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.
Perhaps a silver lining exists. If the numbers read are exact, the 30,000 DUI revoked drivers seeking reinstatement, will fill the states coffers with about 2.4 MIL/mth.
That should be enough for the state to cover an education campaign informing drivers, on an initial and continuing basis, (beginning drivers especially) that the roads were not built for cars, bicycles are viable, legal vehicles, and their rightful place is in the lane, not in a segregated facility.
I would like to see more information dedicated to the bicycle and pedestrian mode of road users in the driver handbook than what is current.
I was unaware of the statutes pertaining to each of the above until the bicycle became my primary choice of transport. Now, I am an enlightened and better motorist, not an ignorant motorist as I was before.
It is time to take the hit and press on, I say. We live to fight another day. Ride Big and Ride ON!
” If the numbers read are exact, the 30,000 DUI revoked drivers seeking reinstatement, will fill the states coffers with about 2.4 MIL/mth.
That should be enough for the state to cover an education campaign informing drivers, on an initial and continuing basis, (beginning drivers especially) that the roads were not built for cars, bicycles are viable, legal vehicles, and their rightful place is in the lane, not in a segregated facility.”
Two words: DREAM ON.
-Bike Doc
KK – I love you!
I disagree, Rodney. Cars and bicycles do not mix. I am scared to ride next to cars going 50+ mph.
Clare – I respect your opinion on the matter.
I USED to think the same…..My story: http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/2009/05/20/myownignorance/
Many knowledgeable and experienced cyclists DO NOT desire to ride in such a situation. However, it is entirely SAFE and possible to do when necessary….when you know how to.
Are you thinking to use a bicycle for recreation, local transportation or short trips of 5 miles or less? Have you thought to take cycling safety and skills classes to possibly ease or erase your perceived fear of cycling in the lane?
CommuteOrlando.com (CO) has a rider mentoring program. We are here to help those that WANT to learn and better themselves. Us our forum on CO to contact me if you would like to know more.
Today, I urge you to request your free copy of Street Smarts from FBA. I did, and nearly 8,500 cycling miles later, I’m still riding the lane with cars.
YES, they do mix!
Should read:
….Many knowledgeable and experienced cyclists DO NOT desire to ride in such a situation (50+ mph). ……..
i haven’t had any problems with cars. i’ve been riding for years.
Florida cyclists: You’re pathetic. PATHETIC!
To think that in this whole state, less than 2,500 complaints could be had out of our cycling residents in well over a month’s time.
Disgusting. If this is the extent of cycling advocacy that can be mustered out of Floridians, they all ought to throw away their bicycles and get back in their cars.
-The Bike Doc