T4America Poll: Strong Support for Bike and Ped
New poll shows Americans strongly support public transportation; more walking & biking. Check it out!
Mighk Wilson
People for Bikes
Imagine one million people speaking out for bicycling with a united, powerful voice.
One week ago tonight, at the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC, Bikes Belong officially launched peopleforbikes.org – a brand-new initiative to put more people on bikes more often.
We’re collecting one million names in support of a better future for biking – one that’s safer, more convenient, and more appealing for everyone. And we’re giving people the tools to support pro-bike policies and spread the joy of bicycling in their own communities.
At this very early stage, the peopleforbikes.org movement will depend heavily on support from bicycle advocates, enthusiasts, and leaders like you. Please take a moment to visit our website and become one of the first to sign our pledge:
Every day, millions of Americans ride for their health, for the environment, for their communities, and for the pure joy of bicycling. But until now, only a fraction of riders have stood up to help improve bicycling in America.
Peopleforbikes.org is going to change all that. We’ll build on the expert work of existing bike advocacy groups – our partners – to develop a powerful movement with the clout and influence to get things done. That means promoting bike-riding on an individual level, but also sending a unified message to our elected leaders, the media, and the public that bicycling should have their full support.
Check out our website and learn more about this effort:
Though peopleforbikes.org is already up and running, we’re planning a broader public launch to coincide with the Bicycle Leadership Conference and Sea Otter Classic in April. Right now, your support is essential to launch and grow this effort.
After all, life is better when it’s experienced on two wheels. You and I know this – and now we can take this message to millions of people across the country.
Sincerely,
Tim Blumenthal
Executive Director, Bikes Belong Coalition
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by Laura
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2010 ProBike/ProWalk Florida Conference
| May 11, 2010 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 5:00 pm |
| May 12, 2010 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 5:00 pm |
| May 13, 2010 | ||
| 8:00 am | to | 5:00 pm |
Come to Lakeland for the fifth ProBike/ProWalk Florida Conference “The Dollars and Sense of Bicycling and Walking” brought to you by the Florida Bicycle Association. The conference will be held May 11-13, 2010 at the Lakeland Center. Pre-conference activities will be held May 11. The conference begins May 12. The official host hotel is the Hyatt Place at Lakeland Center. Highlights include:
National, state and local dignitaries
Florida Bicycle Association Annual Meeting and Awards presentation
Educational and advocacy breakout sessions
Mobile Workshops
Continued education credits
Speakers will provide information and data to begin making the case that routinely accommodating pedestrians and cyclists makes total economic sense.
For more information and to register, go HERE!
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by Laura
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Florida Bike Summit 2010
| April 7, 2010 | ||
| 7:00 pm | ||
| April 8, 2010 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 2:00 pm |
| 5:00 pm | to | 6:30 pm |
Get Ready to Make a Difference!
Come to Tallahassee for the 2nd Annual Florida Bike Summit at the State Capitol April 8, 2010, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, and help protect the rights of bicyclists to ride safely and freely.
Learn what Florida is doing for bicyclists
Meet with legislators throughout the day
Connect with other bicycle advocates
Secured bicycle parking
Summit gathering spot: Tallahassee/East KOA Campground
Summit legislative training: 4/7/10; 7:00 pm
Summit celebration reception: 4/8/10; 5:00-6:30 pm
The 2010 Florida Bike Summit is FREE – register today
Press event at 10:30 am
19th Annual Tour de Forts, Sunday, April 25th @ 6:30 a.m.
The North Florida Bicycle Club brings you a classic one-day bicycle event designed for all road cyclists, the 19th annual Tour de Forts. Choose a distance of 18, 30, 62, 75, or 100 miles. Enjoy a wonderful bike ride with pre-ride snacks, rest stops, a post-ride lunch, mechanical support, motorcycle escorts, and roving sags. Click here to sign up through Active.com. Normal Online Registration with complementary T-shirt closes April 12, 2010- Late Online Registration without complementary T-shirt closes April 21
Join the Million Car Challenge Campaign
Are you in or are you out? Check out this terrific campaign by visiting the Bicycle Allowed Use of Full Lane (baufl.org) website. Read the Campaign first and then click away at the other terrific categories. By purchasing BAUFL campaign stickers, you’ll help deliver the message on one million cars to millions and millions of drivers. For someone who rarely puts stickers on a car, this message is posted loud and clear on my car. FBA has also ordered a customized supply of Bicycle May Use Full Lane campaign stickers in a static cling format since this message replicates the official road sign (shape and color) according to the MUTCD. FBA members will receive a complimentary sticker when you renew your membership or make an additional donation to benefit the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. New members will also receive a sticker. Help promote this campaign to educate all drivers. The FBA stickers are also great for surfaces/places other than your car. The generic adhesive sticker format is available from baufl.org.
Key Biscayne Memorial Ride dedicated to Christophe Le Canne : Sunday, January 24th 9am
What would be smart is for the organizers of the ride to print out those statements on pieces of paper and give out safety pins (most of the guys who are going to show up are racers anyway, so they know how to pin a #). Let’s get out from underneath our helmets and jerseys and show South Florida that we are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, neighbors, just trying to make our world a little better, one pedal stroke at a time – Jeffrey Lynne
What happened last week to Mr. Le Canne was horrific beyond comprehension. What happened many months back to Liz Stewart was a tragedy. What happened to Leon last year will not be forgotten. Every time a cyclist is killed I am reminded of just how volatile life is each time we get on a bike. Thus, our efforts at zMotion towards Ride Right/ Drive Right to inform and educate motorist and cyclist alike of the responsibilities we both have on the road. I can completely understand the need for cyclist to gather and memorialize those killed riding , and at the same time I want to caution us, in doing so we run the risk of aggravating, antagonizing and fostering even further resentment from the very ones who oppose us now. A memorial ride of any magnitude will be difficult to manage without any instances or confrontations with motorist . I know the purpose of such a ride, I am just not sure of the outcome.
In this particular incident if the message is we need better roads for cyclist, no amount of improvements, but for a separate and barricaded bicycle facility, could have saved Mr. Le Canne from a drunk driver. The demand to “make improvements” to the causeway, while fully supported by the South Florida Bike Coalition, begs the question – what amount of “improvements” could have saved his life? The answer is “none”. This was simply an unfortunate event that had nothing to do (I hope) with someone with a vendetta against cyclists. It could have been a jogger. It could have been another car. However, in this instance, it was someone not protected by the exoskeleton of a 2 ton vehicle. The cycling community will undoubtedly receive a lot of press, but don’t assume the message you are trying to communicate will be received by those you are trying to communicate to. I would prefer to have Kathryn Moore or someone from an existing organization designated as the “spokesperson” for the gathering so that a single, clear message be conveyed – cyclists have the right to be on the road and will not tolerate being treated as second-class citizens by any local government.
As the leader of zMotion I feel compelled to support our fellow cyclists in the most positive way we can without asking anything more from our members than they themselves choose to do. If a member wants to join in the memorial ride, I support that. If they choose not to, I am ok with that too. I do not want our members to feel pressured one way or the other, any display of emotion for a cause such as this should be an individual decision, not mine or zMotion as an organization . However, that said, for those zMotion members that do ride I simply ask that they do so safely, responsibly and help further set the example as leaders that zMotion has come to be known for.
To the family of Mr Le Canne, my deepest sympathy. – Pat Patregnani
National Cycling Organization Hosts Gatherings In Florida
JANUARY 4, 2009
Contact: Winona Bateman, 800-755-2453 x219, Email: wbateman@adventurecycling.org
The director of North America’s largest cycling membership organization will visit Florida from January 11 – 16, 2010, to speak about the life-changing potential of cycling and bicycle travel. Events will be held in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and in the Miami/Dade area.
Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling, will share the latest news on bicycle travel and adventures in North America, including new bike-friendly routes, maps, tours, and policy initiatives at the national level — such as an official U.S. Bicycle Route System, now being considered by Congress. At each event, there will also be time for participants to share their thoughts, ideas and stories. Whether you have made a New Year’s Resolution to get in shape, lower your carbon footprint, or you want to plan an overnight (or epic) cycling adventure, there will be inspiration for everyone.
Invite your cycling buddies, other friends, or family. These events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP by contacting Beth Petersen at Adventure Cycling Association: 800-755-2453 x 211, or via email at bpetersen@adventurecycling.org.
TALLAHASSEE – MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org). This event is co-sponsored by Capital City Cyclists.
When: Monday, January 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Florida Education Association, 3rd floor board room, 213 South Adams Street, one block from the State Capitol. Directions at http://feaweb.org/about-fea.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 6th
JACKSONVILLE – TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Tuesday, January 12 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Brooks Family YMCA, 10423 Centurion Parkway North in Jacksonville. For more information about the location visit http://www.firstcoastymca.org/brooks-branch, or call 904-854-2000.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 8th
ORLANDO – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Wednesday, January 13 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Grace Hopper Hall (Baldwin Park), located in central Orlando on 1913 Meeting Place. For directions, click on http://www.baldwinparkfl.com/web/directions.asp — or call 407-529-3800.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 11th
MIAMI/DADE AREA – THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Thursday, January 14, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm
Where: Coral Gables Branch Library, located at 3443 Segovia St., in Coral Gables. More information on location here: http://www.mdpls.org/info/locations/cg.asp.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 12th
TAMPA – SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 2010
What: Presentation on the latest news and resources for bicycle travel
Who: Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, North America’s largest cycling membership group, based in Missoula, MT (www.adventurecycling.org).
When: Saturday, January 16 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Where: Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium, located in central Tampa at 14407 B North Dale Mabry. For directions, click on http://cbebikes.com/storelocator/ — or call 813-963-5765.
Why: Meet people interested in cycling, bike travel and touring, and find all the resources and inspiration you’ll need to enjoy the life-changing activity of bicycle travel.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Bring friends interested in cycling and bike travel.
RSVP: Please RSVP by January 13th
# # #
Adventure Cycling Association is the premier bicycle travel organization in North America with over 44,000 members. A nonprofit organization, its mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle. It produces routes and maps for cycling in North America, organizes more than 40 tours annually, and publishes the best bicycle travel information anywhere, including Adventure Cyclist magazine and The Cyclists’ Yellow Pages online. With 38,158 meticulously mapped miles in the Adventure Cycling Route Network, Adventure Cycling gives cyclists the tools and confidence to create their own bike travel adventures. Contact the office at (800) 755-BIKE (2453), info@adventurecycling.org, or visit www.adventurecycling.org.
Greenways: A win-win for everyone
I was happy to see the East Coast Greenway featured in The Times-Union (Jacksonville newspaper). Contrary to feedback from some of your readers, greenways and trails accommodate more than just bicyclists.They welcome walkers, runners, in-line skaters, hand cyclers, horseback riders and baby carriages. In addition, when it comes to typical trail users, variety is the standard. I have seen everything from spandex to cargo shorts and tricycles to skateboards. I know one man whose wife is confined to a wheelchair and they are regular greenway riders via a custom bicycle-built-for-two.
When it comes to cyclists alone, the following economic returns are documented:
- They contribute $133 billion to the U.S. economy annually.
- They support nearly 1.1 million jobs across the country.
- They generate $17.7 billion in annual federal and state tax revenue.
- They produce $6.2 billion in bicycling gear sales and services.
- They create $46.9 billion in bicycling trip-related expenditures.
Regarding real estate values, in 2003, Marion County, Ind., was studied and trails were credited for increasing property values by $140 million. A new trail corridor in Austin, Texas raised land values and generated $13.64 million in new property tax revenues. In 2006, the Dallas Morning News reported a 25 percent premium on land abutting the Katy Trail.
In Florida, the Pinellas Trail draws 1.1 million users per year and it propelled downtown Dunedin from a 30 percent vacancy rate to a waiting list for business properties. The West Orange Trail created a similar revival in downtown Winter Garden, adding about 650,000 people. Further north, the Cross Florida Greenway attracts over 2 million users annually.
Corporate America increasingly supports recreational trails. Greenways and trails provide construction jobs and increased economic growth. They offer recreational opportunities, alternative transportation and increased property value.
Most importantly, greenways and trails provide positive experiences and health benefits for generations of users.
STEVEN DAVIS,
Landscape Architect, Fruit Cove
WINTER PARK HEALTH FOUNDATION INVESTS BIG INTO BICYCLING AND WALKING BY AWARDING A TWO-YEAR $95,600 CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT TO FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION
Improving non-motorized activity improves health on a personal and planet level. The two-year grant in the amount of $95,600 will make it possible for FBA to begin a Central Florida chapter that will deal specifically with the greater Orlando area with an emphasis on Eatonville, Winter Park and Maitland. A 2009 civility study, also funded by the Winter Park Health Foundation, granted FBA the insight as to the needs of the Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville communities related to cycling and walking. The civility study noted that 18% of the population used bikes but riders felt unsafe and auto drivers were without knowledge on dealing with cyclists in the traffic flow. This two-year grant will place opportunity with needs granting FBA a full functioning chapter to deal directly with the finding of the civility study of 2009. Given the focus and potential for improvements 24 months from now drivers could be more educated and courteous to cyclists and walkers. Cyclists and walkers could be more safe and secure and motivated to use non-motorized healthier options much more often.