Governor Crist proclaims March as Florida Bicycle Month
Download a copy of the 2010 Proclamation from Governor Crist HERE to promote March as Florida Bicycle Month.
USA Today: Fla. deadliest state for walkers, cyclists
Monday, March 1, 2010
By Larry Copeland, USA TODAY
MIAMI, Florida — Florida is the deadliest state in the U.S. for pedestrians — and bicyclists don’t fare any better.
In 2008, the most recent year for which federal statistics are available, 11.1% of pedestrians and 17.4% of bicyclists killed in the U.S. died in the Sunshine State, which has 6% of the nation’s population.
The top four of the 10 most dangerous metropolitan areas for walking are in Florida, according to a study last fall by two Washington, D.C.-based non-profit groups. The state has been in the top three in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities every year since 2001, federal data show.
The statistics perplex state officials. “There are so many factors involved and most of them are random,” says Marianne Trussell, chief safety officer for Florida’s Department of Transportation. “We’re trying to figure out root causes and how we can fix it.”
There’s a debate over those causes: Is Florida so deadly for walkers and cyclists because of the behavior of drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists? Or because of inherent flaws in the way roads are designed and built?
………………..Underlying these factors, transportation safety officials say, is behavior: “Somebody is doing something they shouldn’t be doing,” Trussell explains. “Drivers are making a right turn and not yielding to pedestrians, or making a right turn on red. Pedestrians are not paying attention to traffic, or they’re crossing the street midblock instead of going to the intersection.”
She takes issue with the November study by Transportation for America and the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership that spotlighted dangers to pedestrians in Florida. The study found pedestrians in Florida — and around the U.S. — are endangered by the nation’s shift from development clustered around traditional streets to wide, high-speed roads designed to move thousands of vehicles.
“The roadways aren’t as dangerous as the (study) would have made it seem,” she says. “It’s not the roads. The roads are just sitting there by themselves.”…..
To read the full article, click here:
March is Florida Bike Month
March is Florida Bicycle Month. Contact your local municipality for a list of events in your area of the state. For a list of contacts go HERE. If you know of events in your area, let us know and we’ll post on the calendar of events on the FBA blog. Also check out the Florida Bicycle Touring Calendar for a list of bicycle rides in March and throughout the year. Help us celebrate March in a big way for bicyclists.
The month of May is promoted nationally as National Bike Month by the League of American Bicyclists, however, many cities/areas throughout Florida choose to observe Bike Month earlier due to Florida’s warm weather.
A POWERFUL TOOL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
I sat in on the LEBA (Law Enforcement Bicycle Association) course last week. While the classroom segment on laws was short, instructor Bill Edgar gave them all Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guides. He also reinforced a number of key things throughout the course and encouraged the students to educate their fellow officers about the laws and cyclists’ rights as vehicle drivers.
For a full recap of the class, go HERE.
FBA continues the development of our Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. Visit our dedicated website often for updates and to “Ask Geo” questions about the law.
Keri Caffrey
19th Annual Tour de Forts, Sunday, April 25th @ 6:30 a.m.
The North Florida Bicycle Club brings you a classic one-day bicycle event designed for all road cyclists, the 19th annual Tour de Forts. Choose a distance of 18, 30, 62, 75, or 100 miles. Enjoy a wonderful bike ride with pre-ride snacks, rest stops, a post-ride lunch, mechanical support, motorcycle escorts, and roving sags. Click here to sign up through Active.com. Normal Online Registration with complementary T-shirt closes April 12, 2010- Late Online Registration without complementary T-shirt closes April 21
Join the Million Car Challenge Campaign
Are you in or are you out? Check out this terrific campaign by visiting the Bicycle Allowed Use of Full Lane (baufl.org) website. Read the Campaign first and then click away at the other terrific categories. By purchasing BAUFL campaign stickers, you’ll help deliver the message on one million cars to millions and millions of drivers. For someone who rarely puts stickers on a car, this message is posted loud and clear on my car. FBA has also ordered a customized supply of Bicycle May Use Full Lane campaign stickers in a static cling format since this message replicates the official road sign (shape and color) according to the MUTCD. FBA members will receive a complimentary sticker when you renew your membership or make an additional donation to benefit the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. New members will also receive a sticker. Help promote this campaign to educate all drivers. The FBA stickers are also great for surfaces/places other than your car. The generic adhesive sticker format is available from baufl.org.
Key Biscayne Memorial Ride dedicated to Christophe Le Canne : Sunday, January 24th 9am
What would be smart is for the organizers of the ride to print out those statements on pieces of paper and give out safety pins (most of the guys who are going to show up are racers anyway, so they know how to pin a #). Let’s get out from underneath our helmets and jerseys and show South Florida that we are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, neighbors, just trying to make our world a little better, one pedal stroke at a time – Jeffrey Lynne
What happened last week to Mr. Le Canne was horrific beyond comprehension. What happened many months back to Liz Stewart was a tragedy. What happened to Leon last year will not be forgotten. Every time a cyclist is killed I am reminded of just how volatile life is each time we get on a bike. Thus, our efforts at zMotion towards Ride Right/ Drive Right to inform and educate motorist and cyclist alike of the responsibilities we both have on the road. I can completely understand the need for cyclist to gather and memorialize those killed riding , and at the same time I want to caution us, in doing so we run the risk of aggravating, antagonizing and fostering even further resentment from the very ones who oppose us now. A memorial ride of any magnitude will be difficult to manage without any instances or confrontations with motorist . I know the purpose of such a ride, I am just not sure of the outcome.
In this particular incident if the message is we need better roads for cyclist, no amount of improvements, but for a separate and barricaded bicycle facility, could have saved Mr. Le Canne from a drunk driver. The demand to “make improvements” to the causeway, while fully supported by the South Florida Bike Coalition, begs the question – what amount of “improvements” could have saved his life? The answer is “none”. This was simply an unfortunate event that had nothing to do (I hope) with someone with a vendetta against cyclists. It could have been a jogger. It could have been another car. However, in this instance, it was someone not protected by the exoskeleton of a 2 ton vehicle. The cycling community will undoubtedly receive a lot of press, but don’t assume the message you are trying to communicate will be received by those you are trying to communicate to. I would prefer to have Kathryn Moore or someone from an existing organization designated as the “spokesperson” for the gathering so that a single, clear message be conveyed – cyclists have the right to be on the road and will not tolerate being treated as second-class citizens by any local government.
As the leader of zMotion I feel compelled to support our fellow cyclists in the most positive way we can without asking anything more from our members than they themselves choose to do. If a member wants to join in the memorial ride, I support that. If they choose not to, I am ok with that too. I do not want our members to feel pressured one way or the other, any display of emotion for a cause such as this should be an individual decision, not mine or zMotion as an organization . However, that said, for those zMotion members that do ride I simply ask that they do so safely, responsibly and help further set the example as leaders that zMotion has come to be known for.
To the family of Mr Le Canne, my deepest sympathy. – Pat Patregnani
Where are the Bicycling PSA’s?
We all know that probably 9 out of 10 people who “accidentally” hit a cyclist will tell the cop on the scene “I didn’t see him/her.” There is a thread at the www.bikeforums.net web site about how to deal with insurance companies that translates that better.
“I didn’t see him” appears to fly for some courts, when it’s really “I didn’t bother looking.” I think that that is the more accurate way of saying things.
Also here’s a good question for you. How do we get local TV & Radio stations, and Newspapers to run bicycle related PSAs?
I see, I don’t know how many, drunk driving, seat belt, etc. PSA’s but never any for bicycles. Yeah, they’ll cover the story (for a short while) when a car hits a cyclist and one can usually count on at least one reporter asking the question of “how can this happen” or “why does this have to happen?” Of course IF they would air PSA’s related to bicycles maybe, just maybe, it wouldn’t happen as much as it does.
Herman Frederick, Car -free in St. Petersburg
FBA Winter Board Meeting in Lakeland
Join us this weekend, January 8-9, for the FBA Winter Board meeting in Lakeland at the Hyatt Place Lakeland Center, 525 West Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33815, (863) 4153-1122. When making reservations, use corporate ID #46575 to receive the $89 rate. The fun begins Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm for a Meet & Greet at Texas Cattle Company, 735 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801-5038, (863) 686-1434. A Saturday morning bike ride from 7:30-9:00 am originating from the hotel precedes the meeting which begins at 10:00 am. The meeting adjourns at 5:00 pm.
I hope you can join us. Please RSVP if you plan to attend to insure space is available by contacting Laura Hallam at laura@floridabicycle.org.
National Cycling Organization Hosts Gatherings In Florida
JANUARY 4, 2009
Contact: Winona Bateman, 800-755-2453 x219, Email: wbateman@adventurecycling.org
The director of North America’s largest cycling membership organization will visit Florida from January 11 – 16, 2010, to speak about the life-changing potential of cycling and bicycle travel. Events will be held in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and in the Miami/Dade area.
Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling, will share the latest news on bicycle travel and adventures in North America, including new bike-friendly routes, maps, tours, and policy initiatives at the national level — such as an official U.S. Bicycle Route System, now being considered by Congress. At each event, there will also be time for participants to share their thoughts, ideas and stories. Whether you have made a New Year’s Resolution to get in shape, lower your carbon footprint, or you want to plan an overnight (or epic) cycling adventure, there will be inspiration for everyone.
Invite your cycling buddies, other friends, or family. These events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP by contacting Beth Petersen at Adventure Cycling Association: 800-755-2453 x 211, or via email at bpetersen@adventurecycling.org.
TALLAHASSEE – MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org). This event is co-sponsored by Capital City Cyclists.
When: Monday, January 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Florida Education Association, 3rd floor board room, 213 South Adams Street, one block from the State Capitol. Directions at http://feaweb.org/about-fea.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 6th
JACKSONVILLE – TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Tuesday, January 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Brooks Family YMCA, 10423 Centurion Parkway North in Jacksonville. For more information about the location visit http://www.firstcoastymca.org/brooks-branch, or call 904-854-2000.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 8th
ORLANDO – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Wednesday, January 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Grace Hopper Hall (Baldwin Park), located in central Orlando on 1913 Meeting Place. For directions, click on http://www.baldwinparkfl.com/web/directions.asp — or call 407-529-3800.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 11th
MIAMI/DADE AREA – THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Thursday, January 14, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Coral Gables Branch Library, located at 3443 Segovia St., in Coral Gables. More information on location here: http://www.mdpls.org/info/locations/cg.asp.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 12th
TAMPA – SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Saturday, January 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Where: Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, located in central Tampa at 14407 B North Dale Mabry. For directions, click on http://cbebikes.com/storelocator/ — or call 813-963-5765.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 13th
# # #
Adventure Cycling Association is the premier bicycle travel organization in North America with over 44,000 members. A nonprofit organization, its mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. It produces routes and maps for cycling in North America, organizes more than 40 tours annually, and publishes the best bicycle travel information anywhere, including Adventure Cyclist magazine and The Cyclists’ Yellow Pages online. With 38,158 meticulously mapped miles in the Adventure Cycling Route Network, Adventure Cycling gives cyclists the tools and confidence to create their own bike travel adventures. Contact the office at (800) 755-BIKE (2453), info@adventurecycling.org, or visit www.adventurecycling.org.
