FBA LAUNCHES FIRST LOCAL CHAPTER

For many years, FBA has considered the creation of local chapters to help spread our mission to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. Through the efforts of Jeff Hohlstein, advocate, cyclist, North Florida Bicycle Club board member and new League Cycling Instructor (LCI) among other talents, the first local chapter has been launched.  The First Coast Chapter will specifically serve the region known as the Florida First Coast, consisting of Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau Counties.  The formation of this chapter has been done in a way that can be easily replicated in other regions of Florida.

Jeff will serve as First Coast Chapter director and will recruit regional project directors. The chapter will deal with regional issues and be the voice for the needs of First Coast cyclists, establish working relationships and partnerships with government and other organizations to address mutual concerns, support regional advocacy projects and raise regional funds that wouldn’t otherwise be available to a statewide organization like FBA.

The Chapter is already at work with the following programs:

• Traffic Skills 101 classes
• Alternative Transportation Education program partnered with the Northeast Florida Safety Council
• North Florida Transportation Planning Organization programs: Emergency Ride Home and Cool to Pool

Stay tuned for more information about the FBA First Coast Chapter.

By the way, the Chapter is hosting a Traffic Skills 101 class this weekend, August 7-8, in Jacksonville at Lakeshore Bicycles & Fitness, 2106 Blanding Blvd. Contact Jeff Hohlstein for details or to register, 904-282-2180 or email jeffers101@comcast.net or jeff@floridabicycle.org.