2021

The pandemic continued to take its toll although the vaccine promised to alleviate strict lockdown.  Some in-person events did happen and FBA remained cautious on attendance.

Legislation: Our 2021 legislative accomplishments included our Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Bill that went into effect July 1, 2021.  A brief summary includes:

  • Now motorists MUST obey the 3 feet passing law

  • Motorists CAN cross the center line in a no-passing zone to safely pass a cyclist

  • Motorists CANNOT turn right in front of a cyclist within 20 feet of any intersection

  • Bicyclists SHOULD use the left lane before making a left turn

  • Group riders may cross intersections with stop signs in groups of 10 or less

Programs:

  • The Ride Leader/Ride Marshal Certification program certified 32 RLRMs via two virtual workshops in March and May. In 2022, virtual and in-person workshops will be considered with a goal of certifying 80 RLRMs.

  • The Bicycle Infrastructure Assistance (BIA) program continued to provide technical help for advocates and others in requesting specific roadway or trail improvements by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or local agencies.

  • Hosted the annual Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop in-person in Clermont.

  • The Florida Bicycle Safety Quiz, an online, interactive resource tailored for the adult cyclist, child cyclist and motorist, was launched. Learn as you go! Just choose the online quiz that is best for you by visiting https://flbikesafetyquiz.com.

General:

  • Continued distribution of 2019 Florida Bicycling Street Smarts CyclingSavvy Edition and 2019 Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide.

  • Limited regional appearances, speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations, although the COVID vaccine did present more opportunities. Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column.

  • Ongoing partnerships and/or representation on the following boards or organizations:

    • Florida Department of Transportation

    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office

    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition

    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation

    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council – FBA makes annual presenatation

    • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition

    • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops

    • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)

    • Sponsored NICA Florida Interscholastic Cycling League, which returned to their annual race schedule.

Virtual presentations began in April as a result of COVID 19 protocol including Board of Director quarterly meetings, annual membership meeting, Ride Leader to Ride Marshal workshops, Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop and the new Virtual Seminar Series. Participation increased from a much broader area of the state (and even out of state) due to not having to travel. Virtual recordings for specific events are available on the Florida Bicycle Association YouTube Channel.

Legislation: Supported electric bike classifications and cleaned up statutory language that included the removal of a mandatory 25” seat height for bicycle seats. Effective 7/1/20, electric bicycles were defined in law [§316.20655] with three classifications based on speed and motor only (up to 28 mph), motor assist (throttle – up to 20 mph) or without any motor use (up to 20 mph). Local governments will still maintain authority to limit their use.

Programs:

  • Presented two in-person Ride Leader to Ride Marshal training certification program workshops prior to COVID and one 3-part Virtual Public Session via Zoom under the leadership of program manager Mary Beth Garcia. Over 300 cyclists have been certified as FBA RLRMs since the program was launched in 2018.

  • Launched the Bicycle Infrastructure Assistance (BIA) program to provide technical help for advocates and others in requesting specific roadway or trail improvements by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or local agencies. In addition, training on infrastructure topics and involvement with FDOT design policies will be provided.

  • Launched the Virtual Seminar Series (VSS) of workshops with the first set of three dedicated to Electric Bikes.

  • Continued distribution of 2019 Florida Bicycling Street Smarts CyclingSavvy Edition and 2019 Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide.

  • Most regional appearances, speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations were cancelled due to COVID 19; however, awards were either mailed or presented by local FBA representatives.

  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column.

  • Ongoing partnerships and/or representation on the following boards or organizations:

    • Florida Department of Transportation

    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office

    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition

    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation

    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council – FBA ED served as Chair

    • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition

    • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops

    • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)

    • Sponsored NICA Florida Interscholastic Cycling League.

  • Virtually presented the annual Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop.

2020