proudly Supporting Agency, Program or Event, Bicycle Business or Store Advocate, Bicycle Professional, Citizen Bike Advocate, Developer, Elected Official Champion, Volunteer, Special Recognition . supporting Car Free

Visit www.floridabicycle.org, to submit your nomination online, or mail to FBA, PO Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 Key West. (please include your contact information with mailed nominations). Make your FBA Request Nomination Deadline for 2018 FBA Annual Awards is January 31, 2019. Recipients announced March 1, 2019 to kick off Florida Bike Month! at www.floridabicycle.org Winter 2019 Page 19

FDOT Statewide Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator: Mary O’Brien, 850-414-4283 FDOT Districts www.floridabicycle.org/resources-by-the-f-dot for more FBA member club & shop info. District 1 Shop, Bike Route (Fort Myers), The Bike 904-360-5653; FDOT Bike/Ped Safety Cities: Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, Route (Naples), Fort Myers Schwinn Specialist: Jennifer Graham, 904-360-5636; Sarasota Cyclery, Pedelec SQB LLC Electric FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: Barney Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Bicycles, Road & Trail Bicycles, Pedego Bennette, 386-961-7878 943-5336; FDOT Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Electric Bikes (2 locations, Naples), Road FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Gainesville SUN Trail Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota and Mountain Bikes, Trek Bicycle Store Cycling Club, North Florida Bicycle Club, Coordinator: (Naples, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers), FDOT Bike/Ped coordinator: David Suwannee Bicycle Association Heather Garcia, The Bike Shop Winter Haven, Bicycles 386-943-5077 Agacinski, 239-225-1959; Bike/Ped Safety International, Island Bike Shop (Marco FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Champion Specialist: John Kubicki, 863-519-2447; Island, Naples), Naples Cyclery, LeRoy’s Cycling & Fitness (3 locations) FBA Member SUN Trail Coordinator: David Agacinski, Bikeworks, Western Bikes (Naples) Bicycle Clubs: 239-225-1959 District 3 Florida Freewheelers, Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Caloosa District 2 Sumter Landing Tallahassee Riders Bicycle Club, Coastal Cruisers Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, Bicycle Club, Spacecoast Bicycle Club, Highlands Pedalers Bicycle St. Augustine Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Freewheelers Bicycle Club, Ocala Mountain Bike Club, Peace River Riders Bicycle Club, Polk Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Association Area Bicycling Association, Sanibel Bicycle Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Club, Sarasota-Manatee Bicycle Club, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Naples Velo Community, Gulf Coast Velo Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Olen Pettis, Village Cycles (2 locations), Orange Cycle, Full Circle Cycle, Fox Fire- FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Acme Bicycle FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Derek Dixon, 850-330-1543; FDOT Bike/Ped Safety Specialist: Andrew White, 850-330-1653; stone Bicycle Shop, The Ride Xperience FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: Olen Pettis, District 6 850-330-1543 Cities: Key West, Miami FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Capital City Counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe Cyclists, Emerald Coast Cyclists FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Elizabeth FBA Member Bicycle Shops: The Great Stacey, 305-470-5308; FDOT Bike/Ped Bicycle Shop Safety Specialist: Misleidys Leon, 305- District 4 470-5345; FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Elizabeth Stacy, 305- 470-5308 Beach, Stuart, Vero Beach FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Everglades Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Bicycle Club, South Florida Triathletes, Palm Beach, St. Lucie Key West Bicycle Association FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Larry FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Mack Cycle Merritt, 954-777-4683; FDOT Bike/Ped & Fitness, Elite Cycling & Fitness, No Safety Specialist: Tom Miller, 954-777- Boundaries Sport, Bike Tech (2 locations) 4073; FDOT SUN Trail Coordinator: District 7 Lauren Rand, 954-777-4499 Cities: Brooksville, Clearwater, Port Richey, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Boca Raton St. Petersburg, Tampa Bicycle Club, Vero Cycling Club, Treasure Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Coast Cycling Association, South Broward Pasco, Pinellas Wheelers Bicycle Club FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Alex Henry, FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Orchid Island 813-975-6405; FDOT Bike/Ped Safety Bikes and Kayaks, Trek Bicycle Store (Boca Specialist: Peter Hsu, 813-975-6251; FDOT Raton, Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, SUN Trail Coordinator: Alex Henry, Sunrise), Conte’s Bike Shop (Boca Raton, 813-975-6405 Ft. Lauderdale), Bike Tech FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Florida District 5 Panthers Tandem Club, St. Petersburg Cities: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Bicycle Club, Suncoast Cycling Club Kissimmee, Melbourne, Ocala, Orlando FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Bike Sport, Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Chainwheel Drive (Clearwater, Palm Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia Harbor), Jim’s Bicycle Shop, University FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Michael Bicycle Center, AJ’s Bikes and Boards, Ziarnek, 386-943-5251; FDOT Bike/Ped Oliver’s Cycle Sports. Ride-N-Roll Cyclery (Seminole, Largo) Safety Specialist: Chad Lingenfelter, 386-

Tom D’Ambrosio took this photo on the Boca Grande Trail from his handcycle. WHERE ADVENTURES CONVERGE | #LAUNCHFROMHERE BLAZING TRAILS IN

north 1

Chain of Lakes Park Cycling

Indian River DISCOVER outdoor recreation and wild nature experiences — on foot, by Jess Parrish Marina kayak, on horseback, on a bicycle, on a fishing expedition, or with your camera. Crt Park SandParrish Draa Point Park Start at the Welcome Center in downtown Titusville. Get a map and hiking and Park Park kayaking tips for Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Canaveral National Seashore. Discover equestrian trails at Scottsmoor Flatwoods Sanctuary and Fox Lake Sanctuary. Ride 1 our expanding cycling trails to Sand Point Park, Marina Park, Draa Park, Chain of Lakes and beyond. Check the space launch schedule and be here for the roar of a rocket launch. 406 GARDEN ST Adventures big and small launch from here. Garden Street Bicycle MAIN ST Pedestrian Titusville RIDE THE TRAILS Bridge PINE ST Orlando 40505 SOSOUTHUTH ST St. Petersburg WELCOME CENTER S WASHINGTON AVE S WASHINGTON S HOPKINS AVE Pick Up Your Cycle Trails Map! INDIAN RIVER AVE Joe Zack (CC BY 2.0)

SAVE Gear Up. THE Ride It Converging Trails: Three major trails converge in Titusville, which was officially designated a DATE DOWN Florida Trail Town in 2018 •The Coast-to-Coast Trail is part of a 250-mile trail that will link Titusville FEBRUARY 23.2019 with St. Petersburg. Titusville is the southern tip of the 260-mile• St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. IN This merges with the •East Coast Greenway that is one-third complete along its 2,900-mile route Titusville.org/RideItDown between Maine and Florida.

LEARN MORE & SHARE YOUR ADVENTURE AT: Relocation Information [email protected] LAUNCH LaunchFromHere.com Titusville.com FROM Launch From Here is a local campaign created by the people HERE who love to live here for the people who will love to visit here. Vacation Information TITUSVILLE•FL [email protected] AREA CHAMBER Like Us facebook.com/LaunchFromHere Follow Us @LaunchFromHere OF COMMERCE Titusville.org