ProBike/ProWalk Florida Conference sessions available online
If you were unable to attend the 2010 ProBike/ProWalk Florida conference in Lakeland, you can still take advantage of the terrific sessions. And for those of you who did and had to make tough choices regarding which sessions to attend, now you can enjoy all of them. All sessions are available to download by visiting the site.
Take Action: Help the River of Grass Greenway in South Florida
http://community.railstotrails.org/blogs/trailblog/archive/2010/07/01/help-the-river-of-grass-greenway-in-south-florida.aspx
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
Update on the Florida Office of Greenways & Trails
Dear Friends of Florida Trails:
I wanted to share some wonderful news with you and explain what has just happened, and is expected to happen, as it relates to the Florida Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT). OGT is the reigning recipient of the National “Best Trails State” as awarded by American Trails and, as you know, is a highly valued partner. Again like last year, they were circled for elimination earlier this week by the Florida Senate despite their success in building partnerships and leveraging funding. However due to the enormous and coordinated grassroots support that was demonstrated by us last year, the threat for the most part was quickly dropped. We owe a special thank you to Senators Aronberg, Lawson and Baker of the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee! No, really…..
We still have work to do though. The OGT is no longer targeted for elimination and most of the mission and subsequent positions have been restored. All but 2 of the positions will be back another year to continue to serve and build our ever expanding statewide system of trails. Senator Aronberg supports us strongly and has sponsored an amendment to restore the remaining 2 positions at a meeting that will, most likely, occur on Friday. Please take a moment to thank and say something nice to our legislative Champions – Senators Aronberg, Lawson and Baker as well as to our important House friends – Representatives Robaina and Cannon. Without them we would be roadkill!
Their e-mail addresses are:
Senator Aronberg – aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Lawson – lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov
Senator Baker – baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov
Representative Robaina – julio.robaina@myfloridahouse.gov
Representative Cannon – dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov
Thank you and stay tuned. I hope to have an important announcement concerning the Florida Department of Transportation soon!!!!
Take Care.
Ken Bryan, Florida Director
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
ACTION ALERT: SAVE THE OFFICE OF GREENWAYS & TRAILS
oelrich.steve.web@flsenate.gov
lawson.alfred.web@flsenate.gov
baker.carey.web@flsenate.gov
dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov
I am writing to urge you to reject a proposal to eliminate the Office of Greenways and Trails and merge its functions with the state park system. The elimination of the 16 positions that run the Greenways and Trails program would essentially kill one of the shining stars of Florida’s recreation and tourism businesses, all to save $1 million. The Greenways and Trails system receives 4 million visitors a year in Florida and has an economic impact of $95 million a year. This program cannot run without a staff and this small investment is yielding strong returns on our investment.
Just as the country is focused on alternative forms of transportation and on more healthy lifestyles to fight obesity, Florida would be eliminating one of its most successful programs to make progress on both those fronts. The residents and visitors of Florida consider the greenways and trails important to the quality of life here and what brings visitors back each year. I urge you to make smart economic decisions when you make budget cuts, and this proposal is not one of them. This office actually brings in revenues to the state.
Not only would this proposal shoot Florida in the foot economically but it would make Florida’s bicycle and pedestrian safety situation even worse. From 2001 to 2008, the last year recorded, Florida has either been #1 or in the top 3 in the nation, in both bicycle and pedestrian fatalities. 1 out of 10 pedestrian fatalities occurs in Florida. 1 out of 6 bicycle fatalities occurs in Florida.
Florida needs safe places to walk and ride a bicycle.
FBA advocacy awards bike culture complete streets conferences events safety traffic justice trails
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!
FBA advocacy bike culture events traffic justice trails
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
FBA Winter Board Meeting in Lakeland
Join us this weekend, January 8-9, for the FBA Winter Board meeting in Lakeland at the Hyatt Place Lakeland Center, 525 West Orange Street, Lakeland, FL 33815, (863) 4153-1122. When making reservations, use corporate ID #46575 to receive the $89 rate. The fun begins Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 pm for a Meet & Greet at Texas Cattle Company, 735 East Main Street, Lakeland, FL 33801-5038, (863) 686-1434. A Saturday morning bike ride from 7:30-9:00 am originating from the hotel precedes the meeting which begins at 10:00 am. The meeting adjourns at 5:00 pm.
I hope you can join us. Please RSVP if you plan to attend to insure space is available by contacting Laura Hallam at laura@floridabicycle.org.
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
