Update on the Florida Office of Greenways & Trails
Dear Friends of Florida Trails:
I wanted to share some wonderful news with you and explain what has just happened, and is expected to happen, as it relates to the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT). OGT is the reigning recipient of the National “Best Trails State” as awarded by American Trails and, as you know, is a highly valued partner. Again like last year, they were circled for elimination earlier this week by the Florida Senate despite their success in building partnerships and leveraging funding. However due to the enormous and coordinated grassroots support that was demonstrated by us last year, the threat for the most part was quickly dropped. We owe a special thank you to Senators Aronberg, Lawson and Baker of the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee! No, really…..
We still have work to do though. The OGT is no longer targeted for elimination and most of the mission and subsequent positions have been restored. All but 2 of the positions will be back another year to continue to serve and build our ever expanding statewide system of trails. Senator Aronberg supports us strongly and has sponsored an amendment to restore the remaining 2 positions at a meeting that will, most likely, occur on Friday. Please take a moment to thank and say something nice to our legislative Champions – Senators Aronberg, Lawson and Baker as well as to our important House friends – Representatives Robaina and Cannon. Without them we would be roadkill!
Their e-mail addresses are:
Senator Aronberg – aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Lawson – lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Baker – baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov
Representative Robaina – julio.robaina@myfloridahouse.gov
Representative Cannon – dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov
Thank you and stay tuned. I hope to have an important announcement concerning the Florida Department of Transportation soon!!!!
Take Care.
Ken Bryan, Florida Director
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
People for Bikes
Imagine one million people speaking out for bicycling with a united, powerful voice.
One week ago tonight, at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC, Bikes Belong officially launched peopleforbikes.org – a brand-new initiative to put more people on bikes more often.
We’re collecting one million names in support of a better future for biking – one that’s safer, more convenient, and more appealing for everyone. And we’re giving people the tools to support pro-bike policies and spread the joy of bicycling in their own communities.
At this very early stage, the peopleforbikes.org movement will depend heavily on support from bicycle advocates, enthusiasts, and leaders like you. Please take a moment to visit our website and become one of the first to sign our pledge:
Every day, millions of Americans ride for their health, for the environment, for their communities, and for the pure joy of bicycling. But until now, only a fraction of riders have stood up to help improve bicycling in America.
Peopleforbikes.org is going to change all that. We’ll build on the expert work of existing bike advocacy groups – our partners – to develop a powerful movement with the clout and influence to get things done. That means promoting bike-riding on an individual level, but also sending a unified message to our elected leaders, the media, and the public that bicycling should have their full support.
Check out our website and learn more about this effort:
Though peopleforbikes.org is already up and running, we’re planning a broader public launch to coincide with the Bicycle Leadership Conference and Sea Otter Classic in April. Right now, your support is essential to launch and grow this effort.
After all, life is better when it’s experienced on two wheels. You and I know this – and now we can take this message to millions of people across the country.
Sincerely,
Tim Blumenthal
Executive Director, Bikes Belong Coalition