Vol. 16, No. 2 Spring 2013 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC. FBA 2012 Annual Awards winners

s has been tradition since 1999, FBA is once again proud to honor those who have gone above and beyond in helping improve cycling conditions, opportunities and policies in Florida. Congratulations to our 2012 winners! Citizen Advocate: Jason Brown, Road & Trail Bicycles, Lakeland Jason is passionate about cycling and is willing to help the cause in any way he can. His bike shop, Road & Trails, is a member shop of BikeLakeland, a group of bicycling enthusiasts who played a role in the recent League of American Bicyclists Bronze designation for Bicycle Friendly Communities. With David’s help, BikeLakeland has been instrumental in bringing several safety innovations to Lakeland, such as bike boxes at intersections, as well as more miles of bike lanes. Not only do

Please see Awards, page 6 Photo: Chris LeDew Photo: PAID

Mid-FL, FL Permit #475 Permit U.S. Postage U.S. Sharrows (lane markings) on the in St. Augustine encourage

NONPROFIT ORG NONPROFIT First Coast Chapter... riders to take the lane to avoid a dangerous right edge of the pavement. FDOT traffic ops leader has a passion for bike/ped safety by Jeff Hohlstein, First Coast Chapter Director hen you first meet him, tinkerer who built his own bikes and you see the end result of what you do – Chris LeDew, Assistant later worked on cars. the instant gratification.” District Traffic Operations He worked as an FDOT Co-op to help I caught up with Chris on February 15 Engineer, Florida pay for college while attending the and we had a conversation. Department of Transportation, District University of Florida in Gainesville to JH: Chris, before you became a cham- Two, is an imposing figure who towers become a civil engineer. pion of bike/ped safety, what is the proj- over most of us, but soon you see a There, he fell in love with transporta- ect that you were most proud of? warm personality, a listener, one with a tion and more specifically, traffic opera- CLD: Well, I think it has to be some- thirst for knowledge. tions. thing totally outside of traffic engineer-

P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 Box 916715, Longwood, P.O. Born in Guam, he grew up a “Navy In his words, “That was my favorite ing. When I first moved to Jacksonville, brat” who traveled with his family to part of transportation, and I liked it they gave me the project multiple duty stations, finally settling in because you get to solve problems and to run. I was like an administrator, I was Live Oak, Florida. Chris was always a Please see FDOT, page 8 ADVOCATING A BICYCLE-FRIENDLY FLORIDA 2 Florida Bicycle Association

Ask the Attorney Fixed gear bikes: fun, low maintenance, cool — but are they legal? by Christopher Burns, Esq.

lmost everybody likes to be ing parking, and can deliver packages at spin. Fixed gear bikes are also used in 1. Fixed gear bikes are low maintenance. “cool.” In the cycling cul- a rapid and predictable delivery time. track racing. They are ridden to gold They have fewer working parts to wear ture, fixed gear bikes are The 2012 movie, “Premium Rush,” is medals in every Olympics. out, break, or be stolen. especially hip and cool. set around a bike messenger, who can fly Many cyclists think riding a fixed gear 2. Fixies are cheaper than bikes with lots They are extremely com- around the streets and alleys of NYC far bike is a better workout, because one of gears. mon on college campuses. They are faster than any vehicle. cannot coast at all. incredibly popular in our bigger cities. During filming there was actually a When descending on a fixie, one must 3. Fixies look clean and simple. This What’s the allure? bad bike crash. The film’s star, Jon dramatically increase one’s pedaling image fits nicely with riders who are try- Fixies originally started as standard Gordon-Levitt, was riding his fixed gear cadence, probably much higher than nor- ing to live a frugal, simple, environmen- equipment in the bike messenger com- bicycle full out, when he crashed mal. tally-friendly lifestyle. munity. There was almost nothing that through the rear windshield of a taxi, Many cyclists feel this trains the legs 4. Fixed gear bikes are easy to custom- could be stolen off the bike, while the suffering a severe laceration to his arm to pedal more comfortably at a higher ize. Each rider can own a bike that is messenger parked the bike and delivered and requiring 31 stitches. cadence in a smaller, less tiring gear. “one-of-a-kind.” the package. Fixed gear bikes have also been popu- Bicycling expert, Sheldon Brown, is The issue with riding a fixed gear bike Bike messengers, quite often on fixed lar with bike racers during off-season one person who is very positive about is how to stop. Typically, the cyclist gear bikes, are less constructed by vehi- training, because they are thought to the benefits of fixed gear bicycling, so applies back pressure on the pedals cle traffic jams, have less difficulty find- improve the efficiency of the rider’s leg long as the bicycle has a front caliper while riding, which slows down and then brake. stops the bicycle. What exactly is a fixed gear bike? Really excellent fixed gear riders also There is a big difference between single learn to “skip-stop.” This is where the speed bikes with a free wheel, and true rider lifts the rear wheel off the road, fixed gear bikes. stops the movement of the rear wheel, With a fixed gear bike, whenever the and then places the rear wheel back bike is in motion, the pedals are moving down on the road to make the bike skid. around. This maneuver is done repeatedly until A cyclist cannot coast with a fixed gear the bike stops, as opposed to creating a bike. If a bicycle rider attempts to coast, single long skid until the bike stops. he or she risks being thrown off the bike Other fixed gear cyclists simply skid to because the pedals are still moving. slow down or stop. With a single speed free wheel bike, The big question is whether fixed gear the rider has only one forward gear, but bikes are legal? They are certainly legal he/she can always stop pedaling and in a velodrome. But can you ride a fixed coast. gear bike on the road? Some bikes are constructed to allow In Florida, our laws do not reference the rider the option of using the bike as a “fixed gear” bicycles specifically. There is a general law about bikes and brakes. Have You been injured On a fixed gear bike the wHile cYcling? single rear sprocket is mated to the rear wheel, ( i have. That’s why i’ll fight preventing any free-wheel so hard for you.) action. When the rear wheel turns, so do the Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury pedals. attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his experience on the road with his expertise

and insight in the courtroom. This unique fixed gear or a single speed/free wheel, Florida Statute 316.2065(13), says: perspective provides cyclists across Florida by flipping the rear wheel from one side Every bicycle shall be equipped with a with the representation they deserve. of the hub to the other. brake or brakes which will enable its Some fixed gear bikes have one or rider to stop the bicycle within 25 feet Your race for compensation begins here. more standard caliper brakes, and some from a speed of 10 miles per hour on have none. Some bike manufacturers sell dry, level clean pavement. fixed gear bikes that have only one cali- per brake, usually on the front, because There are currently no Florida appel- the front brakes is able to apply more late court decisions which interpret the stopping force than a back brake. meaning of this law. It raises questions: 904- 632- 2424 Other fixed gear bikes are sold with 1. Is a fixed gear bike legal if it has one two brakes, or without any caliper caliper brake? If the bike’s caliper brake brakes. The bikes with no caliper brakes is in good working order, and the cyclist are sometimes designated as “track can stop within 25 feet as described, the bikes” but they are often ridden on the answer appears to be an obvious “yes.” road. To their proponents, fixed gear bicy- cles have several advantages: continued on page 12 Spring 2013 3

Thanks to Our Donors! 1st Q 2013: City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! Lifetime members Advocating a Jacksonville Mighk and Carol Wilson Orange Park Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal bicycle-friendly Florida James Nash Duke Breitenbach P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Waldo Kimberly Cooper Dr. Joe Warren Executive Director Membership Director Program Director DeLand William R. Hough Eustis Tim Bustos Deb Devoe Dan Moser Orlando Earle and Laura Reynolds 336 N Woodland Blvd. 2738 Gables Dr. 1449 Linhart Ave. Deland, FL 32720 Eustis, FL 32726 Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Phone: 850-238-5328 [email protected] Phone/Fax: [email protected] 239-334-6417 [email protected] Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Port Charlotte Board of Directors Operations Manager Florida Freewheelers Ft Myers Laura Hallam Mighk Wilson, President Earl Lang, Treasurer 20420 NE 132nd Ave. 737 S. Mills Ave. 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Waldo FL 32694 Orlando, FL 32801 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Phone: 407-399-9961 Golden Gears ($250 - $499) Phone: 407-488-9990 Phone: 941-258-3400 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Sarasota-Manatee J Thomas Stevenson Jodi Hohlstein, Vice President Christopher G. Burns, Esq. Bicycle Club 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle Terrell Hogan Orange Park, FL 32065 233 East Bay Street - 8th floor Chapters & Affiliates Phone: 904-282-2180 Jacksonville, FL 32202 [email protected] Phone: 904-632-2424 First Coast Chapter Director Bike/Walk Central Fla., Inc. Silver Spokes ($100 - $249) [email protected] Jeff Hohlstein, Director Hal Downing, Chair Ted Wendler, Secretary Jacksonville Winter Park 716 Ohio Ave. Hope Howland-Cook Bike Ped Matters Wheels of Wellington Phone: 904-291-8664 Phone: 407-960-5927 DeLand, FL 32724 10245 Winding Creek Lane Terence Deeks James Anderson [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 386-235-0057 Orlando, FL 32825 Seth Krieger Alfredo Gutierrez [email protected] Phone: 352-514-0652 Patrick A Donovan Robert Hale [email protected] Tom Wentzell Nancy Flaherty Polk Area Bicycling Kenneth Languedoc Association Elizabeth Babcock Advisory Board Derek J Blakeslee Sun Cycle Center Becky Afonso Hal Downing Carol Pulley Walter Long Niles Andersen [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Stuart Pechter Melvin Storm Ellen Kirtley Mary Jane Mark Michelle Avola Reese David Henderson Bianca Pyko Hugh McDonnell, PA Charlie Fetzer [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Lawrence L Jaffe Jim’s Bicycle Shop Don Braverman Herb Hiller, Journalist Louis Rossi J & B Importers Jeff Garvin [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Joseph Brooks Henry Stevenson Keri Caffrey, Webmaster Dwight Kingsbury, Historian Tina Russo [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Paul Casazza, Law Enforcement Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special Programs Robert Seidler, Filmmaker [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99) Raphael Clemente Jessica Meurer John Sinibaldi, Jr Ludwig Van Sprang Richard Horton [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Richard A Hammock James L Lottinville Michael Ellis Billy Hattaway Dan Connaughton, Director, Florida Traffic & Laura Minns Stephanie Striefel John Rigsby Karen Speed Bicycle Safety Education Program [email protected] [email protected] Thomas Olson Edward Wolcott [email protected] Danny Page Lisa Walker, Public Affairs Stephen Perz Carroll G Lloyd Steve Diez [email protected] [email protected] Laura M Minns Benjamin LaMonte [email protected] Roger Pierce, Touring Calendar Randall Williams, Newsletter Robert J Timberman Richard Powell [email protected] [email protected] Penny Levin Leonard Handel Dennis R Loftus Join FBA Visit FBA’s Website Messenger Deadlines Join FBA online at www.floridabicycle.org Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Welcome New/Rejoining Members! Summer Messenger - May 15 Michael Puckett Dennis & Connie www.fbamembership.org Log in to the FBA Blog Fall Messenger - August 15 Leila M Haack Loftus Individual $25 Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues Winter Messenger - November 15 Christie & Jahn Nyla Campbell Family $35 with this statewide forum. Spring Messenger - February 15 Kirchoff James Anderson Student/living lightly $15 FBA's Blog is on the website Debra Sension-Hall & Ginny Duffield Inquiries and submissions: www.floridabicycle.org Steven Hall Cynthia & Gerry Bicycle Club $100 tim@floridabicycle org Corporate/Agency $100 Roger & Sharon Tasset DiBrito Sharon Lottinville Penny Levin Albert J Wiker Higher donations are greatly appre- Membership Categories: ciated! See membership categories Gideon Horowitz Linda Bloom at right. Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Sam & Judy Horowitz Mary Moccia Titanium Partners ($500-$999) Serge S Villeneuve Ernest Turner Anchorelle van Timothy Whaler Pay conveniently online or make Golden Gears ($250-$499) Sprang Tony Nosse check payable and mail to: Silver Spokes ($100-$249) Helen Neumann Betsy Holl Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. Guy Hackett Tim Bustos P.O. Box 916715 Bronze Pedals ($50-$99) Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Membership includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. 4 Florida Bicycle Association

President’s message... We are traffic

Mighk Wilson ebruary 25, 2013. A pile before that Bicycling Magazine), Kirby concerned about of flip-chart sheets rests ...a vision Beck of the International Police the future of bicy- on the floor in our dining in which bicyclists Mountain Bike Association, Orlando’s cling in the U.S. room. Covering those sheets are seen by all own Keri Caffrey (co-developer of Day One was are ideas for a vision statement on CyclingSavvy and the CommuteOrlando full of stellar pre- how bicycling could look some day in as vehicle drivers website), Andy Cline (Carbon Trace), sentations: these (and perhaps else- and as normal Dan Gutierrez (co-creator of the Dual o Keri Caffrey explored the current where); a vision of equality in which and respected users Chase video technique and developer of mythology of bicycling and why it’s dys- bicyclists are seen by all as vehicle driv- Understanding Bicycle Transportation), functional. ers – not pedestrians on wheels – and as of our roadways. long-time Florida cycling filmmaker normal and respected users of our road- Robert Seidler, Roger DiBrito (developer o Dan Gutierrez explained the Six Es – ways. 23rd and 24th in Orlando and hosted by of the most comprehensive elementary Equality, Education, Enforcement, In there also are ideas for a mission Florida Bicycle Association. and middle school walking and bicycling Engineering, Encouragement, and statement for a new national organiza- The purpose of this mini-conference curricula in the nation), and John Evaluation (John Forester argued we tion that will work, achieve that vision, was to initiate the creation of that new Forester, author of Effective Cycling and need a seventh E – Enjoyment). and a set of principles to define the ways national organization. Our attendees and other seminal works on traffic cycling o Robert Seidler and Roger DiBrito dis- in which that mission will be carried out. presenters included many of the brightest principles and strategies. cussed their Journeys From Home pro- All of this was created by the 45 names in bicycling education – including Filling out the rest of the crowd were gram for elementary and middle school attendees of the I Am Traffic Bicycling John Allen (who manages the Sheldon many CyclingSavvy Instructors, League students and their families. Education Colloquium, held February Brown website), John Schubert (long- Cycling Instructors, and those simply time writer for Adventure Cyclist and Please see I am, page 10

Bike/Walk Central Florida Can you see me now? Brad Kuhn, Bike/Walk Central Florida Director ay marks the first anniversa- day began with a demonstration of a read rate of more than 30 percent. The entered in state ry of Best Foot Forward, the newly installed Rectangular Rapid Bike/Walk Central Florida team has sent and local competi- community-wide pedestrian Flashing Beacon (RRFB) on I-Drive more than 220 tweets, and welcomed tion. To date, 45 safety initiative to reduce near Dave and Busters. almost 3,000 visitors to the website. OCPS schools pedestrian deaths and injuries Traffic Engineers from several commu- IYield4Peds has 135 Facebook friends, have downloaded in Metro Orlando by 50 percent nities in Central Florida came to hear with more than a third of them reading curriculum from with a “Triple E” regimen of low-cost presentations from our consultant, Dr. the page regularly. the WalkSafe® engineering, aggressive education and Ron Van Houten, and Michael J. website. high-visibility enforcement. So, to para- Frederick, Neighborhood Transportation And in the schoolyard phrase the late New York City Mayor Ed Manager for the City of St. Petersburg. Cheney Elementary School fifth grader, Even statewide Koch: “How we doin’?” Liana Ocampo, took statewide top hon- Bike/Walk Central Florida has been The media is spreading the word ors in the 2012 WalkSafe® poster con- working with FDOT statewide and more Drivers 3X more likely to yield The severity of the problem – two pedes- test as part of a program fostering pedes- recently in District 5. Responsible for A year ago, fewer than one in 11 cars trians injured daily and one killed per trian safety among elementary students. most of our high-speed arterials, FDOT stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks week – and the “made-for-TV” drama Introduced to Orange County Public has developed its own statewide pedes- where there wasn’t a stop sign or signal, of high-visibility enforcement have held Schools by Best Foot Forward, the three- trian, bicycle, and driver safety cam- as required by Florida Statute, even on the media’s interest with coverage rang- day WalkSafe® curriculum includes one paign. roads with speeds posted at 35 mph or ing from grateful to gotcha – but all hour each of classroom instruction, inter- We look forward to working with less. Nine months later, that number is serving the purpose of helping to raise active practice during physical educa- FDOT and applaud them for their effort. approaching one in three. awareness of this life-and-death issue. tion, and conceptual learning through art Homeowners are getting the message class, with kids making posters to be Or else . . . Bike/Walk Central Florida regularly calls In 2012, Orlando Police Department and the officers of homeowners associations the Orange County Sheriff’s office con- The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and and neighborhood associations in Orange ducted three waves of crosswalk communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. County and the City of Orlando, provid- The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable enforcement operations, including an ing them with articles for newsletters, purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the extended round of warnings and two materials to distribute to residents by Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy shorter rounds of citations. of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 916715, mail, and speakers for their homeowners Enforcement, and the associated pub- Longwood, FL 32791. association meetings. licity, is the primary reason that yield To become a member supporter of FBA, join online at www.fbamembership.org. This effort has reached 88,274 house- The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to mem- rates have increased. More than 3,000 holds to date – 230,481 residents. bers and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the drivers were warned, and more than 1,300 received citations for $164 and Word is getting around Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. three points on their license. Our next The branded pedestrian safety presenta- www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail: [email protected];­ Phone: 850-238-5238 round of enforcement is scheduled for tion has been presented more than 100 March, 2013. times, to a cumulative audience of more Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. The Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for rates than 3,000. We’ve distributed more than Traffic planners are getting serious and specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review 100,000 fliers (in English, Creole and advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither Best Foot Forward partner, MetroPlan Spanish) and 6,000 bumper stickers. in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Although we carefully Orlando, hosted a February workshop to review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information or opin- discuss effective traffic control devices Online ions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. for high-speed arterials (roads with The biweekly e-newsletter reaches 676 speed limits of 40 mph and above). The subscribers with an above-average open/ © 2013 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved. Spring 2013 5

To the Editor... Executive Director’s corner... Free parking... Packing for the Where does the time go? Keys... Helmet use Tim Bustos I agree 100% with Earl Lang that free lthough it doesn’t seem possi- Pensacola is a long way from every- more Florida cit- roads indeed cost too much [Fall 2012 ble, a glance at my calendar where in Florida, so I sought out some- ies – and other Messenger, pg. 5 ] but I’d go one step indicates I have now been place more central; DeLand turned out to states. We’ve further and advocate for the elimination with FBA for two years. It be a fine choice. DeLand has an excel- expanded work of all free parking. seems like time has flown by lent university – Stetson, progressive with the law As long as driving remains too cheap because so much has happened! local government, and is close to the enforcement community, including and too convenient, utilitarian cycling From the very beginning... I arrived in geographic center of Florida. So I’m no development of training videos for law will continue to be a marginal activity in Florida from California on a Friday, offi- farther than 3-5 hours from most of the enforcement agencies. We’ve continued North America. cially started work the following major metropolitan areas. some popular programs, such as the Bike ooo Monday, got on a plane to Washington, This turned out to be critical. I travel Club Leadership Training. D.C., on Tuesday to attend the National the state extensively, attending meetings We’ve accomplished much more, but Pack light to go farther Bike Summit. and helping with local advocacy efforts. also had some bad trends continue as I am pleased to learn from Earl Stine After the bike summit, I spent as much Things continued to happen quickly. I well. Florida still has one of the highest [Fall 2012 Messenger, pg. 7] that cycling time as possible learning the ropes from found suitable office space, and opened bicycle crash rates in the country (fortu- the Keys has become more pleasant than my predecessor, the inestimable Laura FBA’s first ever “brick and mortar nately, those numbers are coming down). when I rode them 14 years ago. Hallam, who had been FBA’s ED for 10 office,” giving FBA a place to meet with We would like to think it’s due to some Like Earl, I do not camp when bike years. It was like drinking through a fire elected officials from around the state, of the aggressive work with bicyclist touring, so am puzzled by his huge pan- hose. Laura had taken over at a time and the FBA board a regular meeting education, law enforcement and encour- niers fore and aft. Admittedly, in flat when FBA was still a fairly small orga- place relatively central to most. aging the development of better bicycle Florida weight is not a big issue, but nization with about 200 members; she We’ve had relatively good success facilities, but it’s really too soon to tell. anywhere else I’d suggest traveling with grew it to a viable organization of about working with the Florida legislature to All I know is that one fatality is one far less gear. 2,000, so there was much to learn. improve laws for cyclists. We’ve updat- too many, so we will continue to work As a regular international “credit card” My next task was to find a home and a ed two of our most popular publications, tirelessly to do whatever we can to make tourer, the contents of my bar bag and place to set up shop. My original plan Florida Bicycling Street Smarts, and the Florida a more crash free and enjoyable two rear panniers never weigh more than was to live in Pensacola, close to my Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law state in which to ride. 18 lbs. elderly parents, but it quickly became Enforcement Gude. Be careful out there, ride hard, but ooo apparent this would not be an option. We’ve expanded FBA’s highly don’t forget: cycling is supposed to be Helmets and head injuries acclaimed CyclingSavvy program to fun! As a practicing family doctor who deals with both the aftermath of head injuries Join FBA, renew or donate online... as well as the aftermath of sedentary liv- ing (obesity, depression, insomnia, coro- nary artery disease, diabetes, osteoporo- FBA initiates new membership management system sis, etc.), I really wish cycling advocates like Christopher Burns would tone down by Deb DeVoe, Membership Director When we first went live, members word, please contact me so that I can get the rhetoric regarding helmets. t has now been over two months with a valid e-mail address in the pre- your information into the database and Why? Because, thanks to lower inci- since FBA transitioned from a vious database received an e-mail reset your password. You will be sent an dence of the medical conditions just list- traditional membership database notice with their membership log on e-mail with your log on information. ed, the average cyclist, with or without a to a new on-line system. name and password. For those who do not remember if they helmet already lives longer than the For many of us, it is a welcome Members without an e-mail address are still members of FBA, please do not average non-cyclist. change. You can now access your in the database were mailed a letter rejoin using the new membership I don’t doubt that helmets have saved membership information and update requesting a current e-mail address so page, but contact me so that I can check the odd brain (but contrary to Mr. Burn’s your profile at your leisure. their contact information could be the database so that you are not entered claim, they very likely INCREASE the Renewals are generated automatical- updated. Unfortunately many did not twice. risk of neck injury). ly and once a member renews, a dona- respond and we still have quite a few If you are in the database, I will make But obsessively insisting on universal tion payment confirmation is sent. sure that your e-mail is up to date and helmet use ultimately serves to marginal- reset your password. ize cycling as such sermons reinforce Joining is easier. New FBA online I encourage all our members to hop Simply complete your profile informa- public overestimation of the risk of rid- database simplifies onto the new Membership Page and ing a bike on the road. tion, make a donation at the level of check it out. And please let me know The fact is that most normal people are your choice and be sure to select the your membership your thoughts or if you have any ques- not comfortable engaging in ANY activi- items you would like to receive in your tions. All it will take is an e-mail to: ty where OH MY GOD IF YOU DON’T new membership welcome package. and allows better [email protected] WEAR A HELMET YOU MIGHT GET You will find this link on the left side of Coming soon, you will be able to print KILLED!!! the Membership welcome page. two-way out your own Membership card which The more cyclists we have on the New online database communication will show your join date and renewal streets (and the fewer cars), the safer and This new on-line database requires a date. healthier EVERYONE will be, so let’s current e-mail address. Unless you avoid unnecessary bad PR for our medi- have provided your e-mail address, this members who are not getting their Your membership is important cally and environmentally responsible new membership database will not renewal notices through the new sys- Your membership to Florida Bicycle choice of transportation! work for you. tem. Association is very important. Your For those members who block e-mail donations keep our programs running — Dr. Thomas DeMarco, Current members and your continued membership gives us Plantation, FL/Whistler, BC unless the e-mail address is recog- nized, please add the Club Express If you are a current member or even a confirmation that our efforts to cycling A long-time supporter of FBA and occa- e-mail address to your mailbox list. past member of FBA and would like to education and advocacy are appreciated sional contributor to the Messenger, Tom renew your membership and have not and encouraged. divides his time between Whistler and received your log on name or pass- Plantation. His opinions are his own. 6 Florida Bicycle Association

Half a million signatures needed ... Amendment aims to protect Florida waters and natural areas

lorida has a reputation for Florida’s Water and Land Legacy, a put the Water and Land Conservation For decades a documentary stamp tax conserving the water quality coalition of the state’s leading conserva- Amendment on the 2014 ballot. (a fee on real estate transactions) has of its lakes, rivers and springs tion organizations including the Organizers believe the winter and been assessed in Florida to pay for and acquiring lands necessary to Conservancy of Southwest Florida, The spring festivals and other happenings important programs, including land con- protect drinking water sources. Trust for Public Land, Audubon Florida, around the state will be the most produc- servation and affordable housing. Historically the state’s environmental Florida Wildlife Federation, Sierra Club tive signature gathering opportunities The proposed amendment would direct efforts have transcended party politics. and many others, has during the campaign. one-third of the existing “doc stamps” Due to popular programs such as launched a campaign The coalition has They are earnestly toward water and land conservation, Florida Forever and its predecessor to place the Florida recruiting volunteers management and restoration funding, Preservation 2000, the state successfully Water and Land less than one year to ensure that legisla- providing an estimated $10 billion for protected over 2.4 million acres of criti- Conservation remaining to gather tors make conserva- conservation over the 20-year life of the cal water resources, natural areas, wild- Amendment on the tion a priority. amendment. life habitat, parks, greenways and trails. November 2014 bal- the additional 470,000 Advocates believe This, advocates believe, is the state’s Yet, since 2009, funding for the lot. signatures needed that, through a consti- best hope to create a stable and long- Florida Forever program has been So far, more than to put the Water and tutional amendment, term funding for conservation and resto- essentially eliminated, slashed by 97.5 2,000 Floridians have Floridians can assure ration of almost 2 million acres of percent. signed up to volunteer Land Conservation that adequate funding important water protection areas, beach- In 2012, the legislature allocated only with the campaign, Amendment on the is dedicated solely to es, springs and other vital natural areas $8.5 million to protect important water and about a third have restoring critical natu- that remain vulnerable to unwise devel- protection areas and conservation lands. started to gather sig- 2014 ballot. ral areas, like the opment decisions and deep funding cuts. Compared to the state budget of $60 natures at farmers Everglades, and pro- You can join the campaign and get billion, that means for every dollar the markets, libraries, festivals and other tecting Florida’s magnificent waters and involved by signing up to volunteer at state spent in 2012, less than two-hun- public locations. lands for future generations. www.floridawaterlandlegacy.org/volun- dredths of a penny went to the Florida Campaign volunteers during the cam- Understanding the value of clean and teer. Forever program. paign’s early stages gathered more than abundant water for people and wildlife, To learn more about Florida’s Water That’s less than $1 for every Floridian. 30,000 signed petitions. and cherishing the natural areas that and Land Legacy campaign visit www. An effort is now underway to restore The coalition has less than one year make Florida special are key to preserva- FloridaWaterLandLegacy.org (and on Florida’s leadership on water and land remaining to gather the additional tion, supporters believe. The amendment Facebook at www.facebook.com/ conservation. 470,000 volunteer signatures needed to would ensure that these values have a FLWaterLandCampaign). place in the state’s constitution.

has worked in both the public (FDOT Awards go to dedicated supporters of FBA’s mission twice) and private sector. Prior to returning to FDOT, he worked continued from page 1 for a transportation consulting firm well they work with cyclists, they are Due to Jeff’s dedication to teaching vided his SAG service in the past, it had known for its bike/ped/transit work. involved with city government keeping cyclists to operate safely and effectively, significantly increased his loyal custom- Additionally, he is a CyclingSavvy cycling needs in the conversation. First Coast FBA has provided more er base at the bike shop. Instructor and accomplished cyclist with Along with his ongoing advocacy work opportunities than any other CSI operat- David has always made the time to firsthand experience of conditions and and running his bike shop, Jason has vol- ing in the United States. support Florida cycling events including design issues cyclists deal with on a reg- unteered his time to review routes for the Jeff and Jodi, and others involved with Tour of Sebring, Camp Boggy Creek ular basis. 2013 Bike Florida spring tour that will both First Coast FBA and Challenge, Endless Summer Watermelon Florida is fortunate to have Billy back start and end in Lakeland. Bicycle Club, continue to work towards Ride, Ride for Ronald, Cystic Fibrosis in a role where he can have a significant improving conditions for cyclists Ride for Life, Live Long, Santa Fe impact statewide, something that is long Educator: Jeff Hohlstein, First Coast throughout their community and the state Century, Horse Farm 100, Ride to Defeat overdue and welcome. Chapter FBA of Florida. ALS, Gulf Coast Cycle Fest, Horrible A few years ago, Jeff and his wife Jodi Hundred, Highland Bike Fest and Bike Supporting Agency: Lee County approached FBA about creating a chap- Bike Business: David Lancaster, Bike Florida. MPO, Don Scott, Director ter in the North Florida area, also known SAG His devotion in supporting bicycle Being a Metropolitan Planning as the First Coast. David is a long time cyclist and former events often has him repairing bikes well Organization (MPO) director can be a They were very involved with the racer with the Gateway East past the time the routes have closed. As thankless job, one that means juggling North Florida Bicycle Club, but, like Freewheelers of Illinois. it says on David’s website, with Bike funds and priorities in a way that often many clubs, education and advocacy When David moved to Florida, he rode SAG, no bicyclist is left behind! results in no one being happy. were not a priority. more as a recreational cyclist and attend- Not to mention it requires having to Educating Jacksonville-area cyclists ed group and local charity rides. He Bicycle Professional: Billy Hattaway deal with funders who have their own was a passion they wanted to pursue. knew how important Support and Gear Billy is the FDOT District 1 Secretary ideas about how the money should be Based on the model they submitted, FBA (SAG) wagons were on organized rides, and serves as its bicycle/pedestrian safe- spent. approved its first chapter, aptly called the but at first he couldn’t come up with a ty improvements point person for the Somehow, however, Don Scott and his First Coast Chapter, with full support to way to financially justify providing the state. small staff have managed to make bicy- serve the counties of Nassau, Clay, service. FDOT has launched a comprehensive cle/pedestrian access and safety a priori- Duval and St. Johns. Then he heard about a charity ride that, effort, targeting the top 10 most danger- ty without alienating those who would Somewhat later, when CyclingSavvy, because there was no SAG wagon sup- ous areas in Florida (Miami-Dade, Palm rather concentrate on motor vehicle FBA’s education program, was created, port, left seven cyclists stranded on the Beach, Broward, Orange, Volusia, capacity. Jeff immediately took all the necessary side of the road. He knew something had Hillsborough, Pinellas, Duval, Lee and The completion of a countywide bike/ training to become a CyclingSavvy to be done. Polk), with Billy leading the effort. ped plan, including getting two of three Instructor (CSI), expanding his creden- He came up with the idea of having Besides being a professional traffic pilot projects that are part of the plan off tials as an educator. sponsors support the rides. He was well engineer, Billy is a certified planner who aware of the fact that after he had pro- Please see FBA Awards, page 10 Spring 2013 7

The St Johns River Ferry — a crucial crossing for cyclists by Herb Hiller

eep the St. The ride would swing west from the Johns River Ferry Commission, without Loss of the ferry coast beyond the a hoped for $200,000 that FDOT failed would sever the link Johns River (that doesn’t allow bicycles) to to provide. between north and south sections of the Ferry in service Jacksonville’s Main Street Bridge. HMS Ferries (a division of HMS Timucuan and northeast From there, riders would continue Global Maritime) operates the crossing. Ecological and Historic Preserve, the Ft. north through downtown before return- Presently an all-volunteer “Keep the George and Talbot Islands State Parks, Florida’s net- ing to the coast alongside Heckscher Ferry” Task Force drives fundraising and and the East Coast Greenway, including work of coastal trails will Drive cargo haulers that serve marketing to increase ridership. the new six-mile showcase Amelia Island become the pride of the JAXPORT. The new business association would Trail scheduled for April completion. While backers work political channels South. to secure additional funding for the ferry, Remove the ferry and a During the 12 a new element in interest might also help That’s the conviction of a regional task make a difference. force to save the ferry that in January safe, short scenic run months beginning This is the congressionally designated began forming a supportive Highway becomes a harrowing October 1, 2011, Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage A1A business association to lobby for Corridor that extends between full funding of the ferry’s required capi- 35 miles along almost 10,000 Wilmington, North Carolina, and St. tal needs. Jacksonville arterial bicyclists and Augustine, Florida. So far, only two-thirds of capital fund- roads, many without pedestrians used The corridor overlaps the route of the ing is in place. Ridership fares generate East Coast Greenway through four no more than 60 percent the cost of ferry designated bike lanes. the ferry. states. operations. Next year, the National Park Service The ferry runs a mere nine-tenths of a will mark the 50th anniversary of the mile between Mayport Village on the The ferry is an official part of Florida demonstrate how many companies and Civil Rights Act that will draw further South shore near the river’s mouth, and Highway A1A and is widely relied on by jobs the ferry safeguards and the fouling attention to the coastal trail and the St. Fort George Island on the North shore. cyclists, motoring residents and tourists, of city streets that would result from the Johns River Ferry. But remove the ferry from service, and although it receives no funding from the displacement of motor vehicles that rely Bike Florida is also exploring the pos- the safe, short scenic run that is only state. on the ferry — 254,245 during the 12 sibility of operating its 2014 Spring Tour $1.00 for cyclists turns into a dangerous Last October, when JAXPORT rid months beginning October 1, 2011. from St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach and harrowing 35-mile ride along itself of the ferry with a payout of During that time, almost 10,000 bicy- that would return to St. Augustine by Jacksonville arterial roads, many without $200,000 matched by the City of clists and pedestrians also used the ferry. way of a broad loop westward. designated bike lanes. Jacksonville, that still left new ferry [Figures from HMS Ferries.] More to come as details are available. owners, the City of Jacksonville’s St. Photo: Val Bostwick 8 Florida Bicycle Association

FDOT engineer Chris LeDew has a passion for bike/ped safety continued from page 1 the project manager for construction of the current ferry boat—also site not share the road side by side. It’s safer improvements, you know, new fueling for the cyclist to take the lane and slow To provide more options facilities, slip walls (the docks where the the motorists down. The Bridge of Lions for cyclists, FDOT ferry comes in) and then transition of all has longitudinal joints on the deck near replaced the “walk your the employees to the city of Jacksonville. the road edge, dangerous to cyclists. It’s bike” sign with “bicycles So that was about three years. also a short distance, and the speeds on may use full lane” and JH: That ferry is an important link for that bridge are already very low so the “bicycles yield to peds” cyclists, who would have to detour 35 speed differential between motorists and (plus the sharrows). That miles if it weren’t in existence. How did cyclists is relatively small. Cyclists real- let cyclists—and law that project turn out? ly don’t have any other choice but to go enforcement—know there CLD: I’m proud of it because, when across that bridge and there’s no alter- are alternative acceptable we turned it over to the city and—and nate route nearby. ways to cross the their contractor—there was no hiccup in JH: What’s the line you have to walk? Bridge of Lions. service. From the public standpoint, it CLD: That key point, that you’re was seamless. So that was a big project, obstructing traffic—knowingly—is outside of the box for me, and I got to something that we’re a little bit nervous learn a lot about diesel engines, Coast about, especially when introducing a Guard regulations and things like that. new concept to the public. JH: That’s an impressive picture of We worry about negative backlash. sharrows on St. Augustine’s Bridge of Sharrows are optional features and by Lions. Why did you use them? introducing them slowly at choke points CLD: We did coordinate with the sharrows. So we’re trying to provide CLD: Well, the Bridge of Lions is a that are “most deserving,” we hope that city—it’s a courtesy. That facility is options for various types of riders. state road, under DOT’s domain. It start- the public will see them used properly, owned by the DOT. We’re responsible In fairness to St. Augustine, it’s a very ed by requests from the public and one they can be a valuable tool. The Bridge for the traffic operations, pavement historic city. A lot of granite curbs, they that stands out is FBA’s George Martin. of Lions was “most deserving.” markings, signing and maintenance of don’t have curb cut ramps everywhere, He’s a great resource, taught me a lot, so JH: So, when the state has a highway that bridge. because of the historic nature. So, it’s when I saw his letter, I researched the that goes through a city, such as the However, whenever we implement completely understandable that they engineering manuals and some sharrow bridge of Lions, how do you coordinate something new to an area, the public don’t allow bikes on the sidewalks. So articles. I found that sometimes you can- with the locals on a project like this? expects that maybe you’re going to do you know, that’s not a problem there. this everywhere. The public wants to JH: What about Jacksonville projects? know, “Well, why did you do this?” And CLD: We launched the concept of it’s always good to work with the local inter-connecting bicycle facilities, start- governments, give them a heads up, ing at the most deserving location in share with them your information, your Jacksonville, which, I think, is the studies, so that they can answer those because there are only questions. And just to make sure that it two ways, two bridges, you can use to jives or it goes along with their goals. cross the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, So, how did we coordinate with the the best being the Acosta Bridge. It has a city? I’m not sure if we had meetings, nice wide paved shoulder, which we’re but we definitely did email back and going to convert to a bike lane as soon as forth with their public works people to we can get the bridge grates replaced let them know that this is what we were with bicycle-friendly grates. planning on doing, and also there was That left one chokepoint to get to the law enforcement component of this. Riverside, a 1,000’ section of Riverside The situation was kind of unique. St. Avenue. We used sharrows there, which Augustine has a local ordinance that says then opens up to a grid of streets that is no bicycle riding on sidewalks. Now if the Riverside area, which was built you dig down into the finer points of the before World War II, so it’s on a walk- law, that ordnance does not apply to state able scale, lots of alternative paths that roads. bicyclists can take. That’s a finer point that a lot of people So, we’re working to link into that in the public just don’t realize. The only bicycle friendly area to the river walk restriction to cyclists on a sidewalk is (multi-use path), which takes you to the that you must yield to pedestrians. There Acosta Bridge, over the river, which, had actually been signs placed on the then, takes you to a future shared bus/ Bridge of Lions sidewalks that said, bike lane, which connects you up to “Walk your bike across.” So we had to another bike lane. work on that expectation. So it’s all about interconnection... Basically, we spoke with law enforce- Continued... ment and let them know, “Hey, not only are we taking down that sign, but we’re — Look for the rest of Jeff Hohlstein’s putting up a sign that promotes riding interview with Chris LeDew in the your bike on the sidewalk.” It says, Summer 2013 issue of the FBA “Bicycles yield to pedestrians,” and Messenger. that’s for the sidewalk. And, “Bicycles may use full lane,” and that’s for the roadway to reinforce the Spring 2013 9 Conquering the ‘Island of Enchantment’ by Hope Howland-Cook In January, FBA board member Hope and excellent staff aside, this event is physically and mentally challenging. It Howland-Cook was asked to participate unique because of the opportunity it will take everything you have, but give in La Vuelta Puerto Rico, a fully sup- offers participants. you so much more in return. ported 3-day, 375 mile tour circumnavi- Have you ever dreamed of riding in a The camaraderie that develops over gating the island of Puerto Rico. peloton like a world famous racer? Or these three days truly makes you feel you enjoy the experience of a peloton, like you are part of something special. was offered a rare opportunity to but would like to avoid the stress of We all feel the intense emotion as rid- experience the 2013 La Vuelta competition? La Vuelta Puerto Rico ers enter Old San Juan on the last day, Puerto Rico route through the eyes offers riders the chance to experience a and are greeted with medals, food, music of the ride director, William Medina. peloton firsthand, alongside professional and dance, and embraces from new I jumped at the chance to see the and award winning endurance cyclists, friends that shared this life changing behind the scenes efforts that go into without the element of competition. experience! one of the most exciting and challenging Any cyclist who has enjoyed a Bike Though I happily return to a slower cycling events to come along in some Florida tour has learned to expect a lei- pace of life, I will never forget my expe- time. surely pace, with many stops where one rience on La Vuelta Puerto Rico! Viva la isla del encanto! Long live the island of enchantment! Due to popularity, registration for La Vuelta Puerto Rico 2014 opens April 1st! To learn more, please visit www.vuel- Above: a road captain couple chat as they lead one of the pelotons. tapr.com.

Left: a peloton of cyclists cruises along a Puerto Rican shoreline dur- — Hope Howland-Cook is the former ing La Vuelta 2013. executive director of Bike Florida & Share the Road. She currently sits on the Below: sparkling ocean vistas dominated the three-day ride around boards of FBA and the Bicycle Touring Puerto Rico Network. You can read about her com- plete La Vuelta Puerto Rico experience at www.vueltapr.com want the feeling of riding in the Tour de can enjoy a long break at a lovely point France, or any of the Triple Crown races, Having put on leisure cycling tours for of interest. Don’t get me wrong; La La Vuelta Puerto Rico is for you! many years for Bike Florida & Share the Vuelta Puerto Rico offers amazing, plen- The slowest group (C) rides an average Road, I had no idea what to expect from tiful rest stops, but the stops last 10 min- of 15 mph, sometimes around sharp the extreme cycling experience aptly utes and the energy is electric. curves along an enchanting coast line, named La Vuelta Puerto Rico. I had The experiences are just so distinctive. over severe and treacherous potholes, decided to volunteer as a staff member, The exhilarating Latin music and the and up and down mountains through and began what would turn out to be cheers from spectators at each oasis steaming rainforests. Group B rides an quite a thrilling experience. pump riders to get back out there and average of 18 mph, while group A an This endurance event circumnavigates explore more of this incredible island. average of 20 mph. Puerto Rico, 375 miles, in three days. The riders of La Vuelta are divided into You might recognize several faces in Cyclists ride about 150 miles the first three groups, based on average speed. group A; many professional cyclists take day, 100 the second and 125 the third. Each group stays together and rides as a the opportunity that La Vuelta Puerto The logistics are very similar to orga- peloton, with its own SAG, mechanical Rico offers as a training exercise. nizing a leisure cycling tour—rest stops, and medical support. The feeling of riding in a peloton with routes, staffing and host communities. I have never seen anything like it… hundreds of fellow cyclists certainly But there the similarities end. The well, except once a year when the fight inspires a dream of going pro. incomparable scenery, outstanding food for the Yellow Jersey takes place! If you This three-day endurance adventure is 10 Florida Bicycle Association

I Am Traffic Colloquium FBA awards recognize excellence continued from page 4 continued from page 6 o Keri and I explained the belief-chang- o Dan Gutierrez shared his the ground, is among the agency’s recent event has become one of the best exam- ing and empowerment strategies of Understanding Bicycle Transportation accomplishments. ples of a top-notch cycling experience. CyclingSavvy course for transportation planners and As well, Lee MPO was among the first Special Recognition: David o Kirby Beck helped us understand the engineers. MPOs in the country to approve a reso- lution to develop a Complete Streets pol- Henderson, FBA law enforcement perspective and how we By the end of day one we could all see David joined the board in 2002 bringing might further improve our relationships how consistency across all six Es and for icy, a resolution that at least two member jurisdictions have taken to the next level, his skills as the Miami-Dade County with enforcement agencies and individu- all bicyclists will be essential if we are bicycle/pedestrian coordinator, urban al officers to maintain our rights and safety. one already at the implantation stage. Lee County has a long way to go to planner, and bike commuter. make it a truly bike-friendly community, He was FBA president from 2007 until but is well on its way due to the efforts he stepped down in summer 2012. of Don Scott and his MPO staff. As a League Cycling Instructor, he has taught and mentored hundreds of cyclists Event: Horrible Hundred, Florida through bicycle education workshops. Freewheelers The South Florida Chapter of the Every November, the Florida National Multiple Sclerosis Society Freewheelers organize and manage one recruited him, not to provide educational of Florida’s most popular and most chal- opportunities for their Bike MS partici- lenging 100 mile bike events. This 2012 pants, but to be ride marshal for their affair was no exception. annual Bike MS events. More than 2,000 cyclists participated He has volunteered his time to attend in rides of various distances and attended the National Bike Summit many times to an expo of bike shops, gear suppliers, help educate Florida’s Members of and bike-related organizations. Congress on the benefits of bicycling. And for the third year, FBA was invit- David has encouraged many to give ed to provide the Florida Bicycle Club bike commuting a try. He literally walks Leadership Workshop, open to any club and bikes the talk when it comes to inte- officer seeking advice and updates on grating the bicycle into daily life. He matters related to running a club. and his wife, Kim, regularly use their Over the years the number of partici- bikes for transportation and recreation. pants and the expo have grown and the David will be missed but will stay active I Am Traffic Bicycling Education Colloquium facilitator Jeff Hohlstein discusses what on the FBA advisory board. a vision statement should be. Spring 2013 11

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

Motorized bikes If your bicycle with a small elec- Steven asked: What is Atric motor meets the statutory def- Qthe penalty for some- inition of “bicycle,” a driver’s license is one driving a motorized not required. for a bicycle assisted by an bicycle in Florida who is electric motor, see statute s. 316.003 at less than 16 years old? summerized at left. If your bicycle is The applicable statute is: powered by a gas engine, and does not meet the narrow requirements of a As. 316.003 – Definitions moped (see definition below), it is not Get the knowledge and experience to cycle your roadways with confidence. (2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled legal on the roadway or the sidewalk. In FBA’s cycling education program will show you simple strategies to eliminate solely by human power, and every motor- fact, the only place you can ride one of obstacles and ride with ease in places you might never have thought possible. ized bicycle propelled by a combination these gas-powered two-wheeled vehicles of human power and an electric helper is on private property. motor capable of propelling the vehicle s. 316.2128 – Operation of Motorized at a speed of not more than 20 miles per Scooters and Miniature Motorcycles; hour on level ground... No person under Requirements for Sales the age of 16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle. (1) …. motorized scooters or miniature motorcycles …. are not legal to operate Section 316.18(1)(c) states that the on public roads, may not be registered as penalty is $15 for “Other violations of motor vehicles, and may not be operated chapter 316 by persons 14 years of age on sidewalks... or under who are operating bicycles, regardless of the noncriminal traffic If it qualifies as a moped you can infraction’s classification.” pedal/power it on the roads. As a moped As a “motorized bicycle” (e-bike) is driver, you have rights and responsibili- defined as a type of bicycle, this would ties similar to bicyclists. Cycling Savvy courses now available in Orlando, appear to cover the violation of operat- What is a moped? DeLand, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach, ing an e-bike while aged 14 or less. This s. 316.003 – Definitions Tallahassee and Tampa Bay areas. Go to the Web site section doesn’t address what the penalty (77) Moped – Any vehicle with pedals to to contact an area coordinator near you. would be for a 15-year-old. permit propulsion by human power, hav- The actual amount of a traffic fine is ing a seat or saddle for the use of the usually quite a bit more than the basic rider and designed to travel on not more Some Online Resources penalty amount, because various sur- than three wheels; with a motor rated charges and county court costs are not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and Have you a subscription to the Share the Road Newsletter? It’s filled added. not capable of propelling the vehicle at a with information about bicycling events, people and places (including For a violation that involves a basic speed greater than 30 miles per hour on great trail maps for off road cycling). sign up at www.bikeflorida.org. penalty of $15, the total amount one has level ground; and with a power-drive to pay can be $60 or more. Each county If you are an Adventure Cyclist, check out the adventurecycling.org system that functions directly or auto- newsletter, Bike Bits. To subscribe, visit: http://www.adventurecycling. clerk of courts website usually (at least, matically without clutching or shifting in larger counties) includes a page that org/bikebits/subscribe.cfm and read their blog at http://blog.adventurecy- gears by the operator after the system is cling.org lists total traffic fine amounts. engaged. If an internal combustion If the underage operator is stopped, it engine is used, the displacement may not FBA board president Mighk Wilson blogs regularly at www.mighkwilson. is likely that such a vehicle would be exceed 50 cubic centimeters. com. His well-researched, philosophical essays will get you thinking on a impounded by the police for safety rea- higher plane. sons. There could be costs to recover Olimpia asked: Does a child have Don’t forget to check out our Cycling Savvy guru, Keri Caffrey’s favor- the vehicle. to be a certain age to legally ride on Q ite site, http://cyclingsavvy.org. There you’ll find a pannier-load of stories There may possibly be criminal charg- a highway? (accompanied by an adult) es of something like child neglect or about “empowerment for unlimited travel.” FBA’s own little program is so potential liability issues for someone There is no age limit for cyclists, popular it’s spreading across the country. Have you taken your class yet? who allows an underage person to oper- young or older, using the sidewalk, A For information about Florida’s bicycle laws, go to http://.Flbikelaw.org. ate the e-bike in the event of an damage the roadway or any other part of the Read through the archives, or ask your own burning question. We reprint to property or injury or death of the highway, whether with an adult or not. some of the questions and answers in the FBA Messenger, but there are operator or others. The only age limit related to cycling is that children under 16 must wear hel- many more on the site. Duke asked: Do you have to have mets whether in the roadway, on the Can’t get enough of Keri? Go to her Website/blog at http://CommuteOr- Qa driver’s license to drive a bicy- sidewalk or in any other location. lando.com. Lots of great information on “Bicycling in the Real World.” cle with a small engine? And don’t leave your computer without a visit to (I know it’s another As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, a website exists to provide a place Central Florida site...sorry) the Orlando Sentinel’s own cycling blog, The to ask questions about the laws. This is a continuing series that addresses some of the Chain Gang. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_thechaingang questions and provide updates about FBA’s Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. Sign up for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy eNewsletter to keep on *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material top of advocacy, trail conversions and more http://support.railstotrails. provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in org/site/PageServer?pagename=rtn_registration. no way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or on the streets differs Florida Cycling Magazine, a semi-monthly digital magazine dedicated to from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and the FBA are not account- promoting Florida cycling and focusing on racing, can be found at www. able for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. floridaracingmagazine.com. Sign up for the e-mail. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. 12 Florida Bicycle Association

Fixies – cool, but are they legal? Specialty Plates are safe, for now... continued from page 2 Florida tag design, material and distribution changes proposed by Ken Foster, Share the Road Marketing Dir. Florida law does not require both a have adopted the following language in he Florida Department of with 3M and Indiana’s equivalent to front and back brake. The law says their bicycle laws: Motor Vehicles (DMV) has PRIDE. As a result, Indiana realized $4 “brake or brakes.” For that matter, the “Every bike must be equipped with a proposed a plan to redesign million in savings. law doesn’t say what type of brake is brake capable of making a braked Florida’s license plate and change Who are the winners and losers in this required. wheel skid on dry, level, clean pave- its distribution methods as well as proposal? 2. Is a fixed gear bike legal if it has no ment.” its manufacturing process and material. PRIDE could lose if they cannot adapt The proposal has been withdrawn, to the new manufacturing and distribu- caliper brakes, or is a “track bike”? The In a bike crash where the cyclist is answer to this question is unclear. changed and resubmitted since its origi- tion processes or if another company injured, it may be very important for this nal introduction in October 2012 to wins the contract. PRIDE has produced In the courts of Florida, the decider of cyclist to compensated for medical bills this question might either be a judge or a adjust to concerns from local Tax the plate for decades while offering or his/her lost wages. But the decision of Collectors’ offices and Prison training and work experience to Florida jury. The judge or jury must decide what who caused the accident will be left to a constitutes a brake. Rehabilitation Industries (PRIDE), the inmates. judge or jury, none of whom are usually plates’current manufacturer. County Tax Collectors would lose It seems certain they would conclude a sophisticated cyclists. brake lever and caliper are a type of The proposal marks the first changes some of their responsibilities and that No matter what the circumstances of to Florida’s license plate in decades. could lead to budget and staff reductions. brake. A disc brake on a mountain bike the crash, the judge or jury may feel the is a type of brake. A coaster brake on a Fortunately, for now, specialty plates The state of Florida could win by bicycle rider acted recklessly by not hav- will not be affected. Renewing or reducing cost, saving tax payer money. beach cruiser is a type of brake. In my ing a brake, and contributed substantially opinion, the drivetrain of the bicycle on switching to a Share the Road specialty The citizens of Florida won’t know if to the wreck happening. plate will continue to support FBA, Bike they have won or lost until the proposal a fixed gear bike is a type of brake. Having at least one traditional mechan- Reverse pressure on the pedals by the Florida and Share the Road. is adopted. The proposed changes are ical brake on your bike will likely reduce The proposed changes are intended to intended to save money, benefiting rider’s legs effectively causes the bike to the chance that a judge or jury will find slow and stop. reduce cost and increase efficiency by Florida’s citizens, but will they receive you, the bicyclist, at fault for causing the changing from a metal stamped plate to the same level of service? The Tax This is not true of the drive trains on injuries. other bikes, such as road bikes with a a flat vinyl plate that would be distribut- Collectors’ main concern is for customer free wheel, or mountain bikes with mul- — Chris Burns has been a practicing ed from a central location using a just- service. If issues arise, who should be tiple gears. attorney for 27 years and is now an FBA in-time method. The redesign will be contacted—the Tax Collectors Office or However, whether a fixed gear bike board member. Read more about Chris more legible by law enforcement and a third-party vendor? can be stopped within 25 feet from 10 in the story below. reduce millions in losses from failed red- Keep watching for news and updated miles per hour may depend on the adept- light and toll camera violation photos. information. Vinyl plates won’t wind up ness of the cyclist riding it. The methods and materials proposed on your car quickly. If the proposal But my opinion may not be shared by by the DMV are used successfully in the moves forward this legislative season, it judges or jurors. The average non- state of Indiana through a partnership will still take several years to implement. cyclist’s perception may be that a fixed gear bike really has no brake. I fear that many judges and jurors believe a rider’s legs pushing backwards Meet New FBA Board member Christopher Burns are not the brake contemplated by the Florida law above. t the Winter FBA board the law including all three Florida It is quite likely that the judge or jury meeting in DeLand, Bicycle Club Leadership workshops may be people who have never seriously Christopher Burns was Chris’s cycling interests are several, ridden or even understand the workings installed as a member of the both general and particular, including of a bike. board of directors. 1. reducing bicycling fatalities and They may be biased to believe the rid- As a practicing attorney in Florida for injuries throughout the state ers of fixed gear bikes are reckless. more than 27 years, Chris has handled 2. improving venues and facilities for There is certainly a substantial risk that hundreds of cases involving bicyclists in bicyclists throughout the state a cyclist riding a fixed gear bike with no crashes all over Florida and several other 3. motivating and influencing Florida caliper brakes may be found to have vio- states. to pass a distracted driving law; at a lated the Florida law. He received his law degree from minimum this would include anti-texting The District of Columbia is the one Vanderbilt University, Doctor of Law measures, but ultimately, to include jurisdiction in the United States where (J.D.) and his undergraduate degree from usage of handheld cell phones while the law specifically refers to fixed gear Kalamazoo College. He has received the driving as well as hands-free cell phone bikes. highest possible lawyer ranking, called devices In D.C., fixed gear bikes without cali- “AV,” by Martindale-Hubbell for the past 4. passing a law that clarifies that per brakes are legal. The law says: 14 years. cyclists have the right of way while rid- This distinction recognizes Legal ing in a designated bike lane. Each bicycle shall be equipped with a Justice Association (President 2005), and Ability and Ethical Standards earned On a personal level, Chris has been brake which enables the operator to The Jacksonville Bar Association. through strenuous review by his peers. riding his bike regularly since he began cause the braked wheels to skid on With respect to cycling, Chris is a He has been selected to “Florida Super pedaling his Schwinn Stingray at age dry, level, clean pavement; provided, member of the League of American Lawyers” in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013, five. He has ridden the great Tour De that a fixed gear bicycle is not Bicyclists, FBA, the North Florida a ranking of attorneys by attorneys that France routes, including L’Alpe D’Huez required to have a separate brake, but Bicycle Club, and has sponsored the was only begun in the last several years. twice. He competed in triathlons and an operator of a fixed gear bicycle Jacksonville Racing Club, Velobrew To be classified as a “Florida Super bike races for many years. He typically shall be able to stop the bicycle using Cycling Club, and the University of Lawyer” one must be considered in the rides a bicycle more than 300 times per the pedals. Florida Cycling Team. top 5% of the lawyers in the state of He is the past president of the year and has worn out four heavy-duty Other states besides Florida also allow Florida. Chris is a member of The Jacksonville Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory rechargeable front headlights due to bikes with a single brake. Numerous Florida Bar Association, The Florida Council and current vice president. He exhaustive early morning usage. states including Indiana, Texas, Nevada, Justice Association, The Jacksonville is a frequent lecturer on bicycling and and even several cities such as Chicago Spring 2013 13

Selected State-wide Contacts Here’s whom to call about your bicycle/pedestrian/transportation concerns. Go to www.floridabicycle.org/statecontacts.htm for the complete, up-to-date list. FDOT Central Office State Bicycle-Pedestrian Safety Program Manager FDOT Districts Trenda McPherson 850.245.1528 [email protected] State SRTS Coordinator District 1 Sarita Taylor 850.245.1529 [email protected] Cities: Bradenton, Fort Meyers, Naples, Asst. Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Sarasota Dwight Kingsbury 850.245.1520 [email protected] Florida School Crossing Guard Program Administrator Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Providance Nagy 850.245.1757 [email protected] Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota State ADA Coordinator Dean Perkins 850.414.4359 [email protected] District 2 Roadway Design/Special Projects Coordinator Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, St. Augustine Mary Anne Koos 850.414.4321 [email protected] Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, District 1 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, Michael Kautz (acting) 863.519.2216 [email protected] District 2 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator St.Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union Jennifer Graham 904.360.5636 [email protected] District 3 District 3 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Zena Riley Taylor 850.415.9656 [email protected] Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee District 4 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, John-Mark Palacios 954.777.4318 [email protected] Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington District 5 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Joan Carter 386.943.5335 [email protected] District 4 District 6 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Stuart Ken Jeffries 305.470.5445 [email protected] Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St Lucie District 7 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Lori Marable 813.975.6405 [email protected] District 5 Other Cities: Coco Beach, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melborne, Ocala, Orlando FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia Jim Wood 850.245.2052 [email protected] Florida Pedestrian-Bicycle Safety Resource Ctr District 6 District 7 Wanda Tison 352.273.1680 [email protected] Cities: Key West, Miami Cities: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa Bike Florida Board President Counties: Miami-Dade, Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Leigh Matusick 386.736.1202 [email protected] Monroe Pinellas Rails-to-Trails Florida Office Ken Bryan 850.942.2379 [email protected]

THE NORTH FLORIDA BICYCLE CLUB’S FAMOUS SPRING RIDE... FBA leadership workshop for Fla. THE 22nd TOUR de FORTS bicycle clubs slated for Tour de APRIL 28, 2013 REGISTER AT THE NORTH FLORIDA BICYCLE CLUB (NFBC) Forts weekend WEBSITE ON LINE www.nfbc.us A spring edition of the Florida Bicycle Club Leadership The North Florida Bicycle Club is holding the 22nd Tour de Forts Sunday April 28, Workshop will be held April 27, 2013, in conjunction with the 2013. This fully supported ride will have something for every one. Riders will have the North Florida Bicycle Club’s Tour de Forts bike ride in St. opportunity to see the majesty of the St. Johns River, the beauty of St. Johns County Johns, FL (half way between Jacksonville and St. Augustine) rural farm terrain along with some of northern Florida “hills,” including three challeng- the next day [see box at right]. ing intercoastal bridges and the glory of the Atlantic Ocean. FBA hosts a fall workshop in conjunction with the Horrible Also enjoy the ancient city of St. Augustine, ride across the Bridge of Lions and ride Hundred in Clermont in November so we decided to host a past the famous fort, . Rides will cover 23, 38, 68 and 100 mile spring event to coincide with another popular bike ride. routes. The riders will begin and end at Bartram Trail High School, 7399 Longleaf Pine Parkway, St. Johns, Florida 32259. Start time depends on the distance you plan to This workshop is not just for bike club presidents, but anyone ride: 7:30 a.m. start for the Century riders, 7:45 a.m. start for the 68-milers and 8:30 in a leadership position who wants to share ideas with other a.m. for the 38- and 23-mile options. This ride is fully supported with traveling SAGs, club leaders. We welcome your input on topics you would well-stocked and well-manned rest stops and bike shop support. like to see discussed. Cyclist will be able to pick up their ride packages Saturday, April 27, at the high school Don’t miss this opportunity to have your club well represent- between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Day-of-ride package pick-up will begin at 6:30 a.m. ed. If you attended the 2012 fall event, we welcome your par- Lunch is included in the price of the ride and will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 ticipation again. p.m. Register on-line at the North Florida Bicycle Club home page. Registration price is $25.00 for NFBC members, $40.00 for non-members. Commemorative Technical We need to reach out to more clubs so everyone stays tee shirts can be purchased for $10.00 when you register online before April 15, 2013, informed. Help us spread the word. and will be issued when you pick up your registration package. View the technical tee Saturday, April 27, 2013 at our website www.nfbc.us. 3:00-6:00pm Take this opportunity to become an NFBC member for $20.00/Individual or $25.00/ TBD, St. Johns, FL Family and save on your ride registration fee for this ride and our next one in Septem- NO CHARGE, but registration is required. ber of this year. That is a $30 price savings on our two rides. Register online at http://bit.ly/ClubLeaders Pre-ride registration will be available on-line through midnight April 24, 2013. Day of You may also want to save the date for the fall workshop to ride registration will be available for $55.00. be held Saturday, November 16, 2013, in Clermont. Visit our web site ~ North Florida Bicycle Club (www.nfbc.us) for more information and More details will follow as they develop. Contact laura@florid- to access the link to register. abicycle.org. SEE YOU APRIL 28TH AT NFBC’s 22ND TOUR de FORTS! 14 Florida Bicycle Association Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida This printed version is ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the con- tact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calen- dar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, and much of the hype we edited out in this here version, at www.floridabicycle.org/fbtc/. April registrations received on or before ride from the Flagler Palm Coast Immokalee Ride for Literacy April 20-21 Miami March 24. Steel drum music pro- High School 5500 SR 100, Palm 62/30/15 mile routes through rural Zimmerman MS Bike Ride April 6 (Sat) Chiefland vided by Island Vibes. FREE Coast (across from the Flagler areas. Marked routes with SAG. Presented by Mack Cycle & LCSF Cycle For Education admission to Punta Gorda Red Fish County Airport). Five rest stops. Breakfast tacos, lunch and an Fitness. More information at www. 8 am-10 am kick off Start Time: Festival in Laishley Park all week- T-shirts for the first 500 registered “Immokolee Veggie Basket” to take msbikeflorida.org. Rain or Shine, No Mass Start, end. www.pedalandplayinparadise. cyclists. Free cook out and refresh- home included with registration. Continental Breakfast. Registration com links to Facebook and video ments at the end of the ride. Rotary Door prizes during lunch. April 20-25 Live Oak at the Chiefland Shopping Center on You Tube. Club of Flagler Beach, PO Box Registration 7:30 to 9:30 am at the Florida Bicycle Safari (33rd) 102 North Main Street, Hwy 19/98 Active.com Online Registration 2005, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. start: Farm Worker Village - 1800 Ride through North Florida. Full 6 Chiefland, Course Options: (386) 846-5493 (Kim). Registration Farm Worker Way - Immokalee. days or first 3 days. 35/100 miles. Designated ride is up to 48 miles April 7 (Sun) Lakewood Ranch opens at 6:30 a.m. Century partici- www.immokaleerunsandrides.com Camping available at start. long, with the option to ride far- Tour de Cure Southwest Florida pants can leave at 7 a.m. but will Breakfast and dinner each day ther. SAG stops: Fanning Springs, 100 Mile Century Check-In 6:30 be unescorted. April 14 (Sun) Palmetto included in registration. SAG vehi- Old Town and Cross City with am Ride Start 7:30 am Rest Stop www.flaglerbeachrotary.org St. Petersburg Bicycles Club’s cles and stops on every route. large food and beverage provisions. Closes 3:00 pm 12.5 mph min pace Spring Classic (25th Annual) Florida Freewheelers. Info: florid- Support ends at 12 pm. -- 62 Mile Metric Century Check- April 7 (Sun) Cocoa Beach 60/36/20 miles. At the Clam abicyclesafari.com or 407-766- Complimentary lunch served at In 7:30 am Ride Start 8:30 am Rest Spacecoast Freewheelers Cross House (AKA Tony D’s) at 304 7th 0279. Ride Start from11 am - 1 pm Stop Closes 3:00 pm 9 mph min Florida Bicycle Ride (32nd) Street W. in Palmetto (just north of Registration- $30, Includes T-Shirt pace -- 35 Mile Ride Check-In 170 mile endurance ride from Bradenton). 60-mile ride starts at 8 April 27 (Sat) Gainesville (adult sizes only), Continental 8:30 am Ride Start 9:30 am Rest Cocoa Beach to Weeki Wachee. am, 36-mile at 8:10 and 20-mile at Ride To Remember 7 Breakfast, Light Lunch, Sports Stop Closes 3:00 pm 6 mph min Minimal support with only 4 8:20. Day-of registration: 7 am. Choose your ride length on the Drink/Water and Food at SAG pace -- 10 Mile Fun Ride Check-In unmanned SAG stops that will Ride through northern and eastern Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, or a stops. Children must be accompa- 9:30 am Ride Start 10:30 am 4 stock an energy drink and water. Manatee County. Well-stocked road ride into the Ocala horse farm nied by an adult. Event T-shirts mph min pace Times are subject to Depend on convenience stores SAG stops. T-shirts to all pre-regis- territory of 50/75/100 miles. 50 guaranteed to riders registered change. diabetes.org/swfloridatour enroute for most food and drink. tered riders. Post-ride party with and 25 mile rides from Flemington, (received or postmarked) by March Route is south of metro Orlando prizes and a good lunch at the end FL. Support trained at the legend- 30th. Walk-up registration accept- area, through hilly Pasco county to of the ride. Registration before ary Horse Farm Hundred. A benefit ed, includes T-Shirt if available. By April 7 (Sun) Everglades City Bayport Park on the Gulf coast. April 6: $35, after: $40. Register for ElderCare of Alachua County mail: Fill out application and mail Stay n Play Everglades Ride www.spacecoastfreewheelers.com/ online: www.stpetecycling.com or and Al’z Place, providing to Levy County Schools Ride starts at McLeod Park in the xfl2013.htm send registration to St. Petersburg Alzheimer’s Day Care. Foundation: PO Box 1386, heart of Everglades City and takes Active.com Online Registration Bicycling Club PO Box 76023, St. http://gccfla.org/rtr/ Bronson, FL 32621. Ride Day: you through beautiful scenery. On- Petersburg, Florida 33734. Day of registration, check in and and off-road routes to choose from. April 13 (Sat) Summerfield April 28 (Sun) Venice packet pick up: 7:30 am to 10:00 Ride registration includes continen- Take Stock in Children Cycling April 20 (Sat) Amelia Island Sharky’s Ride the Beaches (11th am Start/Finish Line: Trail End tal breakfast, aid stations along the for Success Katie Ride (9th Annual) Annual) benefiting Livestrong Points: Chiefland to Fanning route, SAG vehicle support, maps, 35/63 plus mile ride. Registration 18/36/62/100 mile coastal ride ben- 65/35/15 miles. Ride includes Springs to Cross City. Counties: and a delicious lunch catered by a opens at 6:30 am. Mass start at efiting the Katie Caples Foundation beach side breakfast, well-stocked Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie Trail local favorite! RIDE OPTIONS: 62 7:30 am. Scenic ride through the and raising awareness for organ rest stops, and BBQ lunch at Category: Rail-Trail Trail Surfaces: mile, 8:00 a.m. (on-road) 27 mile, heart of Marion and Lake counties. donation. Fully catered breakfast, Sharky’s on the Pier for all. Also Asphalt 9:00 a.m. (on- & off-road) 16 mile, With ride options for most skill SAG support, motorcycle escorts, T-shirt for those who register http://levyschoolsfoundation.org 9:00 a.m. (on-road) Registration levels, cyclist can expect to tour energizing aid stations, Carrabba’s, before 4/15/13, waterbottle for the Active.com Online Registration and breakfast open at 7:30 a.m. some of the most scenic roads in Firehouse Subs and more. Details first 800. On-site registration and www.naplespathways.org Central Florida. Some challenging and registration at breakfast 7:00am. 65/35 mile rides April 6 (Sat) Gulf Breeze Active.com Online Registration climbs and some thrilling speeds www.KatieRideForLife.org. begin at 8:00am, 15 miles at Gulf Coast American Diabetes on the descents, along with abun- 9:00am. No mass start. Cost $35. Tour De Cure April 7 (Sun) West Palm Beach dant wildlife. Full SAG support, April 20 (Sat) Okeechobee All profits to benefit Livestrong. The Tour is a ride, not a race. A Pedal for PAL Cycling Tour (6th rest stops, bicycle repair, and awe- Rotary’s L.O.S.T. Bike Ride 10th Sharky’s is at 1600 S. Harbor Dr. day full of fun and excitement annual) some food (breakfast and lunch) Annual (Lake Okeechobee Scenic Venice Fl. Mail to Sharky’s on the where riders of all levels join forc- $40 early, $50 day of. 34/62/100 are all included in the low entrance Trail) Pier, 205 Base Ave, Venice Fl es in the fight to Stop Diabetes and miles. Registration opens at 6:30 fee of $40 and $45 day-of registra- Rides of 12, 20, 40 and 54 miles 34285 Telephone 941-488-1456. raise critical funds for diabetes am at The Dreyfoos School of the tion. www.pefmc.org/events/ as well as a 5K walk there is some- www.sharkysonthepier.com/ research, education and advocacy Arts, 501 S. Sapodilla Ave. West thing for everyone. The L.O.S.T. in support of the ADA. Route Palm Beach FL, with a mass start April 13-14 St. Augustine trail itself is world-renowned for its May at 7:30 am. Ride along Flagler Velo Fest Wrigley Memorial stunning vistas and numerous begins at the Gulf Breeze Andrews May 2-5 White Springs Drive, A1A, and ocean on your Charity Ride forms of wildlife. All entrants are Institute and proceed to the SBA Spring Pedal ’n’ Paddle way to the 34/62/100 mile turn- Part of Velo Fest: Movement of the provided a goody-bag with a com- , historic Festival with Century arounds. Several well-stocked rest People, a 3-day festival to celebrate memorative t-shirt and much more. Pensacola, back over the bridge Enjoy the back roads around White stops, SAG service, t-shirts, and a cycling and promote awareness and BBQ meal provided afterwards, down Highway 98 through the Springs or the 50+ miles off road. tasty lunch at the end of the ride. education. Event starts on Friday and a 50/50 and raffle. Proceeds National Seashore, then along the Saturday: full/metric century. Registrations received before with a family friendly free bike benefit the charities of the Rotary white beaches of Navarre and Thursday: no-support ride; that March 22, 2013 include t-shirt. parade through historic City of St. Club of Okeechobee. For more Pensacola to the Andrews Institute. evening join early arrivals for pot Discounts for Cycling Teams/ Augustine, ending at registration information email Three routes:, 22/42/62 miles. luck at SBA Hq. Packet pick-up Clubs. Palm Beach County pick up at Flagler College. [email protected] or http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/ starts Thurs, at 2pm, SBA Hq. Sheriff′s Office PAL, 3228 Gun Saturday morning will be fun and call Center State Bank at 863-763- TourdeCure/A3NFL-NFloridaampS Registration opens at 8am. Fri and Club Road, West Palm Beach, Fl. fast with Old City Crit where 100+ 5573. www.okeechobeerotary.org EGeorgiaArea?pg=entry&fr_ Sun, 7am, Saturday. Continental 33406 (561)644-9278 licensed cyclists take on the .8m id=8591. breakfast each morning next to www.pbso.org/pal course at speeds up to 40 mph! April 20-21 Quincy ranger station in Stephen Foster Memorial ride in honor of Bryan TOSRV South (31st Annual) State Park. Friday events begin at 9 April 7 (Sun) Palm Coast Wrigley who was killed last year. 100 mi. will start from Quincy and April 6 (Sat) Punta Gorda am with a 40+ mile road ride. Wine Cycle Flagler Rotary Scenic 40 mile/100K through farm land in metric century will start from Pedal and Play in Paradise and Cheese on Friday evening, Highway Tour (10th annual) St Johns County and passing Cairo, GA. TOSRV South option: $35 (pre-registered by 3/24, $40 5:30-7pm Saturday: join P & P 25/40/65/100 mile tours traveling Bryan’s Ghost bike. T-shirt and a TOSRV Dirt. Explore clay roads of before 4/3, $45 day of event), five group, full/metric century, or tour Scenic A1A and historical byways free concert for all. Proceeds bene- So. Georgia. Fully supported off- exciting rides: 62/30/15-mile, White Springs. Sat night: Cho- of Flagler County. NEW THIS fit the Wrigley Scholarship and road metric century starts in Cairo, 7-mile Mystery Tour and City colate Extravaganza at SBA Hq. YEAR trail ride for cyclists want- Velo Fest Community Initiative Georgia. Only one cooked meal Manager’s/History Tour in Punta Camp Site Reservations available ing a shorter ride that does not cycling. each day vs the two cooked meals Gorda. Welcome breakfast (7-9 Thurs, Fri and Sat. Make your own include roads. Mass start at 8 a.m. www.velofest.org during the paved ride. www.cccy- a.m.) and full lunch (11 a.m.-2 reservations at state park prior to for road courses with an escort Active.com Online Registration clists.org/tosrv/ p.m.) FREE beer at noon. Fully- Thursday evening. Much more from the High School to SR A1A stocked rest stops for 62/30/15- info: www.suwanneebike.org mile rides FREE t-shirt to all pre- in Flagler Beach. 8:10 a.m. for trail April 14 (Sun) Immokolee Spring 2013 15 Bicycle shifting for the ladies by Earl Lang

he first thing to do is this: The converse is true “Forget everything your if you don’t ride often favorite male rider told you about enough. shifting.” Just keep in mind that your knees and I will show you how to find the hips prefer rapid, easy movement, not prefect gear every time. slow and hard. When in doubt, choose a Look at the gears controlled by your lower one. left hand. There will be none, 2 or 3 You will feel like you are spinning, gears/speeds: (1) Low, (2) Normal (in spinning is good for you. This is called the middle front sprocket) and (3) High cadence and your cadence should be When your male riding companion 1. Never, ever let your front wheel get in (see examples at upper right). between 70 and 100 strokes per minute. gripes, “Shift Gears,” smile at him and front of theirs. If you want to ride fast, If you don’t have a middle sprocket on say, “Honey, I like this one.” ride with your buddies. the front, you are left with Low and Keep pedaling High. These are pretty much self explan- Keep pedaling while you shift, and try to And for you guys 2. Never, ever, say, “Shift Gears.” anticipate shifting to a lower gear/speed atory: Here are four suggestions for male riders 3. Pump up her tires. Low is for bad hill climbs, High is for for the hill you are approaching. who want continuing female companion- 4. After the ride smile and say, “Good Warp Speed downhill with a tailwind. Shifting a little early is better than a ship on a ride. Ride.” Normal covers every other situation. little late. On the other hand (Right) you control You want to be in the lowest gear you 7 to 10 different gears/speeds. This part need before you need it. You can only is really important, so pay close atten- learn this from experience and if you Add your voice tion: CHOOSE ONE YOU LIKE! don’t get it just right, don’t worry. JOIN FBA The one you choose will be your “gear There are no hills that you cannot push for the future du jour,” or your gear of the moment, a bicycle over. As you gain experience, and you can change it as often as you you may find that you want to shift to a of bicycling want. lower gear as you approach a stop. in Florida. You don’t have to ask anyone! This will make it easier to get started TODAY If you don’t like the gear you are in, and back up to speed. Then, you can shift back to your “gear du jour.” shift up or down ’till you find one you JOIN ONLINE at www.fbamembership.org like. As you get stronger, the gear du Congrats, you are now a “Skilled Bicycle Gear Shifter”; as opposed to jour will go up and you will travel faster. Membership includes the FBA Messenger! “shiftless.” SupportFlorida Education Bicycle Association Messenger and — Spring 2013Advocacy

Purchase a Support Education and Specialty Plate • Renew your plate with a Share the Advocacy Road plate.

• Replace your old plate up to 90 days early with a Share the Road plate.

• Exchange your plate for a Share the Road plate at any time.

For complete details visit: ShareTheRoad.org

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

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