HUNDREDS OF CYCLISTS TO RALLY AT CAPITOL FOR SUMMIT
Cyclists gather for Annual Florida Bicycle Summit on Thursday
More than 250 cycling enthusiasts throughout the state will be at the Capitol Courtyard in Tallahassee for the Annual Florida Bicycle Summit on Thursday, April 2 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
“The bicycle plays an important role in the lives of millions of Floridians by providing a means to travel to work, school and parks, and as a popular form of recreation, by helping motivate real eco-tourism and by promoting green economics,” says Laura Hallam, executive director of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA), whose 1,700 members include recreational cyclists, bicycle retailers, bicycle clubs, bicycle and pedestrian professionals, and corporations. “Increased bicycle usage helps reduce motor vehicle emissions, thereby reducing the impact of global climate change.”
The summit is being held in conjunction with the 16th Annual Bike Florida “Capitol Tour” taking place this week, March 29 – April 4.
Gov. Charlie Crist has been invited to address the cyclists at a 10:30 a.m. press conference. Other speakers include Rep. Adam Fetterman (District 81); Jena Brooks, director of the Office of Greenways and Trails; Ken Bryan, Florida field director of the Rails to Trails Conservancy; and David Henderson, president of the FBA. Preceding the press conference, cyclists will attend an issues briefing session to prepare for one-on-one meetings with their local legislators. Secure bike parking will be available in the Capitol Courtyard.
FBA and Bike Florida led the initiative to secure the nation’s first SHARE THE ROAD specialty license plate. Revenue split between the organizations promotes bicycle and motorist safety awareness programs for all of Floridians. Since 2000, 73,000 plates, including new and renewals, have been sold, generating more than $1 million to promote cycling education and advocacy programs statewide. Many states have followed the FBA’s lead with similar specialty license plates to promote the Share the Road campaign.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR FLORIDA BIKE SUMMIT
There’s still time to register for the Florida Bike Summit to be held next Thursday, April 2, from 10:00-11:30 in Tallahassee at the Capitol Courtyard. Keep your fingers crossed for Governor Charlie Crist’s address to more than 250 enthusiast cyclists, many of which will be participating in the 16th Annual Bike Florida “Capitol Tour” taking place March 29 through April 4.
FBA would like to thank those of you who have already registered. We’re counting on you to meet with your elected officials in order to help move forward FBA’s legislative vision, a vision we believe will benefit all Floridians, part-time residents, and our state’s visitors.
You’ll find key points to discuss, a brief history of bicycling advocacy in Florida, and a meeting request sample/template letter to schedule a meeting with your legislators on the Summit information page. You can also schedule a meeting by phone. If you don’t know your district or legislators, go HERE. Along with the website resources, the following tips are useful:
For questions and suggestions please feel free to contact Dan Moser. Dan and Laura have already left town for Bike Florida which begins tomorrow in Madison, but we can be reached by phone.
Go HERE for more details and to register. No fee required, but we want to know who will attend and the district you represent.
Let’s show Florida’s legislators how serious we are about bicycling in Florida.
Summit Contact:
Dan Moser, FBA Program Manager; dan@floridabicycle.org; (239) 334-6417
Laura Hallam, FBA Executive Director; laura@floridabicycle.org; (407) 399-9961
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR FLORIDA BIKE SUMMIT
There’s still time to register for the Florida Bike Summit to be held next Thursday, April 2, from 10:00-11:30 in Tallahassee at the Capitol Courtyard. Keep your fingers crossed for Governor Charlie Crist’s address to more than 250 enthusiast cyclists, many of which will be participating in the 16th Annual Bike Florida “Capitol Tour” taking place March 29 through April 4.
FBA would like to thank those of you who have already registered. We’re counting on you to meet with your elected officials in order to help move forward FBA’s legislative vision, a vision we believe will benefit all Floridians, part-time residents, and our state’s visitors.
You’ll find key points to discuss, a brief history of bicycling advocacy in Florida, and a meeting request sample/template letter to schedule a meeting with your legislators on the Summit information page. You can also schedule a meeting by phone. If you don’t know your district or legislators, go HERE. Along with the website resources, the following tips are useful:
Please dress in business attire if you plan to meet with legislators.
If you are using your bike as transportation to the Capitol something a bit less formal may be necessary, but please don’t wear cleats or form-fitting bike clothing (or shorts). We’ve been told by many in the know that a professional appearance is imperative when meeting with elected officials and their staff. If you don’t plan on meeting with legislators, bike attire is fine.For questions and suggestions please feel free to contact Dan Moser. Dan and Laura have already left town for Bike Florida which begins tomorrow in Madison, but we can be reached by phone.
Go HERE for more details and to register. No fee required, but we want to know who will attend and the district you represent.
Let’s show Florida’s legislators how serious we are about bicycling in Florida.
Summit Contact:
Dan Moser, FBA Program Manager; dan@floridabicycle.org; (239) 334-6417
Laura Hallam, FBA Executive Director; laura@floridabicycle.org; (407) 399-9961
FLORIDA’S NATIONALLY RENOWNED TRAILS PROGRAM THREATENED. ACT NOW!
I’m shocked at the irony, and hope you are too!
Within weeks of the Florida Governor’s office proclaiming March as Bicycle Month and celebrating our trail victories, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) announced devastating cuts to the Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), effectively eliminating this nationally renowned program.
Act now to protect Florida’s greenways and trails.
These cuts are excessive and disproportionate to FDEP’s other proposed cuts. While other FDEP program budgets are being cut 20 percent, this proposal would, among other things, eliminate more than 80 percent of OGT’s Tallahassee staff! In addition to rolling back the pro-trail clock 10 years, this measure risks nearly $50 million in hard-earned development money for Florida’s future trails.
RTC understands that cuts are required, and should be fairly distributed. However, the OGT program reduces our dependence on oil, improves health, betters our environment and strengthens our communities. Eliminating it does far more harm than good, and for generations to come.
Please speak up for trails now.
Thank you.
Ken Bryan, Florida State Director
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Port Charlotte Smart Cycling: Traffic Skills 101
Sunday, March 22: 8:30am to 5:30 pm
Offered by: Peace River Riders Bicycle Club
Location: 3745 Tamiami Trail, (First Financial Building), Port Charlotte, FL 33952
League Certified Instructors: Lyndy Moore, Earl Lang
Cost: $40.00
This nine hour program is designed to develop the skills and science of safe bicycling. This class will enhance the rider’s ability to use a bicycle with confidence and competence for recreation, utility, commuting or sport. Safety under the various highway, climate, terrain and traffic conditions will be stressed.
Bring: bicycle, helmet, water bottles, pen, pencil, highlighter, snacks and lunch or lunch money. To register contact Earl Lang at 941-258-3400 or email ejlang42@yahoo.com.