FBA Testifies in Support of SB 1918 Traffic Offenses

Regarding FBA’s appearance yesterday before the Senate Transportation Committee on SB 1918/HB 875, Robert Seidler sent the following link which provides the written and audio broadcast of WFSU about the story, including some FBA testimony.

The meeting began with Sen. Aronberg introducing an amendment to the bill to include bicyclists and pedestrians in the bill.  Thereafter, I was impressed by how Chairman Gardiner paid close attention to the bike/ped issues.  And, perhaps more importantly, the Committee voted 10-0 to approve the Bill.

Thereafter, we received word that the bill was waived out of some subsequent committees and it appears this one is headed for a floor vote in the Senate.  On the House side, it is doubtful if it will pass.  But, there are plans to offer this language as an amendment to other bills and pass it that way.

As a final observation, passage of this bill shows how unpredictable the Legislature can be, as well as the desirability of having a physical presence in Tallahassee.  When we began this year’s session, we didn’t even know this bill existed.  It certainly wasn’t on our agenda. Then, because Laura Hallam was personally in Tallahassee, speaking for the anti-texting bill, she met the ABATE lobbyist, he suggested a cooperation, and here we are.  If FBA had not had someone personally there, this bill would probably not mention cyclists or pedestrians at all.

Mike Lasche, FBA Legislative Committee Chairman

Florida Bike Summit 2010 Agenda

The 2nd Annual Florida Bike Summit is this Thursday, April 8, at the Florida Capitol Courtyard from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  If you haven’t registered/RSVP’d, it’s not too late. If you haven’t made appointments with your members , there is still time. Visit the website for details, but call for appointments before Thursday.  Extra packets will be available to drop off if your members are unavailable.

Meeting packets will include a variety of items, including our Summit 2010 Agenda.

SB 448/HB 41, Use of Wireless Communications Devices While Driving

Creates the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law.” Prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless communication device for certain purposes. Provides for points to be assessed against a driver’s license for the unlawful use of a wireless communication device resulting in a crash, etc.

General Bill by Transportation and Senator Detert; Co-Sponsor Senator Dockery

General Bill by Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee and Representatives Holder, Garcia, Chestnut, Thurston, Long & Mayfield; Co-Sponsors Brandenburg; Brise’; Carroll; Glorioso; Gonzalez; Heller; Homan; Hooper, Jenne; Kiar; Legg; McBurney; Nehr; Pafford; Porth; Radar; Rehwinkel Vasilinda; Roberson; Y; Schwartz; Steinberg; Williams, A

SB 1918/HB 875, Traffic Offenses

Provides criminal penalties for a person who commits a moving violation that causes serious injury or causes or contributes to the death of a person operating or riding in a motor vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, or operating as a pedestrian. Requires court to impose certain penalties for such actions.

General Bill by Senator Aronberg

General Bill by Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee and Representative Evers

Re-establish the Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Council.

Opposition to efforts to eliminate the Office of Greenways and Trails

Like last year, OGT was circled for elimination by the Florida Senate. 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. OGT is no longer targeted for elimination and all but two of the cut positions have been restored.

Please take a moment to thank our legislative Champions – Senators Aronberg, Lawson and Baker as well as to our important House friends – Representatives Robaina and Cannon.

Amending high-speed and commuter rail legislation to include accommodations/green alternatives for the intermodal links of walking and bicycling, i.e. secure bicycle parking and lockers for pedestrians at train stations, rails with trails, and allowing bikes on trains.

Fair Share Funding: Ensuring that a higher proportion of federal funding for traffic safety in Florida is spent on bicycle/pedestrian programs. 21% of Florida’s traffic fatalities are bicycle and pedestrian. Currently, less than 2% is funded for bicycle and pedestrian programs.