Governor Crist signs HB 971 into law
Yesterday afternoon, Governor Crist signed HB 971, among many other bills into law. Thanks to all of you who expressed your concerns over this bill encouraging it to be vetoed. Yes, this is a defeat, but now we must rally together to plan our strategy for the 2011 Legislative Session.
HB 971 isn’t all bad. At 81 pages, there are many good things in the bill and unfortunately the mandatory bike lane use was slipped in late in the Session, along with other pedestrian issues. This process is not unusual, but now FBA will be planning for it.
FBA’s Legislative Committee will be meeting in the next few weeks to develop strategies and set priorities. The results will be shared via a survey for review by FBA members and other interested parties. Your input is very important. If you are not an FBA member, please join now to support our legislative efforts. Membership fees will help fund a legislative staff position.
In the mean time, now is the time to develop relationships with your elected officials in the district. Invite them for a bike ride. Let them know you are a local expert regarding bicycling issues.
It is up to all of us to make something good come out of HB 971. We will not go away empty-handed but will come back strong in 2011.
Memorial Day knifer to be prosecuted
Here is an update on the knifing incident that took place at the Kent University, Jacksonville, FL. on Memorial Day. Here is a link to the Sheriff’s report. It is the most complete and accurate account of the incident.
The alleged knifer is 25 year old Matt Salmons. He is charged with two counts of aggravated battery and one count of simple battery. There may be some of you who will want to observe the legal proceedings and maybe even attend the trial. Here is what we know so far:
The defendant is Matt Salmons. The State Attorney case number is 2010-CF-047910 and the Attorney for the State assigned to this case is Theresa Simak. The Clerk case number is 2010-CF-005975. The defendant will be arraigned on June 23rd 2010 at 9AM in Courtroom 9 which is located on the 2nd floor of the Duval County Courthouse. I have left a message for Ms. Simak to call me. I want to make sure she knows the cycling community is very interested in this case.
Pass this info on to anyone interested.
Scott A. Wilson, Assistant to Don Redman, Jacksonville City Council
Both cyclists are expected to make a full recovery.
One way we cyclists could show solidarity with the injured cyclists would be for abot 20 cyclists to sit quietly at the back of the courtroom each day of the proceedings, and observe. This was done last year in California and the offending driver received serious jail time. After the case, the prosecutor stated that the presence of the cyclists made a big difference.
As we receive additional information I will make it available to you.
In addition to being the FBA First Coast Chapter Director, I am the President of the North Florida Bicycle Club and we will be working closely with the City of Jacksonville to find solutions for this kind of behavior.
National Trails Day Event in Deland
| June 5, 2010 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 12:00 pm |
Help us celebrate National Trails Day at Lake Beresford Park, 2100 Fatio Road, Deland FL. You’ll enjoy bike rides, nature hikes, vendors, music and much more. For more information, contact:
Susanne Wilde
Park Planner/Grants Administrator
County of Volusia Community Services Department
386.736.5953 ext. 2638