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.