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.
It was a bit cloudy and windy but the rains stayed away all morning. The event was so well organized that I was very glad I attended. I rode in on my commuter bike dressed in street clothes except for my FBA red socks! Very impressed with the work Laura has done with FBA. I wish her and the association all the best. I certainly give it all my support and so should all cyclists in Florida.
I had a fantastic meeting with my representative. He sat and listened to the talking points in the FBA packet and wanted to talk cycling/triathalons and his favorite places to ride. He shared my concern about having safe places to ride. It helped that my son Joe, “the youngest lobbyist” for the FBA was there. We were unable to meet with my Senator, as he was in session. However, his staffer was very receptive to the talking points and the package. I gave all the staffers the little gifts of bicycle “swag” the FBA had handed out and I believe our message is getting heard. “We want safer cycling!” I am definitely going next year. The ride in was nothing short of beautiful at every turn. The Capital City Cyclists were our guides and we had conversation on the way in. What fun!