Scott Lagasse, Jr

Messenger Building a Bicycle-Friendly Florida Vol. 19, No. 1 • Winter 2016 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC.

Fast Track Scott Lagasse, Jr. “Driving” the Alert Today to... Florida Message Home By Trenda McPherson & Alert Today Florida staff

cott Lagasse, Jr. or “Scotty” as many of Sus have come to know him, is the official spokesperson for Alert Today Florida. Scotty pilots the Alert Today Florida NASCAR Xfinity Series Race Car and the Alert Today Florida NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race Truck. Yes, he “pilots” them, because this guy FLIES around the track!? While many prefer a motor vehicle as their mode of transportation, Scotty’s Membership 2 preference, second only to the driver’s seat on race day, is his bicycle. He’s been an avid cyclist for most of his life. He rides Blue Light Corner 5 primarily for the health benefits, but he also enjoys the fresh air and the fresh perspective WHEELS Wrap 8-9 he gets when he rides. “Unfortunately, motorists don’t always Ask Geo 11 share the road with bicyclists, and there are some roads I don’t feel safe riding on Gears 101 12 because of it,” Scotty stated. He feels it’s important to “humanize” bicycling by Touring Calendar 14 reminding motorists that PEOPLE are on Scott Lagasse, Jr. proudly sported the FBA and new Alert Tonight Florida logos at the November bicycles. “Every Life Counts” is one of Alert Homestead race. (photo courtesy of Team SLR) Today Florida’s campaigns and one of the messages Scotty drives home through his and bicycle safety? Why not? Scotty is a or other event, or organizing the next new racing and appearances outside the track. bicyclist, he is passionate about safety and outreach activity to promote the campaign. The good news for Florida Bicycle he truly cares about improving the bike/ped Scotty and FBA Executive Director Association is not only having Scott Lagasse, culture in Florida. Becky Afonso attended the University of PAID Tampa, FL Tampa, U.S. Postage U.S.

Permit #2899 Permit Jr. as a spokesperson for bicycle safety, but This partnership with Alert Today South Florida’s 4th Annual Bulls Walk and

NON-PROFIT ORG. that he is also a member of FBA! Scotty Florida and Florida Bicycle Association Bike Week in September to speak to the and Alert Today Florida have partnered isn’t limited to race day. Race day is a great students and to ride around campus during with FBA and unveiled something special opportunity to reach an audience outside the Bicycle Celebration. at Homestead during the final NASCAR of the “cycling community”, but the safety The event had tremendous support races this past November. Can you believe message is lived and delivered every day. from the Florida Department of it? The FBA logo on a prime location on On most any given day you can find Scotty Transportation Central Office and District his Alert Today Florida NASCAR Camping on a street somewhere reminding people 7, Hillsborough County Metropolitan World Truck Series ride! not to run red lights, walking or biking to Planning Organization, Tampa Bay Area You might ask “why” is a racecar school with kids, speaking about pedestrian Regional Transit Authority, the University driver being used to promote pedestrian and bicycle safety at a meeting, conference, (continued on page 10) P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 Box 2452, Oldsmar, P.O.

University of South Florida students gather at the end of the Bulls Walk and Bike Week campus ride. (photo courtesy of Team SLR) Page 2 Florida Bicycle Association Building a Bicycle-Friendly Florida We Love Our Members! Thanks to the Support of our Donors and Members Lifetime Members Dianne Franz New Businesses/Clubs/Orgs. Duke Breitenbach Jeff Giammalvo Active Streets Alliance of Gainesville Kimberly Cooper William & Judy Groom Karen Kress c/o Tampa Bay Cycle William R. Hough Bruce Haddock Ocala Mountain Bike Club Walter Long Laura Hallam City of Oviedo-Dru D. Boulware James Nash Eric Hankin Punta Gorda Police Department Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal Ed & Sharon Hannon Earle & Laura Reynolds Jim Henze New Members Marcia & Jim Kehl Dr. Joe Warren Mary Abbott Scott MacLean Dwight Kingsbury Mighk & Carol Wilson Elizabeth Babcock Roger Martindill Earl Lang Joseph Bird Trenda McPherson Steve & Cathy Lasky Join FBA Today! Individual/Family High Donors Henry Bischoff Robert & Patty McKey David Nagy Your membership makes a difference Legacy: Michael Bone S. Ayanna Miller Stewart Parsons John & Lenore Sinibaldi David Brackett Ralph Monti for all bicyclists in Florida. Tina Russo & Yvonne Blythe Timothy & Elizabeth Whalen Richard Cahlin Maureen Morley James Shirk Visit: www.fbamembership.org John Cappleman Gary Pantaleo George & Patti Sousa Benefactor: Linda Carpenter Stewart Parsons Student/Living Lightly...... $15 Cheryl Stacks Becky Afonso Keith Jasper Katie Cich Brian Piper Snowbird...... $15 Jerry Webb John & Pamela Appel Allen Kepchar Allan Collins Jonathan Ponader Individual ...... $25 Elizabeth Babcock Bradley Larino Club/Business High Donors Cecilia Collins Daniel Ray Family ...... $35 Steve Bayard Walter Long Jennie Copps Gary Rayberg David Bloom Maureen Morley Premier Partners: Heather Davis Robert Richardson Bicycle Club...... $100 Polk County Sports Marketing Bicycle Shop...... $100 Michael Bone Jonathan Ponader Dean Fesette Christopher Rodatz Donald Brody Edward Reid Mark Flynn Lindy Russell Business/Organization. . . . . $100 Richard Carlson Robert & Joan Sabin Champion: Jeff Giammalvo Peter Seed Government Agency...... $100 Cecilia Collins Peter Seed Boca Raton Bicycle Club Earl Green Charlie Shaw Higher donations are most appreciated! Carl Gross Randall & Valerie William & Daniel Southcomb Williams Patron: Judy Groom Cheryl Stacks Pay conveniently online or make check Supporter: Florida Freewheelers Bicycle Club Bruce Haddock Roger Stegner payable and mail to: Allan & D A Aldridge Jerri Halgowich Brian Stokes Florida Bicycle Association Advocate: P.O. Box 2452, Oldsmar FL 34677 Richard Cahlin Jim Henze Suzanne Tabakman Linda Carpenter Panther Medical Inc.-Richard Rapports David Hintenlang Frank & Carol Valdes Individual/Family High Jane Corliss Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation Paul Kurtz Jim Verheul & Kristy Orange Cycle Works Donor Memberships: Patrick Donovan Bradley, Elizabeth, Halvorsen John Egberts Gainesville Cycling Club Michael & Robert Van Sickler Lifetime (contact FBA) Mark Flynn Ocala Mountain Bike Club Robert Larino Edward & Mary Wallace Legacy ($500+) North Florida Bicycle Club Doris Leonardo Michael White Champion ($250-$499) Benefactor ($100-$249) Supporter ($50-$99) Business/Organization Categories (annual donations) Premier Partner ($10,000+) Champion ($5,000-$9,999) Patron ($2,500-$4,999) Advocate ($500-$2,499) Member Clubs & Shops ($100) Memberships include a subscription to the quarterly Messenger, access to online member forums and general sense of satisfaction for supporting bicycle education and advocacy in Florida.

VISIT FBA’s Website LOG-IN to the FBA Blog STAY UP-TO-DATE on bicycle issues with this statewide forum @www.floridabicycle.org Winter 2016 Page 3 Board of Directors City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! J. Steele Olmstead, President Chris LeDew, Secretary Executive Director 10 14517 N. 18th Street 11867 Narrow Oak Lane S. Jacksonville Becky Afonso Sopchoppy 10 Tampa FL 33613 Jacksonville FL 32223 250 Strathmore Avenue 813-979-4949 904-613-5833 Oldsmar FL 34677 Gainesville [email protected] [email protected] 813-748-1513

[email protected] 75 John Egberts, Vice President Tim Bol P.O. Box 118208 301 E. Pine Street, Ste. 800 Administrative Assistant Orlando Oldsmar Gainesville FL 32611 Orlando FL 32801 4 Laura Hallam (FBA HQ) 352-294-1685 407-393-6691 367 Buckhorn Creek Road Clearwater Tampa [email protected] [email protected] Sopchoppy FL 32358 407-399-9961 Jim Dodson, Secretary Earl Lang 75 [email protected] 310 Wildwood Way 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Port Charlotte Clearwater FL 33756 Port Charlotte FL 33948 Membership 727-446-0840 941-258-3400 75 [email protected] [email protected] Please email: [email protected] Working Together to Build Mailing address: Advisory Board P.O. Box 2452 • Oldsmar, FL 34677 a Bicycle-friendly Florida

Chris Burns, Chair, Jacksonville Dwight Kingsbury, Historian Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory [email protected] OUR MISSION: for Florida bicycling is to network and share best practices, to educate and Committee advocate and to build awareness as a unified voice. [email protected] Henry N. Lawrence, III, Past President & Founding OUR VISION: for Florida is to be a state where bicycling is safe, respected and encouraged as a Keri Caffrey, Co-Founder, Member, FBA means of transportation and recreation. CyclingSavvy. Program [email protected] Consultant, American Bicycling OUR PURPOSE: Education Association Laura Minns, Central Florida • To educate bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists about safely sharing roadways and paths [email protected] Regional Transportation • To be a powerful, influential voice that protects and advances the interests of bicyclists Authority (LYNX) • To encourage the creation of great on-road and off-road places to ride Dan Connaughton, Director [email protected] • To provide a statewide communications network for bicyclists Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety • To encourage more people to bicycle more often Education Program Dan Moser, Columnist [email protected] Fort Myers Florida Weekly [email protected] Help Us Grow the Base! Give to FBA Steve Diez, Hernando County MPO Roger Pierce, Florida Bicycle he Florida Bicycle Association was founded by people like you who want to make Florida a [email protected] Touring Calendar Tbetter place to ride a bicycle. Our projects and programs that benefit bicyclists are made [email protected] possible primarily through membership and sponsorship to our organization. Simply put, without David Henderson, membership, sponsorship and donations, the Florida Bicycle Association would not exist. Keep Past President, FBA Paula Saracki, FBA Messenger bicycle enjoyment alive in Florida and help us in the fight against bicycle fatalities, Join FBA! Miami-Dade County MPO [email protected] [email protected] Did you know your membership donation to FBA is tax-deductible? John Sinibaldi, Jr. FBA is a 501(c)(3) education and charitable nonprofit corporation. You can join FBA online or Herb Hiller, Journalist St. Petersburg Bicycle Club download and mail an application from our website, www.floridabicycle.org. You can request an [email protected] [email protected] application to be mailed to you by contacting Becky Afonso at 813-748-1513. Jodi Hohlstein Lisa Walker, Public Affairs Does your place of employment offer matching gifts to non-profits? Think FBA! Past President, FBA [email protected] Bicycling is one of life’s simple pleasures to enjoy, not fear. Join or donate to the Florida Bicycle [email protected] Randall Williams, former Association and let’s ride together for Florida bicycling excellence. Contact Becky Afonso at becky@ Jeff Hohlstein Messenger editor, [email protected] floridabicycle.org for more information on ways to donate to FBA. Past Secretary, FBA The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable purposes. FBA is a not-for-profit, [email protected] tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA. To become a member supporter of FBA, join online at www.fbamembership.org The Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the: Stay in Touch with FBA! Florida Bicycle Association, P O. . Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 www floridabicycle. org. • e-mail: Becky@floridabicycle org. • Phone: 813-748-1513 Subscribe to our weekly blog from the Messenger Copy and Advertising Information and Deadlines: FBA website: www.floridabicycle.org FBA Membership includes a subscription to the Messenger. The FBA accepts and welcomes your advertising! Like us on Facebook: Please see the website for rates and specifications or e-mail: [email protected]. Deadlines: Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in Winter Issue – November 15 www.facebook.com/FloridaBicycleAssociation the opinion of the Association, is neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals Spring Issue – February 15 and objectives. Although we carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not Summer Issue – May 15 Follow us on Twitter: responsible for the information or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. ©2015 Florida Bicycle Association all rights reserved Autumn Issue – August 15 www.twitter.com/FloridaBicycle A copy of the official registration and financial information (ch9008) may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. http:/www.800helpfla.com/ Page 4 Florida Bicycle Association President’s Message... Florida Bicycle Best Practices Workshop nce known as the Florida Bicycle In addition to bicycle club representation Welcome from the Club Leadership Workshop, the name from both the east and west coasts of Florida, Ochange to Florida Bicycle Best Practices the workshop engaged bicycle businesses and New FBA President Workshop and location move to South area Metropolitan Planning Organizations Miami gave the 20 registered participants in conversation of crash data and how by J. Steele Olmstead, President the opportunity to discuss good infrastructure can address solutions for better change. Special attendees Dan forced to question their allegiance to the bicycling in Florida. Burden of Blue Zones and automobile lifestyle. We are all affected by Presentations by NASCAR driver Scott this addiction to autos. Florida Department of Lagasse, Jr. provided Staring at us right in the face are the Transportation District unique perspectives that reasons we need to get back to bicycles. 1 Secretary Billy were entertaining and Hattaway and Miami- insightful. The American Automobile Association, Dade County Bicycle and Florida Bicycle Association Dear Choir, as if in a mea culpa for manipulating the Pedestrian Coordinator David wishes to thank our presenters ou must be hard-core to be reading scourge of automobiles in American life, Henderson gave those in attendance a look at and participants for making the workshop Ythis message. I doubt more than three reports in 2013 that owning a car cost just Complete Streets policy from both the state an educational success. We look forward to people read this: you, the Messenger editor shy of $10,000 a year. Think about that. and local level. providing additional workshops in 2016. and me. I’m the new president for the next Also know that automobile crashes are the year and I have a message. fifth leading cause of death in the United The heyday of bicycles occurred during States, and the number one cause of death the 1880s to 1920s. There is a reason. among teenagers. Talk to the parent whose Bicycles are cheap, compact, portable, son or daughter has died as a result of a car and reliable transportation. And they still crash and you will see why the automobile are. No doubt you have seen old images lifestyle has stirred strong feelings of of a young couple romancing on bicycles. resentment and remorse among the public. (It’s easy). After cars came along, people Our society is like a family that is addicted gradually forgot the simple joy of what had to methamphetamine but can’t seem to been a national passion. We had to get off figure out why their teeth are rotting, their the streets and out of the way of cars. money’s gone and the kids are flunking out However, this was not a natural change. of school. It was a well-financed and orchestrated Florida needs bicycles. We need propaganda campaign with big money supporters like you who realize the behind it. In the book Fighting Traffic: The greatness of bicycles to stay with us and Dawn of the Motor Age in the American City, help us in this fight. Use the FBA resources author Peter Norton echoes this message: to educate our government and people Thank You Team Hohlstein “In the early days of the automobile, it was who don’t ride bicycles. Write letters to by Laura Hallam the drivers’ job to avoid you, not your job the editor, show up at transportation to avoid them, but under the new model, meetings and talk about bicycles, call the new slate of officers were elected at Prior to joining the board in 2013, Jeff streets became a place for cars — and as a road department and ask nicely for bicycle Athe FBA Fall quarterly board meet- served as director of FBA’s first chapter, pedestrian, it’s your fault if you get hit.” infrastructure. ing and we look forward to new energy for the First Coast Chapter, serving the needs After the 1920s, death from motor I will write this president’s message three the future. At the same time, it was a bit- of Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns vehicles skyrocketed. That book chronicles more times over the next year. I’m not here tersweet occasion to say goodbye to FBA’s counties from 2009-2013. Shortly after the careful propaganda campaign by the to fill you in with all the digital juicy details first term-limited board member Jodi joining the board, he took on the task of automobile manufacturers (spearheaded about what’s going on in bicycling (look Hohlstein. Due to revisions to the bylaws in secretary and held the position until he by the then newly-formed American elsewhere in the Messenger) but know this: 2014, “Directors shall serve a term for two resigned. Jeff was also very instrumental in Automobile Association) manipulating your FBA is keeping the communication (2) years for up to three consecutive terms.” the implementation and tracking of FBA’s the idea of the public roadway into an channels open with everybody in the state Up until then, board members could serve 2014 strategic plan, as well as revisions to “automobile roadway.” Before that time, to accomplish our mission. Bicycles will unlimited two-year terms. the bylaws and policies and procedures motorists were routinely charged with save this state with your help. Jodi joined the board in 2009 after documents. His attention to detail was manslaughter for hitting and killing As I plod along with this not-for-profit “getting to know” FBA through her second to none as he kept everyone on track. pedestrians. “Jay,” (as in walking) denotes that educates for bicycles, I hope that you affiliation with the North Florida Bicycle Jeff will also stay active as a CyclingSavvy a “country bumpkin” or an “ignoramus,” will join me and our wonderful executive Club. During her tenure, Jodi served in a Instructor and along with Jodi, both will was recruited as part of the propaganda. It director Becky Afonso and turn and face variety of positions from treasurer (2010- continue to serve FBA as members of the worked so well the change in society was the members of our community and tell 2012), vice president (2012-2013) to advisory board. hardly noticed, except by those affected. them the good news. Bicycles will save their president (2013-2015). Throughout all her Team Hohlstein has stayed very busy After the baby-boom experience of 40 families, their money, their taxes, their leadership positions, she brought energy, over the past eight years and it doesn’t look years of outrageous gas prices, skyrocketing air, their roads, their children, their cities, poise and patience to the table. like they’ll be slowing down any time soon. maintenance costs and budget draining towns and communities and lives. We need Formidably, Jodi will be remembered But it’s not always about bicycling and there insurance bills, practical people are now bicycling here in Florida. as FBA’s heroine at a time of rebuilding are two personal milestones to report: and rebranding. She will continue to be 1. They managed to write and publish It was a special treat to meet Dr. Thomas Demarco active as a CyclingSavvy Instructor, Vice Flashbacks of a fighter pilot; and during WHEELS this past November. Tom has been a President of the North Florida Bicycle memories with my true love, available Club, and advocate for cyclist rights. through Amazon (soft cover and featured contributor to the Messenger, telling stories Meanwhile, Jeff Hohlstein, her husband, Kindle) at http://www.amazon.com/dp/ of his bicycle travels throughout the world. FBA decided it was a good time to step down B00T6S7O60. For more information, member since 2001, Tom calls Whistler, British Co- from his board position. Though he had visit www.JoJeff.com. lumbia (Canada) home. Tom and cycling friend from only completed one term, he has been 2. 2016 will be a year of celebration as Jodi Broward County stopped by the conference in South around FBA as long as Jodi. It is often and Jeff celebrate their 50th wedding Miami, using their bikes and transit, to say hello, difficult to differentiate Jodi and Jeff as anniversary. individuals since they are such a dynamic Congratulations and thank you both for before heading out on their next cycling adventure. couple and team in everything they do. a job well done! Winter 2016 Page 5

Executive Director’s Corner... This issue of the Messenger welcomes a new column called Blue Light Corner, provided by the Punta Gorda Police Department, an agency member of Florida Bicycle Association. We hope you enjoy reading these perspectives from our Giving Thanks partners in law enforcement. by Becky Afonso, Director Don’t Overlook a Proper 2015 a new educational outreach program, “Complete Streets Savvy”. Fit for Your Child’s Helmet Complete Streets Savvy is a 10-minute educational presentation developed for Lt. Katie Heck, Punta Gorda Police Department civic organizations, government agencies, he Punta Gorda Police Department home. Education is the key to preventing homeowner associations, bike clubs and Trecently partnered with local bicycle these injuries, by teaching children lawmakers. Using information from the advocacy groups to develop an action predictable riding; stopping at stop signs, Florida Department of Transportation, plan to ensure we are working together ride with traffic and ride straight. Smart Growth America and American to protect cyclists on the roadways, and What can you do to help promote e are somewhere between the Season Bicycling Education Association’s Cycling- ensure both cyclists and motorists are helmet safety? Start at home, and make of Giving and the Season of Giving W Savvy adult bicycle education program, operating safely. A commonly overlooked sure your children, and their friends, all Thanks. November closes with gratitude “CSS” covers the fundamentals of group of cyclists in these talks is children, wear helmets. The best child helmets are and blessings counted as December fills Complete Streets policy, Florida bicycle law as we generally don’t anticipate children light and ventilated, with impact protection with gift giving and culminates with New statutes and lane position for bicyclists and riding alone on major roads. Children, equal to adult helmets and more coverage Year’s Eve celebrations. motorists. To date it has been presented however, are a group of cyclists most in in the rear required by the CPSC standard. 2015, what a year! Florida Bicycle at nine venues and reached over 300 danger of sustaining serious injury while For kids over 5, a small adult helmet works Association has much to be thankful public road users. There is no charge for riding. More than 70% of children ages fine. There are no tiny helmets available for and many blessings to count. FBA this program and the format allows for 5-14 ride bikes in the United States. Each because it’s not recommended to ride with increased membership and partnerships, interchangeable information to cover year more than 362,000 children under the a child under one year old, as their neck promoted Florida Bike Month and National trail etiquette, transit and alternative age of 14 are injured, and 200 are killed in structure and brain are just not ready yet. Bike Month with event listings and hosted transportation in general. bicycle related accidents. If in doubt, take the helmet and child to a the first Florida Bicycle Best Practices Want in on the fun? FBA will be Armed with this information, our pediatrician and ask. Workshop in South Miami. Our visibility recruiting members to volunteer to make police department attended training to Your local police department likely reached a new plateau when the FBA logo presentations locally to their civic clubs, certify 5 officers in the proper fitting of a receives helmets from the Florida appeared on the bed of a NASCAR racing legislative representatives, etc., which in turn child’s bicycle helmet. Our goal is to ensure Department of Transportation to fit truck, thanks to the Florida Department will forward the program regionally and that every child in Punta Gorda has access and distribute to children. As with any of Transportation, Alert Today Alive across the state. FBA members will receive to a good helmet that is properly fitted to government-funded program, there are Tomorrow and FBA member Scott Lagasse, an email announcement in early 2016 with their head. At a recent Public Safety Day at times the availability of helmets is reduced, Jr. (see cover story). instruction on how they can be a part of our local elementary school, we partnered especially given the growing popularity of They say time flies when you’re having this educational outreach as a presenter with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office cycling. Consider speaking to your local fun; bicycling for me is all about fun and or supporter. Yes, membership will have to hold a bicycle rodeo, fitting over 200 cycling group about helping fund the 2015 went by fast. I love riding, but I also the opportunity to be part of the solution! children for helmets they were able to take purchase of – or purchasing and donating – understand my responsibilities when using Volunteering a little time will go a home for free. helmets for local children. Check with your public roads and trails for bicycling. There long way to fulfill FBA’s bicycle safety When we create city-wide action local police department or sheriff’s office to are rules to the road and trail etiquette. education mission and education is a gift plans for adult bicycle safety, it’s easy to make sure they have someone certified to Unfortunately for some, these fundamentals that keeps on giving. FBA appreciates the overlook our neighborhood roads as we properly fit the helmet so they can facilitate of good bicycling are not known, continued support of our members and we feel comfortable in these areas and are getting them to children in need. misunderstood or completely ignored by look forward to celebrated successes. Our not inclined to feel a bike lane marking If everyone does their part, we can make both bicyclists and motorists. As a means Association is in a good place with good is necessary. For children, nearly 60% of a significant impact on avoidable injuries or to get good information to the public, FBA times to follow in 2016. all bicycle-related deaths occur on minor even death to our most vulnerable cycling created and launched in the latter part of Happy Cycling to All! roads – generally within one mile of their enthusiasts. TEACH BIKE SAFETY • HOST A WORKSHOP Florida Tra c and Bicycle Safety Education Program (FTBSEP) This statewide, comprehensive, pedestrian and bicycle safety education program instructs school teachers, community professionals, and others how to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety to children.

HELP SAVE LIVES AND REDUCE INJURIES Teach children safer tra c behaviors and skills such as: stopping at the edge, searching and scanning, signaling, and avoiding hazards (top photo) Punta Gorda Police Department’s For more information on how to Interactive Trailer become a Regional Trainer or Host/Plan a Workshop (left photo) Corporal Dylan Renz greets children at a please call 352-294-1685 or email [email protected].edu department hosted Bicycle Rodeo (photos courtesy of Katie Heck) Page 6 Florida Bicycle Association Kids, Bikes and a Bear, OH MY! OMBA Bike Patrol Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day By: Frank Belaska OMBA Bike Patrol Lead

he 1st Saturday of each October is Take the use of the off-road extraction ATV TA Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) and trailer (which was partially funded by which is a national event promoted by the OMBA!) and selecting a volunteer from the International Mountain Bike Association crowd, gave them a ride around the trail (IMBA) to get kids out on mountain bikes, head. The kids had a great time climbing all promote bike safety and learn about proper over the trucks and gear getting a close up trail riding etiquette. Last year over 15,000 view of the equipment. kids and family members participated in For this year we even had a special guest 150+ community events in the U.S. Several show up… the one and only Smokey Bear! events were registered in other countries Smokey was a huge hit with the kids as including: Italy, Australia, South Africa, they were lined up to meet him. Each kid Canada, Malaysia, and Mexico. received special Smokey Bear gifts (pencils, The Ocala Mountain Bike Association erasers, sharpeners, stickers) and a picture (OMBA) Bike Patrol Team has been with Smokey! sponsoring the event for the past 10 Lunch was provided in a picnic family Ocala Mountain Bike Patrol members and Greenway Trails and Volunteer Coordinators along with years with the latest event being held on style manner with a buffet line where Smokey Bear! L-R Mike Stephens, Patti Kopec, Brock Lesperance, Richard Vidaud, Frank Belaska, Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the Santos kids and their families got to grab a lunch Bre Ximenes, Marshall Gray, Candance Whitehead (Photo taken by Sharon Belaska) trail head. Over the years the event has (chicken by Zaxby’s and/or Subway subs), grown from a handful of kids to well over side dishes, dessert and a drink. City Bicycles, Village Bikes, Orange Cycles Also a thank you to the Cross Florida 70 showing up in October (all said we had Once lunch was completed, prizes and (Orlando), US Forest Service. Greenway Land management members Bre attendance of 150 kids/parents/volunteers gifts were handed out ending the fun filled Key to the success of the event are the Ximenes and Marshall Gray. this year!). This free event provides the kids day! OMBA Bike Patrol members listed below The OMBA Bike Patrol team is an and their families with a half-day of bike As stated earlier, the event has grown who gave their time to make certain all the all-volunteer team who are certified in safety checks, free helmets if needed, as over the years, from OMBA Bike Patrol kids were safe and had a great time. Special CPR/Basic 1st aid as well as certified as well as supervised bike skills practice at the members cooking the lunch to now having thanks to Patti for working with the local Bike Patrollers from the IMBA National Santos skills park, guided trail rides, lunch local food establishments donate the lunch business and getting their support and Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP). The and prizes! and drinks! It takes a lot of volunteer hours Sharon for getting Smokey to attend. mission of the patrollers is to provide Once registration and the pre-ride to plan and hold the event at the level Sharon Belaska support and assistance to riders on the trail, activities have been completed, the riders OMBA provided this year. In addition to Patti Kopec educate proper riding skills and rules of are arranged into groups from beginners to the Patrol team, a number of local vendors Derek Kopec the trail and help inform both OMBA and advance riders and with Bike Patrollers as ranging from bike stores to local businesses Mike Stephens Cross Florida Greenway land management their ride guides they head out for an hour participated in providing onsite support, Brock Lesperance trail issues. or more of single track fun! The rides for the bike products and other gifts to give away Richard Vidaud For more information or how you can beginners typically are about 4 miles staying to the kids. OMBA also gave away two new Candance Whitehead participate in next year’s event or become on the easy trails (Yellow marked trails), bikes. Joe Krens (from Orange Cycle deputized part of the patrol team, please see www. where the more advanced riders got to Pre-registering for the event has even for the day!) omba.org bike patrol. experience the moderate to advanced trails improved with online registration on the (Blue or Red markers). Once back they could OMBA site. Of course the free event would spend time on the pump track and skills not be as successful without the help and park, while some regrouped and headed support of local sponsors (all located in back out for another loop on the trails. Belleview unless otherwise noted), which While the kids are out riding, lunch include: Subway, Zaxby’s, Winn-Dixie preparation was performed and Marion (Belleview, Belleview Ridge, Merricamp, County Fire and Rescue showed up with Spanish Springs), Ricardo’s Pizza, True their fire trucks and rescue equipment Value, Dunkin Donuts, South Marion Auto ready to give the kids a hands-on demo of Body, CVS, Walmart Ocala, Santos Bike, the gear! The rescue team demonstrated Greenway Bike, Ocala Bike Center, Brick

Dan Burden is presented the 2015 Share the Road Founder award by FBA Executive Director Becky Afonso during the East Coast Greenway Alliance annual conference in South Miami, along with former Florida Governor and US Senator Bob Graham, 2014 Share the Road Visionary recipient Herb Hiller and former Bike Florida Executive Director Linda Crider. Congratulations 2015 Share the Road award recipients Leadership: Teresa Jacobs, Media: The News-Press, Orange County Mayor Fort Myers Founder: Dan Burden, Blue Zones Director of Advocate: Steve Christian, Innovation and Inspiration, former and first Venice Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Bike Club: Vero Cycling Club, Visionary: Billy Hattaway, Florida Vero Beach Department of Transportation, Volunteer: The Cycling Hub, Marion County Fire and Rescue Station #16 demonstrate off-road victim extraction with TKMBD District 1 Secretary Clermont rider volunteer. (photo taken by Bre Ximenes) Winter 2016 Page 7

Wheels of Justice – Ask a Lawyer The ZEN of Getting Your Medical Bills Paid When

You Are Injured by J. Steele Olmstead, Esq. – Attorney J. Steele Olmstead practices law statewide from offices in Tampa. He has been helping bicyclists back on the road since he was a tech in his brother’s shop in Tallahassee. Instead now he does it in front of a jury.

had an alarming situation with a couple have some kind of insurance coverage for c) There is relatively less paperwork United Healthcare, Florida Blue, Aetna, Iwho gave up their cars, canceled their car medical costs. and argument in getting bills paid; Cigna, ad nauseam). Now, with the advent insurance and drove bicycles everywhere. There are a few sources for coverage for and of the Affordable Care Act, despite your They had no PIP and the wife was hit the non-auto owner cyclist. d) You can get $50,000 in coverage quite poverty, you should be able to afford by a car and injured. The bills quickly The best is PIP (Personal Injury reasonably priced (as compared with some kind of policy that would pay for mounted. If you have not spoken to anyone Protection) insurance. It is mandatory to health insurance). catastrophic care. Just break down and get who has been to an emergency room, have in Florida auto insurance policies the insurance. hospitals nationwide have started billing under section 627.736 of Florida statutes. 2. If you do not have PIP, but are living with Generally, when you go to the hospital, very aggressively (meaning outrageously- This pays up to $10,000 for your medical a “resident relative” like a grandparent, if they find that you were on a bicycle, they not HealthCareBlueBook.com prices). I bills (80%), lost wages (60%) and household parent, sibling, cousin, etc., who has will ask you only for your health insurance. routinely see ER visits billed at $10,000- services (100%). PIP is handy because PIP insurance, then that relative’s PIP This is good. They will bill your health $20,000. This can bankrupt most of my health insurance only pays for medical will also cover you for the same benefits insurance and get paid at a fraction of their clients. If a bicycle is your main source of bills, not lost wages and household services (medical, wages, services) if you are going rate (for various reasons). transportation, you need coverage. (think pool service, lawn care, etc.). injured due to an interaction with a If you get injured without health or PIP Balanced against that, it’s common motor vehicle. insurance, you may be stuck with a large Did you know PIP coverage has variations? knowledge that the cost of owning, 3. The final way for payment under PIP hospital bill and financial woes because 1. You can purchase a “non-owners maintaining, insuring and fueling a car is coverage is if you do not own a motor of an interruption of your income during policy” that will cover you on your about $10,000 a year. There are some folks vehicle but you have an injury caused recuperation. If you have health insurance, bicycle (and interaction with cars) and who want to save that money because they by an interaction with someone else’s your carrier will reduce the bills so there if you are driving someone else’s car. live so close to their work, kids’ school and motor vehicle that, by law, has PIP won’t be a huge co-pay or balance. PIP, This is an attractive option because of stores. These folks can get rid of one car coverage. The statute requires that however, is preferable to health insurance several factors: (at least) and save that enormous chunk of person’s PIP insurance to pay for those if your bills aren’t too much due to a crash money each year. a) As a non-owner, rates are lower same benefits up to $10,000. on a bicycle. PIP will not reduce the bills If you’re thinking of getting rid of because you don’t have the property like health insurance does, but any good The only other common method to your car, to do this safely, you have to damage risk without the car; trial lawyer can stretch those benefits until pay your medical bills (but not your lost assume that sooner or later you may have you’re able to get back in the saddle. b) It is cheaper than health insurance wages or household services) is if you have a bicycle crash. In that situation, you must for middle class folks; medical insurance (Medicare, Medicaid,

It’s time to nominate worthy individuals and organizations for their significant service and contributions to bicycling in Florida during 2015. The awards bring attention to the efforts and achievements of those who forward FBA’s vision for all Florida bicyclists to be safe, respected and encouraged to bicycle for transportation and recreation. Categories include but are not limited to: Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Bicycle Club, Off-Road Club or Advocate, Enforcement Officer or Agency, Educator or Regional Trainer, Trail Manager or Promoter, Bicycle Friendly Community or Business, Supporting Agency, Program or Event, Bicycle Business or Store Advocate, Bicycle Professional, Citizen Bike Advocate, Developer, Elected Official Champion, Volunteer, Special Recognition. Please go to our website, www.floridabicycle.org, to submit your nomination online or mail your nomination to FBA, PO Box 2452, Oldsmar, FL 34677 (please include your contact information with mailed nominations). Nomination Deadline for 2015 FBA Annual Awards is January 31, 2016. Recipients announced March 1, 2016 to kick off Florida Bike Month! Page 8 Florida Bicycle Association The boldest attempt to switch Florida commuters from cars onto bikes and WHEELS Wrap up transit – the five-day mid-November WHEELS mega-event in South Miami – by Herb Hiller and Victor Dover drew a turn away conference crowd that heard from national leaders about how the switch works in cities around America.

They said Miami was next. transit. These included group commutes ur goal was to shine a bright spotlight with EBC, the first-ever 10K run on the Oon bikes, trails and transit, getting future Ludlam Trail with Miami Marathon people to see South Florida’s streets, founder Frankie Ruiz, a Bike SoMi tour bikeways, and public transportation of local edible gardens with South Miami network as one interconnected system. Neighbors’ Annick Sternberg, and a walking Working together, an energetic team of tour of Vizcaya’s Hidden Ecosystems with partners and sponsors and volunteers Urban Paradise Guild. prepared an amazing array of thirty-three Indoors, the WHEELS Green Mobility events! (And only two were completely Conference was filled to capacity, standing rained out, although they would have been room only both days. National, state and big ones.) Despite the relentless, out-of- local leaders – including Ryan Gravel, season rainstorms, WHEELS had a whole originator of the Atlanta Beltline, and week of successes. former Governor Bob Graham – reported A lot of WHEELS participants joined in on the intertwined movements to promote multiple activities each. We’re still counting everyday cycling, walkable cities, bike everything up, but at last count folks joined tourism, regional and local trails, parks, in on WHEELS activities an estimated and public transportation. The conference 3,912 times, pretty remarkable for a first- was wrapped around the East Coast of-its-kind event. That tally is short of our Greenway Alliance’s annual summit; original goal of 10,000 – but there have also ECGA’s members and our speakers used been, at last count, nearly 49,000 timeline Metrorail and loaner bikes from Mack views of the WHEELS videos on Facebook Cycle to move around without rental cars, The Mango Republic and Magical Mystery History Bicycle Tour celebrating at WHEELS grand finale. alone, in just a week! a crucial proof-of-concept for bike tourism WHEELS wishes to recognize the following sponsors and partners: We started WHEELS Week with the in our region. Outside the hall, Prodecotech official unveiling of the master plan for let conference goers test-ride their new The biggest eventFlorida in the Department schedule, the of Transportation,how big and cool itDover, would Kohlhave been, & Partners but Town Planning, East Coast Greenway Alliance, The Miami Foundation, the Underline, soon to be Miami-Dade’s line of electric bikes. Our county’s new Bike-in Street Bash,City well, ofalmost South happened. Miami, Healthnot to wonderFoundation about our of Southgreat volunteers, Florida, National Resources Defense Council, Baptist Health South Florida/South signature segment of the East Coast Transportation Director Alice Bravo, South And it would have Miamibeen epic. Hospital, Volunteers MDX, city Miami and countyCity Commissioner workers, and downtown Marc Sarnoff, Green Mobility Network, Miami-Dade Parks Recreation and Open Greenway. Then we rediscovered forgotten Miami’s mayor Philip Stoddard and other and restaurant ownersSpaces, slogged Miami-Dade through SouthTransit, Miami South sponsors: Florida they areCommuter the best. Services, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail, Florida bike history – and South Florida’s pivotal dignitaries welcomed the group. the storms all morning and set everything WHEELS ended with a blast, though. role in it – with the Celebrating Bike Heroes A last-minute highlight came when Greenways & Trails Foundation, MBAF, Mack Cycle & Fitness, Deli Lane / Sunset Tavern, Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, First up. Mentors assembledNational to explainBank ofbike/ SouthSunday, Miami, the People rain barked for Bikes, but didn’t Prodecotech, bite FootWorks, Awesome Foundation Miami, Greater Miami Convention symposium featuring historians Arva car-sharing giant Uber chose WHEELS as transit commuting. The bike valet racks until after The Mango Republic and Parks and Pam Lahiiff and storytellers the occasion to announce its congestion- and Visitors Bureau, Hunton & Williams, Bike SoMi, Roar Media, Genesis Group, Bike305, Everglades Bicycle Club, SOMI were erected. TheMagazine, bike/parts Tropicalswap meet Audubon Bike Coconut Society, Grove Planet led Bike,a huge The group League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County, J & B Importers, Friends of Herb Hiller and Linda Crider. reducing, pollution-reducing UberPOOL organizers pitched their tents. Soaked, in costumes on decorated bikes on their the Underline, Emerge Miami, Miami Bike Scene, Urban Paradise Guild, Florida Bicycle Association, The Mango Republic, Bike Thursday through Sunday, a dizzying service in Miami. They could have chosen Sebastian the Ibis learned to put his bike Magical Mystery History Tour through the schedule of organized rides with Bike305, to make that announcement at the auto on a Miami-DadeCoconut Transit bus,Grove, even Urban in Grove,Paradise Coral Guild, Gables, Bikeand South Walk Miami. Coral Gables, Everything Entertainment, Street Plans Collaborative, CNU Florida, runs, and other activities was underway, show or at a technology convention, a downpour. We APAheld Florida,out until Activethe last Towns,Is HumanMiami Powerednext to switch Delray, Florida SOLE Runners, RunMiami, CitiBike, Winn-Dixie, TamboWorks and Florida East giving people fun ways to discover just but they chose WHEELS and walkable possible minute, hoping the skies would commuters from cars onto bikes and Coast Industries. how close together some of our region’s downtown South Miami. clear, but eventually had no choice but to transit? The WHEELS are definitely best destinations are by bike, trail and call off the evening. We’re left to guess just turning.Your support of WHEELS was truly appreciated - THANK YOU!!

WHEELS wishes to recognize the following Sponsors and Partners: Florida Department of Transportation, Dover, Kohl & Partners Town Planning, East Coast Greenway Alliance, The Miami Foundation, City of South Miami, Health Foundation of South Florida, National Resources Defense Council, Baptist Health South Florida/South Miami Hospital, MDX, Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Green Mobility Network, Miami-Dade Parks Recreation and Open Spaces, Miami-Dade Transit, South Florida Commuter Services, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail, Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation, MBAF, Mack Cycle & Fitness, Deli Lane / Sunset Tavern, Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, First National Bank of South Miami, People for Bikes, Prodecotech, FootWorks, Awesome Foundation Miami, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hunton & Williams, Bike SoMi, Roar Media, Genesis Group, Bike305, Everglades Bicycle Club, SOMI Magazine, Tropical Audubon Society, Planet Bike, The League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County, J & B Importers, Friends of the Underline, Emerge Miami, Miami Bike Scene, Urban Paradise Guild, Florida Bicycle Association, The Mango Republic, Bike Coconut Grove, Urban Paradise Guild, Bike Walk Coral Gables, Everything Entertainment, Street Plans Collaborative, CNU Florida, APA Florida, Active Towns, Human Powered Delray, SOLE Runners, RunMiami, CitiBike, Winn-Dixie, TamboWorks and Florida East Coast Industries. Your support of WHEELS was truly appreciated – THANK YOU! Winter 2016 Page 9

WHEELS Grand Finale took place at the University Metrorail station.

(top photo) Miami-Dade League of Women Voters provided refreshments.

(right photo) Linda Crider, Victor Dover and Herb Hiller enjoy a group hug over the success of WHEELS.

WHEELS wishes to recognize the following sponsors and partners:

Florida Department of Transportation, Dover, Kohl & Partners Town Planning, East Coast Greenway Alliance, The Miami Foundation, City of South Miami, Health Foundation of South Florida, National Resources Defense Council, Baptist Health South Florida/South Miami Hospital, MDX, Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Green Mobility Network, Miami-Dade Parks Recreation and Open Spaces, Miami-Dade Transit, South Florida Commuter Services, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail, Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation, MBAF, Mack Cycle & Fitness, Deli Lane / Sunset Tavern, Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern, First National Bank of South Miami, People for Bikes, Prodecotech, FootWorks, AwesomeUBER announced Foundation in Miami, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hunton & Williams, Bike SoMi, Roar Media, Genesis Group,South Florida.Bike305, Everglades Bicycle Club, SOMI Magazine, Tropical Audubon Society, Planet Bike, The League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County, J & B Importers, Friends of the Underline, Emerge Miami, Miami Bike Scene, Urban Paradise Guild, Florida Bicycle Association, The Mango Republic, Bike Coconut Grove, Urban Paradise Guild, Bike Walk Coral Gables, Everything Entertainment, Street Plans Collaborative, CNU Florida, APA Florida, Active Towns, Human Powered Delray, SOLE Runners, RunMiami,Everglades CitiBike, Bicycle Club Winn-Dixie, VP TamboWorks and Florida East Coast Industries. Pat Massey, WHEELS Rides Committee Co-Chair, got frisky with her costume for the Neat Streets’ Patrice Gillespie-Smith, Miami-Dade Transit’s Bob McClellan, Herb Hiller, Kevin Hicks, and St. Lucie County’s Chuck Barrow Your support of WHEELS was truly appreciated - THANKKing Mango Strut.YOU!! Clough honoring Kirk Munroe, founder of League of American Wheelmen (1880), currently known as League of American Bicyclists. HOW THE WHEELS TURN WHEELS MEDIA: WHEELS in PRINT MEDIA: Facebook – www facebook. com/WheelsFL. Miami Herald , El Nuevo Herald, Florida Villager, Twitter – twitter com/wheelsflorida. Miami Bike Scene, Miami Community Newspapers, Instagram – www .instagram com/wheelsflorida. Miami New Times, Miami Herald, Miami Herald, Reuters, Yahoo, Miami Metro Bugle, Great Gables, “People on Wheels” 45-second teaser – Miami Hurricane, South Florida Caribbean News, www youtube. com/watch?v=nvhbLEj0unk. Florida Politics, News United, Topix, Soyuz, Digital News World, NVS24, Harmon News, Last Minute Stuff, “On Our Wheels” 3:44 main film – Jittery, Newsbook 247, Frum Site Uncensored, Tutus, www youtube. com/watch?v=yjXofjp3PKI. Story Clash, Trust Our pro bono PR support team at Roar Media and WHEELS volunteers secured 51 media spotlights . The WHEELS in BROADCAST MEDIA: Reuters wire service story was syndicated to more CBS (WFOR), ABC (WPLG), PBS (WLTV), NBC than 15 publications across the country, including (WTVJ), MSN, SFHS CBS Yahoo! News . We also got the WHEELS message out through prominent print publications such as The WHEELS in CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENTS: Miami Herald (above the fold!), New Times and our Miami Herald Events , Miami com,. Soul of Miami, Emerge Miami Farmers Market ride even scored a Miami Dade Link, Miami Diario, Premier Guide, WLRN, story in Edible South Florida . Plus, we had interviews CBS – Eventful, Yelp, NBC 6, SOMI Magazine, City of on major broadcast outlets, including NBC (WTVJ), Miami Events, Miami Metro Bungle, Kendall Gazette, ABC (WPLG), CBS (WFOR) and PBS (WLTV) . Miami Community Newspapers, Bike Palm Beach Page 10 Florida Bicycle Association

Scotty Lagasse (continued from page 1) What’s all the Hubbub in of South Florida College of Engineering, and biking to school. Students received Northeast Florida? By: Linda Crider Environmental Health & Safety, College of information about street signs, traffic s a rural area in Northeast Florida, designated blueways along the river and Public Health, Campus police, Bull Runner, patterns, and safe pedestrian and bicycling Putnam County has plenty of trails tributaries, hiking which includes portions Administrative Services and Student behavior while being encouraged to walk A and country roads to bicycle. Palatka, the of the Florida Scenic Trail, and equestrian Government. The message to “Discover and bike to school as an opportunity to county seat, recognizes the many benefits rides. Another volunteer group, Palatka Your Role: Walk Wise, Bike Smart, and improve physical fitness. of bicycling and is positioning itself as a Main Street, wanted to help sponsor events Drive Carefully” was well received. The Alert Today Florida continues to partner “bicycle friendly place” that is a “hub” for that would bring people to Palatka to enjoy week kicked off with a Press Conference with organizations around the state to north Florida bicycling. Why a hub you what we have to offer, namely some of the and stroll around campus with President create further outreach for safe pedestrian might ask? If you look at the geography of best bicycling back country roads in N.E. Judy Genshaft. Numerous rewards and and bicycle initiatives. Tampa Bay Area the state, you realize there is a big, long river Florida. Together these groups are hosting educational items were distributed to Chick-fil-A restaurants are one of the along the northeastern part, “the mighty the 2016 Palatka Bicycle Festival on April participants throughout the week including newest partners and will provide yummy St. Johns”. One can only cross this river 9-10 offering an assortment of routes from t-shirts, water bottles, first aid kits, reflective food rewards for positive behavior by safely by bicycle in one place for 60 miles slow paced 10 mile “Historic Homes & gear and helmets. Participants entered having law enforcement officers give Chick- in either direction, and that’s in Palatka! Murals” for beginners, to a full Century a drawing for a bicycle give away and six fil-A gift cards to bicyclists, pedestrians, Florida DOT and the Office of Greenways and additional rides in between. There will students were happy to win new rides! and motorists who follow safety laws. and Trails recognized this logistical fact also be an assortment of non-bicycling Scott “walked the message home” during Scotty and NASCAR, Alert Today and began work back in the early 1990’s to activities such as tours of the Waterworks the International Walk to School event on Florida, FBA and partners all across Florida link a system of multiuse trails to Palatka and of Ravine Gardens, pontoon boat rides Wednesday, October 7, along with National are driving the message together, and now and across the bridge. The largest of these along the riverfront, and a narrated bus (or Football League Jacksonville Jaguars player the Chick-fil-A cows join in the effort to planned trails will connect Lake Butler trolley) tour of the numerous hand-painted Johnathan Cyprien. “Walk on Wednesday!” truly deliver the safety message for both in the west to St. Augustine in the east murals depicting the life and history of or “WOW!” as the students called it, was an bicyclists and pedestrians – Alert Today utilizing the bridge in Palatka. Several long Palatka. There are dining opportunities International Walk to School Day event Alive Tomorrow. sections of this trail are already paved and from riverfront restaurants to the local celebrating the health benefits of walking being used including the completed trail Dairy Queen just across from the Putnam across the bridge. In addition to the Lake Bicycles shop. BBQ, pizza, and excellent Butler to St. Augustine trail, the River to Sea vegetarian lunches can be found along the Loop will connect Palatka to Deland and main street of town. the Springs to Springs Trails and continue Enjoy Palatka’s hospitality with fami- through Titusville and up to St. Augustine. ly and friends. It IS a bicycle welcoming Putnam Blueways & Trails, a Citizens place! Visit putnambluewaysandtrails.org Support Organization, coalesced around for ride details, places to stay, etc. Palatka the development and use of trails in Main Street: www.palatkamainstreet.com. the county for bicycling, paddling the Or you can call 386-546-1668.

Students enjoyed their walk to school with NFL and NASCAR celebrities Johnathan Cyprien and Scott Lagasse, Jr. (photo courtesy of Alert Today Florida) Winter 2016 Page 11

Questions about the laws related to bicycling? As part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, FBA maintains FLBikeLaw.org to provide a place to ask questions about the laws. Questions come direct to FBA via the “Contact FBA” form from floridabicycle.org as well as other sources. Herein is a Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org* very limited sample of questions and answers found on the site. Go online for more. by George Martin Citation for Motorized Bicycle (1)...The driver of a vehicle overtaking s. 316.217 – When Lighted Lamps are Sherman asked: I ride a 2013 gio a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle Required Car Stopped on Sidewalk Area zetta. An electric moped. It has must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized (1) Every vehicle operated upon a Q vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 highway within this state shall display lighted Joseph asked: A car has pulled over a pedals. Doesn’t go faster than 19.8mph. feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or lamps and illuminating devices as herein sidewalk, after checking the sidewalk Has a 500 watt brushless motor. With all Q other nonmotorized vehicle. respectively required for different classes of for pedestrians and cyclists, to wait for an working blinkers. Headlight etc. I got a vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect opening to make a right turn. While waiting ticket for driving while license suspended to parked vehicles, under the following a bicycle approaches from the right. Should by the sheriff’s office one month after the Lights conditions; the cyclist wait for the car to turn, or go Leesburg pd inspected my vehicle and said Joseph asked: I live in Polk County. (a) At any time from sunset to sunrise around the front or back of the car? it’s an electric bicycle. No license required. QWhen night bicycling, I always travel Please help me figure this out. I feel like I sidewalks lights off. Roadway, private drive including the twilight hours. Twilight hours shall mean the time between sunset and full the vehicle should not be there since am being falsely charged for a crime I did crossing, I turn them both on. Is there a night or between full night and sunrise. drivers in that situation are required to not commit. grey area in the law that would make city A (b) During any rain, smoke, or fog. stay out of the crosswalk area and behind police deptartment be ok with this way of The statute does not say “roadway”. the stop bar, if present, until it is clear It appears that your vehicle is as the travel, or is it like the county sheriff says, It says “highway”, which includes the to proceed, and yield to pedestrians or Leesburg police stated, a motorized “required unless on private property”? A sidewalk and the right of way. bicyclists on the sidewalk and crosswalk. bicycle that does not have to be registered s. 316.123 – Vehicle Entering Stop or and does not require the operator to have The deputy is correct. There is no grey Yield Intersection a driver’s license. It is a bicycle. A driver’s Aarea. See this post: http://flbikelaw. Calling all FBA Members: (2)(a) …. every driver of a vehicle license is only required for the operator of org/2015/06/lights-when-on-the-sidewalk/ approaching a stop intersection indicated a motor vehicle. s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations by a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked s. 316.003 – Definitions (9) A person propelling a vehicle by Show us stop line, but if none, before entering the (2) Bicycle – Every vehicle propelled human power upon and along a sidewalk, crosswalk on the near side of the intersection solely by human power, and every motorized or across a roadway upon and along a your RIDE! or, if none, then at the point nearest the bicycle propelled by a combination of human crosswalk, has all the rights and duties intersecting roadway where the driver power and an electric helper motor capable applicable to a pedestrian under the same has a view of approaching traffic on the of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not circumstances. intersecting roadway before entering the more than 20 miles per hour on level ground However, that does not actually intersection. upon which any person may ride, having two make the bicyclist a pedestrian, a person s. 316.075 – Traffic Control Signal tandem wheels, and including any device afoot. Note the phrase, “under the same Devices generally recognized as a bicycle though circumstances”. The cyclist is still operating (c) Steady red indication equipped with two front or two rear wheels. a vehicle, and must follow all applicable 1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red I recommend writing to the Sheriff’s laws, such as lights, helmets for those under signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk Office with this information and asking 16, and DUI. on the near side of the intersection or, if them to delete the citation. If you do so, (7) Every bicycle in use between sunset none, then before entering the intersection make sure you get their answer in writing. and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on and shall remain standing until a green You may also want to file a motion to the front exhibiting a white light visible from indication is shown; however: dismiss before traffic court or present this a distance of at least 500 feet to the front 2. The driver of a vehicle which is stopped information to the traffic court. and a lamp and reflector on the rear each at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, In any event, we recommend writing exhibiting a red light visible from a distance This is one Smart Ride! before entering the crosswalk on the near to the Sheriff’s Office and asking them to of 600 feet to the rear. side of the intersection, or, if none then at the educate their deputies about bicycle laws Note that the statute does not specify You could be our featured member in point nearest the intersecting roadway where using the information on FLBikeLaw.org. any location where lights are not required. the next Messenger! the driver has a view of approaching traffic Lights are not required during daylight Email your photos and contact information on the intersecting roadway before entering Three Feet hours except in inclement weather. to [email protected] the intersection in obedience to a steady red Linda asked: If a bicyclist is in the bike signal may make a right turn, but shall yield Qlane and a car is in the car lane – is the right-of-way to pedestrians and other there a distance that the car must stay away traffic proceeding as directed by the signal at from the bicyclist? (i.e. in Maine, the car the intersection …. must stay at least 36” away from the bike The laws are not specific enough to in the bike lane). Is there a similar distance determine the best course of action. The requirement in Florida? safety the cyclist is of primary concern. Keep in mind that if you go in front of A driver of any vehicle must stay at least the car, the driver is probably looking for A3 feet from a bicyclist when passing, oncoming traffic from the left and may whether the cyclist is in a bike lane or not. not see you. If you go behind the car, other s. 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing a drivers turning into that roadway may not Vehicle see you in time to avoid an incident. The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction...

*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or on the streets differs from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and FBA are not accountable for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. Page 12 Florida Bicycle Association

Front Crank Rings Are Like Gear Cadence, by the way, is how fast your Gears 101: Understanding Shifts On A Car legs are spinning the pedals. There’ll be much more about that in Gears 102. Most geared bikes have three crank Once you’re cruising, you can make rings. Road bikes usually have two. The those Pesky Cogs small adjustments one cog at a time to low or No. 1 gear is designed for going up By Jeff Hohlstein, CSI balance cadence with your strength and steep hills or in Florida, big bridges with a environmental conditions. If you want to headwind. You’ll pedal like mad, barely able I hate stopping for anything! You lose all your momentum go faster, shift up. It will become harder to to maintain balance speed, but eventually pedal. If pedaling is too hard, shift down. and it’s a pain getting the bike back up to speed. you’ll get to the summit. Some people call As you slow to stop you should also it the “Granny gear.” downshift through the cogs so what when hat’s right, you lose the momentum but Shifters And Gear Combinations The mid crank ring (smaller of two you’re ready to go, you’re again in a low starting and getting back up to speed is The lowest gear combination on a bike crank rings on road bikes) is your basic T gear. If you do this religiously, you’ll always a piece of cake if you know your gears. is when the chain is on the gear rings closest utility front gear. It optimizes your rear be ready to go even on a hill, bridge or when The gearing system on a modern bike to the wheel (smallest diameter crank ring, gears for speeds from zero to between 15 faced with a high crown in an intersection. is one of the most efficient devices on the largest cassette cog) as shown in Figure 1. and 20 mph. Cyclists who generally operate planet for translating human effort into If you have numbers on your shifters, they below 20 mph should use the mid crank When And How To Shift actual work, like moving on down the will each start out at “1” closest to the wheel almost exclusively. Due to its geometry, the front derailleur road. Understanding gears should not be through “x” farthest from the wheel. The large crank is for speed. It should shifts the chain on the front side of power daunting. be used normally stroke. This means that when shifting the Properly used, gears make you as when cruising above front derailleur you must ease pressure to efficient as possible for the speed, wind ballpark, 15 - 20 make the shift. You have to anticipate that conditions and terrain that you are mph. The correct shift and do it, for instance, before starting experiencing. They’re easy on the knees. switch-point is up a hill. The rear derailleur shifts the chain And they prolong the life of your chain and dependent on many on the back-side or slack side of the power cassette. That translates into money saved. factors including stroke and you don’t have to ease up on the So let’s start with the basics. bicycle gearing ratios power. Just keep on pedaling, and shift. In a standard configuration, the shifter and rider pedaling on the left handlebar controls the front cadence. We’ll Let’s Get Going derailleur which controls the position of discuss cadence Armed with this information you have the chain on the crank-set, which is what and how you may enough now to go out and get to know your the pedals are attached to. The right shifter determine your gears; it will change your ride for the better. controls the rear derailleur which positions correct front shifting Or, in CyclingSavvy’s Train Your Bike, the chain on the cassette, which is mounted point in Gears 102 in we take gear novices, some of which have to the rear wheel. the next issue. pedaled for years and make them basically Remember when you drove a stick shift The universal competent through a set of exercises in car? You started out in low or first gear and Fig 1. Left, chain is set on lowest, slowest gears, fact is, depending on what rear cassette about 20 minutes. You can find out more as you accelerated, you shifted up until when closest to the wheel. Right, chain is set on the ring your chain is on, if you start from about CyclingSavvy at the CyclingSavvy at highway speed, you were in fourth gear. highest, fastest gears, farthest from the wheel. zero on the large crank ring you are National website at http://cyclingsavvy. Did you ever try to start out in fourth gear? starting out in the equivalent of at least org. To find and sign up for a class in your Well, it didn’t work out for you then and it second gear in a car, probably higher. area, click on the “Find a Course” button doesn’t work very well on a bike, either. at the upper right-hand corner of the Rear Cassette Cogs Are Like The CyclingSavvy Homepage. Accellerator Coming Up Most geared bikes have from seven to Cadence and gearing are tightly LAB LCI Certification Seminar ten cassette cogs. These cogs change gear entwined to deliver the best power to ratio in small increments. Use them as you your bike. That and simple power train coming to Florida this February would use your car’s accelerator. maintenance can cut your power train When you start from a stop, you repair costs in half! In the next FBA should be in the first or second cog. As you Messenger edition, Gears 102: Getting The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) League Cycling Instructor (LCI) accelerate and hit your target cadence, shift max performance from your legs and three-day seminar in Punta Gorda is scheduled for February 26 – 28, 2016: up. As you hit it again, repeat the process gears and save $$ will, explore how using until you are at cruise speed. You may only both cadence and gears, you can extract

make one or two pedal strokes between the maximum performance that you are Location: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, shifts. You’ll be amazed at how fast and capable of on every ride. And save big easily you can accelerate even on the seat, bucks in the process. 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950 and how easy it is on your knees. Friday, February 26, 5pm – 9pm Saturday, February 27, 8am – 9pm Florida Bike Month is just around the corner! Sunday, February 28, 8am – 3pm Get your MARCH 2016 events on our special Florida Bike Month Registration fee is $300 and registration closes on February 4, 2016. web page listing. Go to www.floridabicycle.org Visit the League of American Bicyclists website to register and for for details Pre-requisite information and other details.

http://bikeleague.org/content/become-instructor http://bikeleague.org/content/seminar-schedule Winter 2016 Page 13

by Dan Moser – [email protected], 239-334-6417 Oh, Canada! Dan is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs, and walks regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. (Part 2 – Continued from Autumn 2015 issue)

ther than the ADA-related for us a low-stress atmosphere made for an treatment at all (many streets now have one at times – cyclists apparently have full Oshortcomings most other aspects of excellent experience that can and should be or another aforementioned treatment). confidence they won’t be muscled into the the pedestrian experience was much more the case in our own communities. Also remarkable was the increased number curb or hit by a mirror, in spite of proximity positive than what we’ve come to expect in Specific to the dynamics between of bike parking structures. Unlike what I’m to each other. Still, I can’t say I’d recommend Florida. Whether it was running or walking, people on bikes and those on foot and used to seeing in most Florida locations, the common roadway position I witnessed. it quickly became apparent that there was behind the wheel, as well as aspects of the there were very few bikes tied up to light Another observation is that neither less aggressiveness among drivers towards transportation infrastructure, the first thing posts or anywhere other than legitimate in Toronto nor the cities and towns we pedestrians and other motorists, even on that struck me was the obvious increase in bike parking structures because they were visited in Nova Scotia was sidewalk riding the busiest inner-city streets. Horn blowing people on bikes as part of the traffic flow abundant and appropriately located. a problem; other than an occasional and antagonistic behavior was almost non- since our previous visit. Adding to those Something that disappointed me and sidewalk rider in the more suburban areas existent, at least from what we observed. riding on the roads were the many taking that is totally counter to everything I’ve I saw only parked bikes or people walking Likewise, pedestrians were less timid when advantage of the bike racks of all sizes learned and teach about cycling in traffic them when using the space intended for interacting in traffic and took fewer risks peppering the city. As I mentioned earlier, is that most bike operators rode very far to pedestrians. I also noticed the conspicuous since, as I mentioned earlier, compliance when meeting with City of Toronto officials the right, creating too many close passing absence of law enforcement in all of the among motorists was an expectation that in 2011 I left with the impression that they situations and “dooring” potential for my locations we visited, at least in comparison was generally met, unlike here. Illegally were fully committed to considerably liking. Only a few times did I see cyclists to what one sees here. Even so, drivers, parked cars and other items that obstruct improving the infrastructure and overall riding an adequate distance from the curb, cyclists, and pedestrians weren’t behaving sidewalks was not an issue, neither in environment for people using bicycles as where CyclingSavvy and other education as if there were no potential for traffic the inner-city or surrounding residential their preferred mode of transportation, programs teach as the proper roadway law enforcement. Finally, we didn’t make neighborhoods. And although I read and although much of the City’s work at the position. That being the case, the dance it to the World Naked Bike Ride (www. heard about incidents and complaints that time was still only on paper. Fast forward between motorists and cyclists appeared worldnakedbikeride.org) held in Halifax were opposite of what we witnessed I came to June, 2015. Staying in the same parts of to somehow work, most likely because while we were there but it did generate away with the impression that whether it the city as we had in our two previous visits there was inherent trust between the two, plenty of fodder for media (locals seemed was in the megatropolis of Toronto or more meant we were relatively familiar with our something I cannot say is the case here. amused by and accepting of this annual modest sized Halifax and Dartmouth there’s surroundings. What I immediately noticed Just as Toronto’s pedestrians can count event). Maybe something organizers of a lot more respect and tolerance among the was the steady flow of bikes on all streets, on drivers to yield to them in crosswalks local rides might want to consider... different types of road users than in much whether or not there were bike lanes, – regardless of how close they may come of Florida. Navigating in traffic in what was sharrows, cycle tracks, or no specific bicycle

A version of this article (in two parts) appeared in Fort Myers edition of Florida Weekly newspaper (www.floridaweekly.com)

Representing individuals injured in bicycle accidents, auto accidents and falls

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

2205 McGregor Boulevard ~ Fort Myers ~ Florida 33901 239.337.4800 HartofJustice.com Page 14 Florida Bicycle Association Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida This printed version is ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the contact information for more details about each ride. Data are gleaned and summarized from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce and published on the FBA web site. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, at www.floridabicycle.org/touring. JANUARY Highway Patrol Station. Ride length 110 March 13 (Sun) Fort Myers FL miles. Camp site, breakfast & dinner January 10 (Sun) Venice FL miles with one brief food stop at about Eighteenth Annual Royal Palm Classic catered by Dixie Grill each day included Piggy’s Revenge Endurance Challenge 45 miles. Expect substantial acceleration 3 seperate rides offered under 65 miles. in registration. Sag stops and vehicles 10,20,40,60+ miles of off-road goodness with 40 hilly miles to go. See https://www. Pre-register at our website, or register the on route. Mechanic on site each day. Fun in Sarasota County Florida. Self supported facebook.com/events/940825856000595/ day of the event. The ride starts at Ft. Myers activities in the afternoons (after the bike single track, gravel, dirt, sand and water for parking and map. Brewing Company. Lunch and a beer glass rides)-games, music, dancing, and much ride. Pigglet Ride: 10 miles of great double is included as part of the full registration more. Registration open 1/1/16. The 6 day January 18-22 Cross City FL track riding perfect for beginners. The 20 (glass only guaranteed for the first 300 option is limited to 250 riders. Sponsored gulfcoasteventstours.com and 40 options will have single track riding registered.) Children under 15 years Tour package consists of 5 days and four by the Florida Freewheelers. 352-978-4428 more suitable for mountain bikes, the 60 accompanied by an adult receive lunch nights; cycling on Florida’s beautiful Gulf or www.floridabicyclesafari.com/ miler is a gravel grinder and includes some and ride FREE (no glass.) Non-riders may Coast, other attractions include a visit to road riding. The big loops will connect purchase a meal. www.caloosariders.org Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see the Mermaids April 23 (Sat) Gainesville FL several wilderness areas. 1800 Mabry Ride To Remember 10 perform at Weeki Watchee Springs, and March 13 (Sun) West Palm Beach FL Carlton Pkwy, Venice, FL 34292. http:// Choose a ride length of your choice on the see the Manatees at Crystal River. www. 8th Annual Pedal for PAL Bike Tour blog.piggysrevenge.com/ Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, or a road ride gulfcoasteventstours.com/ (p/b Valor Cycling Club) into the Ocala horse farm territory of 50, 75 Join riders from all over South Florida January 10 (Sun) Punta Gorda FL FEBRUARY or 100 miles. Again this year: 50 and 25 mile as they ride to benefit the Police Athletic Hamster Wheel 200 rides from Flemington, FL. Support trained February 15 (Mon) Cross City FL League (PAL) of Palm Beach County, FL. Charlotte County Lock and Safe and Peace at the legendary Horse Farm Hundred. A River Riders present. January 10, 2016 That’s gulfcoasteventstours.com 31/62/100 miles. Registration opens at 6:00 benefit for ElderCare of Alachua County right, this is only for the brave of heart, Tour package consists of 5 days and four am at The Dreyfoos School of the Arts, 501 and Al’z Place, providing Alzheimer’s Day those that feel no pain, the ones that don’t nights; cycling on Florida’s beautiful S. Sapodilla Ave. West Palm Beach FL, with Care. http://gccfla.org/rtr/ know the word can’t, followers of the little Gulf Coast, other attractions include a a structured start at 7:30 am. Ride along engine that could, the preparers for Bike visit to Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see the beautiful Flagler Drive, A1A, and along the April 24 (Sun) St. Augustine FL Sebring. Yes it’s the fourth annual Hamster Mermaids perform at Weeki Watchee ocean on your way to the 31/62/100 mile 25th Annual Tour de Forts Classic Wheel 200. Mark your calendars, Register Springs, and see the Manatees at Crystal turn arounds. Police motorcycle escort to North Florida Bicycle Club. 26/38/56/ early because the first 140 riders receive River. gulfcoasteventstours.com lead out the riders from DSOA. Several well stocked rest stops, a well marked route with 70/100 miles. On-line registration with the incredible Hamster Wheel coffee cup February 21 (Sun) White Springs FL SAG service, dry towels, and a tasty lunch complimentary T-shirt open around to remind them of their accomplishment. Suwannee Sweetheart Ride at the end of the ride. On-line registration 2/1/16. This classic one-day bicycle event www.peaceriverridersbicycleclub.com Due to a conflicting festival nearby, the is open now at Active.com. Call Kevin at is designed for road cyclists of all abilities. date has been moved a week later than it January 10 (Sun) Fort Lauderdale FL 561-644-9278 or http://www.pbso.org/pal Cycle through St. Augustine along the Tour de Coast 50k or 100k hosted by used to be. There will be rides of 25, 52, Atlantic coast past the Castillo de San 62, and 100 miles. The century ride starts Velosport Events March 14-18 Cross City FL Marcos to Fort Matanzas. Longer routes at 8:00 from Suwannee Bicycle Association Beautiful scenic route of the A1A beside the gulfcoasteventstours.com head west along country roads with the Headquarters in White Springs, FL. If Atlantic Ocean with clearly marked route Tour package consists of 5 days/4 nights; 70 and 100 mile routes coursing along the you’re spending the weekend, join us for for the 50k or 100k distance. Velosport cycling on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, St. Johns River. Pre-ride snacks, rest stops, a club ride on Saturday. Registration is not is partnering up again with Women In other attractions include a visit to Historic a post-ride lunch, mechanical support, open yet. Check back soon. Questions? distress of Broward County, Inc. Ride to Yulee Sugar Mill, see the Mermaids motorcycle escorts, roving SAGs and traffic Call 904-563-7724. http://suwanneebike. support domestic violence victims and perform at Weeki Watchee Springs, and control provided. http://nfbc.us org/events/sweetheart.php their children. Both routes fully supported see the Manatees at Crystal River. www. with sag vehicles, police escort and well MARCH gulfcoasteventstours.com/ April 28 - May 1 White Springs FL stocked rest stops! For the beginner to SBA Spring Pedal ‘n’ Paddle Festival with Celebrate Florida Bike Month by advanced participant! Starts at Snyder Park: Century supporting one of these March events APRIL Coldwell Pavilion (road charity ride). 7:45 April 2 (Sat) Hernando (Inverness) FL Ride roads, trails, walk Florida trail or a.m. to 2:00 p.m. https://events.hakuapp. March 11-13 Chiefland FL Ride for the “Y” paddle down the Suwannee River. 4/28- com/tour-de-coast Chiefland Bicycle Ride 5/1/16. Beautiful back roads around White Fully supported ride on both the Come join us for the Chiefland Spring Springs or the 50+ miles of off road trails. January 17 (Sun) Cape Coral FL Withlacoochee State Trail (46 miles) Bicycle Ride/Tour! Three fun-filled days Registration open at 8am Fri. & Sun., 7am 25th Anniversary Tour de Cape - Ride and the Citrus County Trail (11 miles). riding on Florida’s Gulf Coast Trails. All Sat. Continental breakfast each morning. Presented by the City of Cape Coral Parks Ride will start and end at the almost rides start in Chiefland. Choose from Make Camp Site Reservations at Stephen & Recreation Department offers a 5K run competed YMCA complex in Central several options to these destinations - Foster State Park. Visit suwanneebike. on Sat. Jan. 16, and on Sun. Jan. 17 there Citrus County. Rides of any distance up Trenton, Cross City, Cedar Key and Horse org or go to Active.com and register. Dale are four cycling courses that travel through to 124 miles (Double Metric Century) Shoe Beach. Phone: (727) 457-6994. www. Nanny at [email protected] the City of Cape Coral, one of the largest available. Proceeds to benefit the Citrus chieflandbicyclefest.com. cities in the state. The Tour De Cape offers County YMCA. T-shirts provided to riders. April 30 (Sat) Ocala FL a 15mi., 30mi, 60mi and 100mi. course. All March 13 (Sun) Everglades City FL Breakfast and lunch available for all riders. Ride for the Arts courses are manned with support teams 2016 Annual Everglades Bike Ride This is a family event; games, bounce house, Take an idyllic trip on the second annual and rest stations throughout. This is a great 62 or 16 mile on road: Customize the face painting, and other activities available bicycle Ride for the Arts. From Ocala’s family event. www.tourdecape.net. distance of your ride; 27-mile off-road: at the Y. Registration from 7 - 9 AM, no historic downtown through the scenic Paved and gravel roads, through beautiful mass start. For information, call Eric at January 17 (Sun) Gainesville FL country of Marion County. The ride covers and wild Janes Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee 863-670-0734. rotarybikeridefory.com Battle of Olustee 62 miles (metric century) of challenging Strand Preserve State Park. Registration A tradition started in 1984 by Gainesville and beautiful rolling hills filled with at 7:30 am at McLeod Park in historic April 16-21 Live Oak FL legend John Harlan and evolved into majestic horse farms adorned with huge Everglades City. Marked route with SAG- signifying the start of the Florida racing 36th Florida Bicycle Safari Live Oak trees covered with Spanish moss. support, continental breakfast, snacks, season. 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn corner Ride through beautiful North Florida. A 37 mile route is also available. 23 SW lunch, visit to Smallwood Store & Museum. of 441 and University Avenue, head north Choose either the full 6 days or ride just Broadway, Ocala, Fl 34471. https://www. 239-695-2397 or visitcaamevents.com/ on 441 then north (right) on 121 at the the first 3 days. Mileage from 35 to 100 facebook.com/events/845085668847445/ event/everglades-ride/ Winter 2016 Page 15

Visit our website, floridabicycle.org, for additional FDOT Districts FBA Member club and shop information. District 1 Bike Route (Naples), Billy’s Bike Shop, Fort locations), Lake Shore Cities: Bradenton, Fort Myers, Naples, Myers Schwinn Cyclery, Ringling Bicycles, Bicycles & Fitness, Bike Works Sarasota Bike Shop of Winter Haven District 3 FBA Member Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, District 2 Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Bicycle Shops: Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, Tallahassee Infinity Bike Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota St. Augustine Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Shop (2 FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Providance Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, locations), Sun Nagy, 239-225-1983 Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Cycle Center, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Bonita Bay Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington Village Cycles (2 locations), Greenway Bicycle Club, Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Olen Pettis, Bicycles, Orange Coastal Cruisers Bicycle Club, Highlands Taylor, Union 850-330-1543 Pedalers Bicycle Club, Peace River Cycle, Full Circle Cycle, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Derek FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Capital City Riders Bicycle Club, Polk Area Bicycling Retro City Cycles, West Dixon, 904-360-5653 Cyclists, Emerald Coast Cyclists Association, Sanibel Bicycle Club, Sarasota- Orange Trail Bikes & FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Gainesville Manatee Bicycle Club FBA Member Bicycle Shops: St. Joe Velo, Blades, Wildwood Cyclery, Cycling Club, North Florida Bicycle Club, The Great Bicycle Shop (2 locations), Daytona Bicycle Center, FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Acme Bicycle Suwannee Bicycle Association Dragon Sports Brick City Bicycles Shop, Bicycle Center of Port Charlotte, Bike FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Gator Route (Fort Myers), Naples Cyclery, The District 4 District 6 Cycle, Champion Cycling & Fitness (3 Cities: Key West, Miami Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Stuart Counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Zakary Lata, Palm Beach, St. Lucie 305-470-5308 FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Jennifer FBA Member Bicycle Club: Everglades Fierman, 954-777-4318 Bicycle Club, South Florida Triathletes FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Boca Raton FBA Member Bicycle Shop: Mack Cycle & Bicycle Club, Vero Cycling Club Fitness, Elite Cycling & Fitness FBA Member Bicycle Shops: District 7 Bike America (6 locations), Cities: Brooksville, Clearwater, Port Richey, Lauderdale Cyclery, Tri Bike Run, Wheels St. Petersburg, Tampa of Wellington, Bicycle Generation Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, District 5 Pasco, Pinellas Cities: Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Christopher Kissimmee, Melbourne, Ocala, Orlando Speese, 813-975-6405 Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Central Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Florida Randonneurs, Florida Panthers Volusia Tandem Club, St. Petersburg Bicycle Club FDOT Bike/Ped Coordinator: Deborah FBA Member Bicycle Shops: Suncoast Tyrone, 407-482-7897 Bicycles, City Bike Tampa, Bike Sport, FBA Member Bicycle Clubs: Florida Chainwheel Drive (2 locations), Jim’s Freewheelers, Sumter Landing Bicycle Bicycle Shop, Hampton’s Edge Trailside Club, Orlando Runners & Riders Bicycles, University Bicycle Center

FBA Positive Spin Bonita Bay Do-Good Bike Project Lyman Philips of the Bonita Bay Bicycle Club and Steve Nicks started the “Do- Good Bike Project” to benefit the Bonita Springs Community . They are collecting and refurbishing bicycles no longer in use from owners in the retirement community of Bonita Bay . These bicycles are then donated to any person in the community in need of a bike for transportation or recreation . A partnership has been developed with the Literacy Council Gulf Coast in Bonita Springs to connect such bikes with their adult students learning English . So far, mainly adult students have eagerly received 19 bikes and there is now a waiting list . We had five children’s bikes that went to the Mom and Tot language class . The moms were ecstatic! The Bonita Bay Bicycle Club has been very helpful with the initial outreach and Joe DuBois of Trek Bicycle Store has been a valuable resource as well . A new bicycle lock goes along with each ‘re-positioned’ bike; even the cost of a decent lock is daunting to some in this target group . This is a self-funded, garage based and volunteer driven initiative . Mr . Nicks and Mr . Phillips enjoy using their fundraising and mechanical skills in the service of others . If you have a bike or two that you can part with, please send an email to Lyman Phillips (lymanphillips55@gmail com). or Steve Nicks (Steve .nickds1@gmail com). . Is cycling helping your community? Tell us at floridabicycle.org, click Positive Spin logo Page 16 Florida Bicycle Association

Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Applauds the Florida Bicycle Association for its efforts in making our community a healthier one by providing education and inspiration of cycling.

See you on the road!

Kenneth L. Scearce, CPA David A. Satcher, CPA Carla M. Hansen, CPA

(407) 647-6441 Office (407) 645-0099 Fax 1030 W. Canton Avenue, Suite 210, Winter Park, FL 32789

Central Florida’s Polk County is the “Cycling Capital of Florida.” Explore more than 60 miles of paved multi-use trails and 1,700 miles of pre-mapped road routes. Unlike most of Florida’s unique topography provides elevation changes of more than 300 feet, so

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