22 Nov 2010, 5:43pm
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CyclingSavvy January Weekend Package

January 7, 2010
6:00 pmto9:00 pm
January 8, 2010
8:00 amto4:00 pm

Get it all done in one weekend for the next CyclingSavvy series in Orlando.

We will give you the tools to use a bike for transportation, without stress or fear, anywhere you choose.

Weekend Package: Friday, 1/7/11, 6-9pm and Saturday, 1/8/11, 8am-4pm (with a lunch break) – all day class includes bike handling and Tour of Orlando

To register, go HERE. For more information, go HERE.

Fee: $75 for all three sessions or $30 per session a la carte.

Key Biscayne Memorial Ride dedicated to Christophe Le Canne : Sunday, January 24th 9am

This is a very special ride dedicated to Christophe Le Canne, the 44-year-old cyclist and family man who was struck and killed by a motorist on Sunday morning. All cyclists are to meet directly across the street from the Mast Academy School, along the beach access road.

Sunday, January 24th, 2010 – 9:00am

*If meeting at the beach becomes an issue we will move a few yards away to the Miami Seaquarium parking lot.
Mast Academy / Rickenbacker Causeway
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Get directions here.

We will be stopping at the Bear Cut Bridge to pay tribute to the fallen cyclist. It would be very nice if flowers were brought by all. After the memorial we will ride into the Village of Key Biscayne and make a u-turn just before Bill Baggs State Park. This ride is for everyone. Cyclists, pedestrians, roller skaters, etc. Anyone who uses the Rickenbacker Causeway for recreational purposes is encouraged to come. All are welcome. -  Miami Critical Mass


Suggestions:
Imagine, instead of a mass of undifferentiated riders, there was a steady stream of solo riders with simple messages on their backs like:  “Mother of 3,”  “Son,”  “7 Grandchildren,”  “Fireman,”  “Nurse” – Mighk Wilson

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

6 Jan 2010, 10:46am
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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.

4 Jan 2010, 4:50pm
advocacy events FBA
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FBA Winter Board Meeting

January 8, 2010
6:00 pmto8:00 pm
January 9, 2010
7:30 amto9:00 am
10:00 amto5:00 pm

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.

12 Nov 2009, 9:36am
advocacy events safety
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Jacksonville Traffic Skills 101 Class

January 23, 2010
9:00 amto1:00 pm
January 30, 2010
9:00 amto2:00 pm

Lakeshore Bicycles & Fitness, 2106 Blanding Blvd, Jacksonville, FL

Cost: $35

To register contact: Jodi Hohlstein, 904-282-2180, or email jodi@fbafirstcoast.org for confirmation of date and a complete registration packet. Register early since class size is limited to 17 students.