Cyclists take over Capitol Courtyard at Florida Bike Summit
Members of the Florida Bicycle Association from around the state gathered with Bike Florida at the Capitol on Thursday, April 8th for the 2nd annual Florida Bike Summit. Modeled after the highly successful National Bike Summit that recently celebrated it’s tenth anniversary in Washington, DC, the Florida Bike Summit generated dozens of meetings with legislators’ support on pending legislation to enhance safe riding throughout the State. Policy reform is a critical element of our program and change requires advocacy from Pensacola to Key West. A focus on Tallahassee and state policy is important for all of us, even those who remain focused on local issues, as many of FBA’s members discovered.
Rep. Adam Fetterman
“Florida has lots of natural advantages that could make it a leader in sustainable transportation and recreation if we make the investment in safer roads, connected trails and communities that support transportation choices,” says FBA Board president David Henderson.
Ken Bryan, director of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Florida Field Office, and Representative Julio Robaina announced the creation of the Florida Pedestrian/Bicycle Partnership Council, made up of state agencies, local governments and private groups to guide to the State agencies on bicycle and pedestrian policy and practice.
Rep. Julio Robaino
Based on responses to a survey administered last summer, FBA established a list of priority actions. The Florida Bike Summit 2010 Agenda included the “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law”, House Bill 41/Senate Bill 448, and thanks to a relationship with the Florida chapter of ABATE, American Bikers Aimed Towards Education), “Increased fines for car drivers who cause serious injury or death of a motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian, House Bill 875/Senate Bill 1918.
Advocates walked the halls of the Senate and House of Representatives meeting with key leaders and their staff to encourage their support.
Sen. Paula Dockery & David Henderson, Board Prez
The result of this important event are primarily two-fold: increased awareness of your rights and concerns as a bicyclist among lawmakers as well as inspired and educated FBA members who gained critical hands on experience in effectively advocating for better policies.
April FBA Board Meeting following the Florida Bike Summit
| April 9, 2010 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 5:00 pm |
Interested in attending the next FBA Board meeting or perhaps even considering a Board position? Now’s your chance since the next meeting will be held following the Florida Bike Summit. Since you’ll already be in Tallahassee 4/8/10 for the Summit, stay an extra day for the board meeting on Friday, April 9, 2010 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm in Sopchoppy – 35 miles south and 100 year culture shift from Tallahassee. The meeting will be held at the home of FBA advisory board member Robert Seidler, 367 Buckhorn Creek Road, Sopchoppy FL. For directions, visit your favorite mapping site.
Bring your bike or hiking shoes since we plan on pre and post meeting activities. Stay an extra day for the 10th Annual Worm Gruntin’ Festival in downtown Sopchoppy.
Your voice counts and the best way to make a difference is to get involved as an Advisory or Board member. Please RSVP.
