FlaBikes

FBA Launches Redesigned Websites

2008-07-02T23:54:00.003-04:00

And the FBA Blog Moves to a New Home

How do you like our redesigned websites at www.floridabicycle.org and www.probikeprowalkflorida.com? We are keeping up with the times and possibly even getting a little bit ahead of the curve. You may be noticing that bicycling is all of a sudden getting pretty cool again. And we just want to help.

The new sites are easier to navigate with drop down menus for logical exploring to find the content you desire. And if you can’t find what you need, let us know and we’ll help you find it or add resources.

Special thanks go to Roger Pierce and Randall Williams, two of FBA’s former webmasters. Roger passed the baton to Randall in 2002 resulting in a redesign. Now, six years later, Randall has handed off website duties to Keri Caffrey following a search for a webmaster available to devote more time to the site. Keri, as the owner of Keri Caffrey, Inc. , operates a professional design studio with a national client base. Better yet, she’s a bicycle advocate, educator and commutes by bike most days to the office.

Take time to thoroughly explore the new sites and let us know what you think.

One item where we need your help is in building a list of bicycle-friendly attorneys to assist people in finding experienced legal assistance in their area of the state. FBA wants to develop more victim assistance so your suggestions are appreciated. Providing names of attorneys upon request does not mean FBA is a referral service but merely a place to start when searching for counsel. Contact Laura Hallam with recommendations.

This will be the last post on the blog at this address. We have transported the FBA Blog into a Wordpress database, it now resides on the home page of the redesigned website. Please change your blogroll links to www.floridabicycle.org

Cycling Smackdown at the Bowling Alley

2008-05-07T10:48:00.006-04:00

Central Florida cyclists will battle it out to raise money for advertising on Lynx buses to educate motorists on the 3 Foot Passing Law.

May 24th, 2008
4-7pm
Winter Park Bowl America
1111 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park
(a mile east of I-4)

$20 per person donation gets you a bowling ball, lane, shoes and 3 games.

Cash prize: Top scorer wins $100!

Teams consist of 4 players---grab THREE teammates from your bike club, your neighborhood and register today!

Raffle Prize: Trek 3.0 Soho hybrid or set of Bontrager Race X Light wheels. Generously donated by David’s World Cycle. $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets

Maybe you can ride a bike but let’s see if you bowl strikes or gutter balls.

Beer sold at the lanes.

Please email cstevens29@cfl.rr.com to enroll your team.

We hope to see representation from the following:
Armada, BOBbies, Florida Freewheelers, Flamingos, Glory Cycle, Team 19, Hal’s Pals, Seminole Cyclists, Windemere Roadies, etc.

WEAR YOUR TEAM COLORS

RIVER OF GRASS GREENWAY SUPPORTERS

2008-05-01T18:49:00.000-04:00

Please submit your public comment about Tamiami Trail rebuilding to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians are considered in the road/bridge design, and that the design is coordinated with the proposed River of Grass Greenway. The 30-day comment period ends May 9, 2008. Please take action - your comments can have a significant effect.

The specific name of this project is the Limited Reevaluation Report and Environmental Assessment (LRR/EA). Tamiami Trail Modifications extend for 12-miles west of Krome Ave. (= the eastern-most 12 miles of the ROGG). The purpose of the modifications is to improve water flow into Everglades National Park, as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Current plans include a 1-mile bridge with 12-ft travel lanes and 10-ft paved shoulders. Cyclists should be concerned about obstructions in the shoulder, such as rumble strips, raised reflectors, or drainage grates.

For more information about LRR, contact Bradley A. Foster at 904-232-2110
or bradley.a.foster@usace.army.mil. You can download the draft plan from
www.evergladesplan.org.

NATIONAL BICYCLING STRATEGY

2008-05-01T18:45:00.001-04:00

SUPPORT HOUSE CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION

The House Congressional Resolution on Bicycling (H.Con.Res. 305), introduced in February, calls on the United States Congress to adopt a national bicycling strategy to fully realize the incredible benefits of getting more people bicycling, more safely, more often. There is a "sense of Congress" that complete streets policies are essential to ensure wise use of considerable Federal investment in transportation infrastructure, and that expanded funding for bicycling and walking programs is desirable and appropriate.

NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

As we celebrate National Bike Month in May (even though March was designated as Florida Bike Month), cities and organizations throughout the country will be hosting events promoting bicycling as a healthy, fun, and viable form of transportation. This is also a perfect opportunity to contact your Congressional Representatives to thank those that have signed onto the Resolution and urge those that have not to so. A good showing for the Resolution is essential as this would serve as the first ever comprehensive bicycling policy statement and would serve as an important policy statement guide for the next transportation reauthorization which begins next year (2009).

As part of National Bike Month please take a moment to Contact your Congressional Member to urge them to support HCONRES305.

Thank you.

League of American Bicyclists

UPDATE REGARDING ROSENZWEIG VERSUS FDOT APPEAL

2008-05-01T18:38:00.001-04:00

The court has denied our Motion for Rehearing. We are evaluating the options regarding the appeal to the Florida Supreme Court on the specific issue at hand, but have been advised that less than 5% of such petitions are granted, so we don't want to get our hopes up. This does not undo, however, the great strides we have made to date. Notwithstanding, the cycling community now has the responsibility to go forward and to make the court's opinion mean something more than the paper it is written on.

We'll be in touch soon.

Jeffrey Lynne, Esq.
Akerman Senterfitt
jeffrey.lynne@akerman.com

This set back does not negate our need for funding. Please keep those checks and credit card transactions coming. Checks are better because they save FBA credit card fees, but both methods are greatly accepted. The easiest way to donate to this very important campaign is to go to the "Join FBA" link on the FBA homepage. Complete the membership form and reference "FDOT Appeal" in the "Comments" section. Enter a dollar amount if a preferred amount isn't listed. Complete the transaction using a credit card or print the form and mail with a check to FBA, PO Box 718, Waldo FL 32694. ALL MONIES RAISED FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE FORWARDED TO AKERMAN SENTERFITT to support the case.

ROSENZWEIG VERSUS FDOT APPEAL NEEDS FUNDING

2008-04-20T23:19:00.006-04:00

Petitioners have filed a Motion for Reconsideration with the 1st District Court of Appeal asking them to reconsider their decision not to make FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) install bike lanes on State Route A1A where there is sufficient state owned right-of-way to do so. This “reconsideration” is based upon the principle that the court ruled against the petitioners on that issue without allowing them the opportunity to present their brief and argue the issue. This issue was not introduced in the Informal Hearing by FDOT or petitioners and therefore, not thought to be part of the oral argument.

This continued battle requires funding, especially in the light that most of the work done to date has been pro bono. FBA needs your donations earmarked for this campaign. The statewide implications of victory or defeat are huge. Donations can be made my mail to FBA, PO Box 718, Waldo FL 32694, or by visiting our website at www.floridabicycle.org. Click on "Join Now" and designate Appeal Campaign in the "comments" section.

Thank you for your support.

You Bike to Work? Oh, You Poor Thing!

2008-04-03T15:43:00.009-04:00

The folks at Streetsblog have posted a video of a recent State Farm Insurance commercial in which some poor guy must resort to (gasp!) biking to work due to the high cost of gasoline. They dressed him up as a cycling fashion tragedy to help make the point.

If you're a State Farm customer like me, you might want to contact your agent and express your displeasure. (Of course it's not your agent's fault, but the corporate website had no way to send an e-mail to the PR or executive folks.)

UPDATE: Here's the comments page for the State Farm website.

UPDATE 2: In the comments section Kelt wrote: "I will not ever be a SF customer if that demonstrates their attitude." Now I'm not suggesting you should either become or remain a State Farm customer, but think about this: every problem holds the seed of its solution. Every corporation wants to be associated with good things. I asked them to contact the League and try to develop some Share the Road-themed commercials. They're buying ad time anyway, and they'd much rather run ads that make their existing and potential customers proud to be associated with them.

A1A: Losing a Skirmish, But Winning a Major Battle

2008-03-25T16:53:00.008-04:00

The Florida First District Court of Appeal released its decision on Bruce Rosenzweig et al vs. FDOT today, and the news is mostly very good. The Court wrote:

Bicycle paths shall be established unless the Department exercises its discretion not to establish bicycle and pedestrian ways where any of the conditions in section 335.065(1)(b) are demonstrated. Accordingly, we agree with appellants’ interpretation of the statute and find that the Department’s discretion is limited.

The key point in that to my ears is "demonstrated." The Department must now demonstrate that a particular project cannot include bike lanes and/or sidewalks, due to reasons of safety, excessive cost, or an absence of need. The Court also made clear that cyclists and pedestrians clearly have legal standing in such matters. Cycling and pedestrian advocates must still be watchful on projects, but now have a much stronger hand to force FDOT to prove any of those three conditions. Indeed, FDOT procedures have long required that Districts record any variation from the requirement to provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities; now the Court says they must do so as well.

Unfortunately, due to procedural matters, the plaintiffs were not able to show that the cost of providing bike lanes and sidewalks on A1A in particular were within a reasonable cost range. Discussion is on-going to determine if they will pursue the procedural matter up to the Florida Supreme Court.

The decision can be read here in its entirety.

Huge thanks are due to plaintiffs Bruce Rosenzweig, the Boca Raton Bicycle Club, and the League of American Bicyclists for stepping forward, and especially to the law firm of Akerman Senterfitt for its untold hours (though I'm sure they know how many!) of effort.

Road I Course in Orlando

2008-03-25T11:01:00.010-04:00

FBA is teaming up with the BOBbies women's cycling group and Metroplan Orlando to host another Road I Cycling Course.

Here's what Ironwoman Aylin had to say about the course:

I admit that the reason I came to the course was more to accompany my friend who I am introducing to road cycling, however to my suprise I got extremely good information out of it that will benefit and protect me while I am riding.

The 10-hour course will be held Friday April 4 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday the 5th from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Metroplan Orlando's downtown offices. Six spaces are still available as of March 25. The fee is $30.

Road I gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic. The course covers bicycle safety checks, fixing a flat, on-bike skills and crash avoidance techniques, and includes a student manual. Recommended for adults and children above age fourteen, this fast-paced, nine-hour course prepares cyclists for a full understanding of vehicular cycling.

For more information go here.

Armstrong Starts Bike Shop for Commuters

2008-02-19T15:42:00.007-05:00

Via Spokes 'n' Folks

Lance Armstrong has figured out the next stage of his life. He is busily preparing to open a bike shop in May that will cater to commuters in downtown Austin, Texas.

Armstrong said he'd like to see Austin evolve into a place like Portland, OR, where biking is part of the culture and people pedal to work, to restaurants and to run errands. "Walk outside, and the streets are lined with bikes — because they have a safe place to ride," Armstrong said of the city long known for its bicycle-friendly amenities and policies.

So how does Austin get to that point?

"The (Lance Armstrong Bikeway) is a big start," he said. Armstrong and his general partner in the project, Bart Knaggs, said they'd like to see Austin create bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic and a system like a new one in Paris where people can use a credit card to rent a bicycle from a bike rack station and return it at any of the dozens of other stations around the city.

"There are times I ride in Austin, and I'm afraid of cars," Armstrong said. "Imagine what the beginner cyclist must feel like? I think (Mayor) Will Wynn's dream was this whole revitalization of downtown, which we're getting, but it's going to make it a lot easier if people can get around on bikes."

Wow. Somebody sign Lance up for a Road I course!!!

The shop will be called Mellow Johnny's, for the nickname Armstrong earned in the Tour de France, wearing the leader's yellow jersey, the maillot jaune. The commuter-friendliness of the shop will be not just in the gear it sells or its location near Austin's gleaming new high-rises. There will be showers and locker rooms, so road warriors from the sprocket set can show up at work looking just as sharp as the dude in the next cubicle. There's lots more to read in the Austin American Statesman. The news gets a hearty hurrah from DutchBikes in Seattle, another bike-friendly city.

A1A Bike Lane Lawsuit Update

2008-02-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

ADVOCATE ATTORNEYS VS. FDOT HAVE THEIR DAY IN COURT

The continuing saga of the A1A issue in Palm Beach County hit a high note Tuesday in Tallahassee when attorney advocates had their day in court. Before or after you read pro bono attorney and FBA member Jeff Lynne's summary, visit this link to the video from the hearing, then go to:
07-1373 01-29-08 BRUCE ROSENZWEIG, BOCA BICYCLE CLUB, ET AL. v. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION, ET A

BRIEF SYNOPSIS:It became apparent during the hearing that the court did not agree either with FDOT's interpretation of §335.065, Fla. Stat., or FDOT's assertion that we do not have "standing" to challenge their failure to follow the law. The court did have some concerns as to the procedural irregularity of the hearing below, and questioned whether we sufficiently preserved the issue for appeal, but we were able to provide the court with a case on point after the hearing which we believe should alleviate those concerns. We remain cautiously optimistic based upon our collective impressions of how the hearing transpired, and hope for the best.

If the court is to rule in our favor, we believe that the opinion and order would provide, in whole or in part, that:

(1) There is a statutory presumption under §335.065, Florida Statutes, that bike lanes are to be included in all resurfacing projects, unless a legally recognized statutory or regulatory exception exists;

(2) FDOT has the burden of establishing and memorializing that such an exception exists and documenting same;

(3) There are persons with substantial interests in the provisions of bicycle lanes which gives them the right (i.e., standing) to challenge FDOT's failure to meet its burden of establishing and memorializing that such an exception exists; and

(4) FDOT must re-examine the A1A Project and determine where it cannot place 4-5 foot bike lanes and submit "Design Exception/Variance" documents stating the reason for not doing so [at which time persons can challenge FDOT's factual conclusions as to available right of way, cost, etc.].

Even if FDOT comes back and says they are not putting in standard-width bike lanes because of "A, B and C", at least those grounds will be based upon exceptions lawfully recognized. For instance, if drainage is an issue (and if we don't dispute that fact), then bike lanes can be limited in scope. However, if the Town of Ocean Ridge doesn't like bike lanes, that's not going to cut it.

However, the court could also rule that the procedural irregularity which occurred was fatal to our cause and not even address the core legal issue on bike lanes. But we feel that is unlikely considering the time allowed and the interest expressed by the panel.

LONGER VERSION:

The concern you heard the court express during the hearing is a nuance regarding the procedural aspects of the administrative hearing below. There is no short way to explain this, but I will try (as a lawyer, that's hard to do!).

Under the statutory procedures established by the Florida Legislature to challenge decisions from administrative agencies such as FDOT, if the dispute includes a need to determine facts (such as how much something costs), the agency (FDOT) is required to refer the matter to an impartial third-party (the Department of Administrative Hearings or "DOAH") to conduct a "formal" hearing, with testimony, etc., to make a determination of what the "facts" actually are.

On the other hand, if the dispute is not about facts, but only the application of rules or laws to agreed-upon facts, the agency can proceed "informally" (which is what occurred here) and set the matter before a "hearing officer" of its choosing (in this instance, FDOT's Chief Engineer).

However, if during that informal hearing, it becomes apparent that there is a dispute as to facts, we believe the agency is obligated, under rule, to stop the hearing and transfer the matter to DOAH to conduct the formal hearing we described above.

The questions posed by the court were:

(1) Whether FDOT, by setting our matter for an "informal" hearing, implicitly agreed to the facts we alleged in our complaint?

(2) Once (and if) it became apparent during the informal hearing that FDOT was relying upon facts that we otherwise disputed in our complaint (such as, we asserted in our complaint that the cost of building the bike lanes did not outweigh the need), who has the burden of suspending the hearing and requesting a formal hearing, us or FDOT? If it is us, and if FDOT then places those otherwise disputed facts into the Final Order, are we then stuck with those findings of fact?

In response, we were able to identify (after the hearing) a case which appears to be almost directly on point, which concludes that a party cannot "waive" the right to a formal hearing, notwithstanding that it became apparent during an informal hearing that there was a factual dispute. We were able to file a copy of that case with the court for its review during its deliberations on the matter.

And now we just wait....

Thanks to all the attorneys, Boca Raton Bicycle Club and the League of American Bicyclists for their tremendous support of this issue. FBA is behind this matter all the way.

Obama Supports Cycling

2008-01-29T13:36:00.000-05:00

from the web site Bike Europe:
US Presidential Candidate Obama Favours Bicycling

PORTLAND, US – Bicycle advocacies from city of Portland have unearthed a quote from US presidential candidate Barack Obama regarding his support for cycling.

He even seems to be the only one of the Democratic presidential candidates who explicitly encourages bicycle transportation in his energy plans. On the Republican side, the only mention of bicycles comes from Mike Huckabee, who told Grist, "I run and enjoy the outdoors and I often ride my bicycle to the store. My kids laugh at me and call me an old geezer, but I love it. Several years ago, I would have driven."

A part of the quote of Obama’s energy platform:

“As president, Barack Obama will build upon his efforts in the Senate to ensure that more Metropolitan Planning Organizations create policies to incentivize greater bicycle and pedestrian usage of roads and sidewalks. He will also re-commit federal resources to public mass transportation projects across the country.”

Tallahassee Newspaper Reporter Gets It Right

2008-01-10T13:15:00.000-05:00

Kudos to Tallahassee Democrat writer Gerald Ensley and to long-time cycling advocate Chris Sands for setting the record straight.

How it warms my heart to see the words: "bicyclists fare best when they obey the rules of the road and operate like other vehicles" in print.

New Way to Report Bad Drivers

2008-01-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

For some years we've been thinking about a site where cyclists could report bad motorists. Well, it's out there: PlateWire.

You can report the tag number, behavior and location and even request a postcard be sent to the offending driver for $2 (if they are able to find the address). Go here to see the Florida tags.

You're not limited to complaints. You can also flirt with drivers who catch your fancy and give attaboys to polite drivers. The one "Award" tag in Florida was a Share the Road tag!

Planet Bike Makes Advocacy Donations at 2007 InterBike Show

2007-12-16T19:53:00.000-05:00

Madison, Wisc.- December 14, 2007 - Planet Bike, a leading manufacturer of innovative, high quality, and practical bicycle accessories, has made two donations on behalf of two members of the cycling industry in connection with events from this past fall’s Interbike trade show.

Following the lead of Pacific Cycle and Saris, Planet Bike issued its own challenge to participants in the Interbike Industry Criterium. The race was held at the Mandalay Bay Casino on the opening night of Interbike 2007. Planet Bike stepped up to donate $5,000 to the Thunderhead Alliance in the name of the last place finisher, which turned out to be Dave Parrett, Marketing Manager for Thomson.

“My son will never let me live this down,” he said upon learning of his “prize” for being the last rider to cross the line. “I’m honored, but I’m already training for next year.” Parrett raced aboard a Storck bike that he had borrowed from the Hawley Company for the crit.

Back on the floor of the Sands Convention Center, Planet Bike hosted its second annual Ping Pong Tournament. Like last year, $3,000 in advocacy donations was again on the line for industry folks who were willing to battle it out on the tiny table.

This year, Ken Fong’s blistering play earned him the championship. Fong, of North East Cycles in St. Petersburg, FL, requested that Planet Bike make the $3,000 donation in his name to the Florida Bicycle Association. “I really like what the FBA does for the cycling community here and the events they sponsor, I wanted to keep it as close to home as possible,” said Fong. The FSA is committed to "uniting all types of cyclists...to create a statewide bicycling community bound together in common pursuit of a more bicycle-friendly Florida."

Planet Bike designs high quality bicycle accessories that make it easier and safer for people to ride their bikes. Since its inception in 1996, Planet Bike has believed that the bicycle can improve our environment and our quality of life. Therefore, each year it has donated at least 25% of profits to causes that promote and facilitate the use of bicycles. By the end of 2007, Planet Bike will have donated more than $500,000 to the grassroots advocacy movement.

Planet Bike
2402 Vondron Road
Madison, WI 53711
608.256.8510
Fax: 608.256.7990

Contact:
David McMurray – 608.256.8510
or
Dan Powell – 608.256.8510

IMBA Trail Care Crew in Tallahassee

2007-12-07T12:54:00.000-05:00

IMBA is coming to Tallahassee, Dec. 14-16, and you're invited to join in the special events. Anna Laxague and Jason Wells of the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew are teaming with SORBA Tallahassee and the U.S. Forest Service for a weekend dedicated to improving local trails and having fun.

The visit features an IMBA Trailbuilding School, a group ride and a social. This is your opportunity to rub shoulders with the IMBA Crew while learning all about trailbuilding. Check out the details below and come join in the fun.

Schedule:
Friday
6:00 - 9:00 PM: Social with IMBA/SORBA at Higher Ground on Mahan Drive

Saturday
8:00 - 8:30 AM: Registration and light breakfast at State Division of Forestry conference room, 3125 Conner Blvd
8:30 AM - Noon: Trailbuilding School classroom session
Noon - 1:00 PM: Lunch Provided at Tom Brown Park
1:00 - 3:30 PM: Trailbuilding School field session at Tom Brown Park

Sunday:
9:00 AM: Group ride, Meet at Tom Brown Park

Please RSVP for this event. For more information, contact Jim Schmid.

A Moving Little Film

2007-11-24T17:50:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Adventure Cycling for the following:

This link takes you to a very cool video filmed in Portland, Oregon. It shows a herd of bicyclists helping a woman move her household goods from one abode to another. The riders can be seen hauling items as large as couches and a boat (maybe).

The 2 Mile Challenge

2007-11-20T13:08:00.000-05:00

Pass along the link to this nifty Google mash-up site from Clif Bar: Take the 2 Mile Challenge. It might be just the thing to convince some of your friends to convert some car trips to bike trips.

A1A Update

2007-11-12T13:07:00.001-05:00

Another positive step forward has been made on the Palm Beach County A1A bike lane issue. The First District Court of Appeal has agreed to hear arguments by bike lane supporters on January 29. The fact that they were willing to hear the case instead of simply affirming FDOT's own Final Order shows the judges believe there must be some level of merit to our case. For more see the Boca Raton News story here.

Kill Your Television

2007-11-06T18:51:00.000-05:00

In his latest book Blink, Malcolm Gladwell describes the Implicit Association Test (IAT) developed at Harvard. This test exposes hidden biases by having subjects respond quickly to word associations (check it out at http://www.implicit.harvard.edu/). Gladwell explores how people score on the Race IAT, which makes associations with African-Americans and Caucasians. Over 80 percent of those who’ve taken that test showed “pro-white associations,” and even half of African-Americans have done the same. This is not evidence of racism or self-hatred, but about the many messages we receive from our culture on a continuous basis. As Harvard psychologist Mahzarin Banaji is quoted: “You don’t choose to make positive associations with the dominant group, but you are required to. All around you, that group is being paired with good things. You open the newspaper and turn on the television, and you can’t escape it.”

I have argued that the culture-wide relationship between bicyclists and motorists is similar to that of Native Americans and Americans of European ancestry. Like Native Americans, we were here first, and got in the way of the automobile’s Manifest Destiny. We "dress funny," have strange customs, make motorists uncomfortable when we gather en masse, and are being moved into reservations (trails, bike lanes) “for our own good.”

The automobile industry spends over $13 billion dollars a year for advertising, and whether one argues that the purpose of such advertising is to promote auto use in general or just to push one brand over another is really beside the point; all auto ads support the attitude that car use is good, and that even more car use is better still. News reports on the 42,000 annual deaths and 2 million injuries, global warming, ground level ozone, and the myriad other ills generated by auto use are of little consequence compared to such an advertising onslaught.

Bicycling and bicyclists are more often than not portrayed in negative terms: risk-taker, sacrifice, jobless, car-less, discomfort, geek, tree-hugger, freeloader, obstruction, slow, casualty… And where is the multi-billion dollar ad campaign to promote cycling?

The IAT results imply that, even though we know consciously and intellectually that bicycling is a better activity (healthier, greener, cheaper, more sociable, less dangerous to others, inspiring, etc., etc.) than automobile use, we might still (collectively) tend to defer to motorists as superior members of society.

Gladwell points out that it is in spontaneous situations when these cultural biases most affect our behaviors. With a 4,000 lb. vehicle breathing down the back of your neck it’s too easy to give in and make way; to feel as if you are the interloper.

Well, change is coming. You may have seen the Region’s Bank ads that use bicycles as symbols of freedom and joy. Lance Armstrong was a huge boost, even though he was not a symbol of the everyday bicyclist (and Floyd Landis has unfortunately become a negative symbol; two steps forward, one step back). This morning the price of gas was $3.10 a gallon and there’s serious talk of $4.00 by next summer.

As always, I try to leave you with something you can do with this new knowledge. Unless you can afford to buy lots of television air time to promote bicycling, I suggest you figure out ways to block out the pro-auto voices that permeate the culture. If the title of this post seems too extreme an option, you could instead use the mantra made famous by Saturday Night Live character Stuart Smalley (portrayed by Al Franken) as you bike down the road:

“I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!”

Razorback Mountain Bike Park Closing

2007-10-23T18:17:00.000-04:00

According to http://www.goneriding.com/ Razorback MTB Park in Reddick, FL is closing after seven years of trail riding and mountain bike racing. The last day will be Sunday, 11-04-07 . The owners of the property have decided to pursue other interests with the property and although a good relationship has been maintained with the owners and they have been very complimentary to the management of the park, the decision is none the less final.

This coming weekend the park hours will be like normal but on the last weekend we will open the park on Thursday 11-1-07, Friday 11-2-07, Saturday 11-3-07 & Sunday 11-4-07 from 9am to dusk and camping and night riding will be allowed all four of those days. An informal farewell party is planned on Saturday night (all are invited) 11-03-07 at the park (more info to follow). Again the last day to ride Razorback will be 11-04-08 a Sunday.

This also means that the scheduled final round of the Florida State Championship which was scheduled for Razorback will now be moved to the Santos Trails with the date remaining the same 12-09-07. The Santos location will be the best choice for the final event even though the seventh round is also at the same location.

The popular 12 Hours of Razorback (scheduled for 2-16-08 ) will be moving to a course in the area and information will be released ASAP. Also the first round of the SERC series will now be held in Gainesville at Haile’s Trails on 3-16-08 .

Please help pass the word as it is such short notice for everyone!

compliments of http://www.goneriding.com/ and the Gainesville Cycling Club, http://www.gccfla.org/.

Another Loss for Cycling, and A Story Illustrating the Imperative for Traffic Justice

2007-10-12T16:50:00.000-04:00

Norman Benzing climbed tall mountains, sailed to far-off islands and bicycled
across the country -- twice.

Before 9 a.m. on Thursday morning, while he
and his wife strolled along the sidewalk on South Orange Avenue, a car jumped
the curb and hit him from behind.

Friends and family members of the
67-year-old man were shocked that he was killed while walking down the street.

See the Orlando Sentinel story here.

I didn't know Norman, but sometimes saw him and his wife riding their tandem in the neighborhood; they only lived about a mile away.

ACTION ALERT: Tell Senator Martinez Florida Needs Trail Funding

2007-10-12T09:02:00.000-04:00

On September 11, 2007, Florida U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez (R) voted to eliminate all federal spending on trails and other walking and biking facilities.

Tell Sen. Martinez that Florida needs more opportunities for walking and biking, not less.

Sen. Martinez’s vote was in support of an extreme amendment proposed by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) that blamed bicycle and pedestrian funding for the August Minneapolis bridge collapse. This claim was made despite the fact that, since 2006, states have returned more than $2 billion in unspent bridge project funding to Congress. Coburn’s amendment was defeated 80-18.

This misguided scapegoating attempt cannot go unchallenged.

Please explain to Sen. Martinez why cutting trail, walking and biking funds would be a huge blow to Florida.

Bicycle facilities and trails have strong transportation value, produce zero emissions, support healthy lifestyles and provide economic development opportunities. We need more, not less, funding for bicycle facilities and trails. Federal funding has helped to create numerous miles of highly used bike lanes and trails: the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail and Cady Way Trail; regional connectors such as the Withlacoochee State Trail and the Suncoast Parkway Trail; and the soon to be constructed 50-plus mile East Central Regional Rail Trail and 49-mile Palatka to Lake Butler Rail Trail.

After you have taken action, please be sure to ask other Floridians to act as well. By multiplying our voice, we can convince Sen. Martinez to do the right thing in the future.
Floridians deserve better transportation choices. Please act now by visiting this link.

Why Wait for Government?

2007-10-08T16:38:00.000-04:00

While they're not a cycling organization, the Tampa Bay organization Green Armada caught my attention this weekend; their story made the national news. The guys who started the organization were seeing too much trash floating by on the Hillsborough River. Instead of pounding on the doors of state or local governments to demand something be done, they just went out there and started cleaning up. Eventually major corporate interests (and not to mention individuals) realized that what Green Armada was doing was worth something to them, and started supporting them.

So the question for cyclists is: "What can we do that's of value to the community that also benefits us, and how do we make it happen and publicize it?"

Bike Industry Gets Green

2007-09-30T19:42:00.000-04:00

It looks as though the American bicycle industry finally figured out during the past year or so that bicycles can be used for transportation, and "city bikes" were the big deal at Interbike earlier this month. See this article in Wired.

And while you're perusing Wired, check out this piece on the mountain bike downhill speed record.

Whose Roads? Who Pays?

2007-09-21T16:01:00.000-04:00

You’ll often hear or read some ill-informed person claim that cyclists don’t have the right to use public roadways because they don’t pay gas taxes. I suppose one could simply call them a fascist and be done with it (and be correct), but more reasonable and effective arguments are available.

First and foremost, use of public rights-of-way is a basic liberty, not a privilege of taxpayers.

But even if it were not a basic liberty, cyclists (and pedestrians) are certainly paying their way (and then some).

“User fees” such as gas taxes, vehicle taxes and fees, and tolls, account for only 60% of transportation funding; the other 40% is from property taxes, bonds, general funds, and other taxes, all of which are paid (directly or indirectly) by non-motorists. According to Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute,

“On average, local and regional governments spend $300-500 annually per automobile in general taxes on local roads and traffic services, averaging more than 6¢ per mile driven on local roads. Only 0.7¢ of this is paid through vehicle user charges, meaning that driving is subsidized through general taxes by about 5.6¢ per mile on local roads.”

Most gas tax money goes to widening roadways to accommodate more cars (thereby encouraging more driving) and to maintaining roads. Virtually all wear and tear on roads is due to motor vehicles (especially large trucks), not cyclists, and certainly not pedestrians. The cost of accommodating cyclists and pedestrians is generally less than 2% of the total cost of a road. Non-motorists therefore overpay for their use of roads, while motorists underpay.

Those who shop by bike, walk or transit pay gas taxes indirectly. Shipping costs, which are included in the costs of virtually all goods, include gas taxes.

Of course, most cyclists DO buy gasoline, since most own and drive internal combustion vehicles. To say one must always use the vehicle that makes the taxpaying necessary is an absurd trap. "You have no choice! You must drive a car because you paid the tax!" This argument also implies that those who pay more in taxes have greater rights than those who pay less. Those who drive electric cars might similarly be accused of driving on roads without paying “their fair share.” An electric car owner would only pay about one-third as much in “user fees” as the owner of an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Print and save for when you get into that inevitable argument!

Making Friends

2007-09-21T11:47:00.000-04:00

I find it ironic that cyclists in one of the most bike-friendly cities in America are reaching out to motorists to get them to be even friendlier.

Check out the story here.

Bravo Portland!

State Approves Land Purchase for 51-Mile Trail

2007-09-20T16:27:00.000-04:00

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet today approved spending $16 million to purchase the right-of-way for the East Central Regional Rail-Trail, which will some day run from Enterprise (across Lake Monroe from Sanford) to Titusville and Edgewater (the corridor is a "Y" shape).

See the Daytona Beach News Journal story here.

Lake Helen Receives Visionary Planning Award

2007-09-18T19:27:00.000-04:00

City of Lake Helen to Receive Award from 1000 Friends of Florida For Visionary Planning to Protect Community's Small-town Character

The City of Lake Helen will be presented with 1000 Friends of Florida’s Better Community Award for its citizen engagement and visionary planning to protect the community’s historic, small-town character. The award will be presented by 1000 Friends President Charles Pattison at an “Ice Cream Social” to be held in the City of Lake Helen on the evening of Tuesday, September 25 at 7 p.m. Residents of Volusia County are urged to attend this event at Lake Helen’s community center, historic Hopkins Hall, at the corner of Euclid and Connecticut Avenues.

“The City of Lake Helen has done what many other communities only contemplate,” says Charles. “It has engaged its citizens, established a compelling vision, and then incorporated that vision into its local plan.” The community was nominated for the award by Sam Tollefson of Cassadaga. “Having been an activist fighting to control the growth machine that has swallowed much of Southeast Florida, I have been alarmed to see such growth coming to Central Florida and other parts of state,” says Sam. “I was delighted to learn that Lake Helen has the insight, vision and courage to implement a growth plan that, if sustained, will enrich the lives of the people that live here for generations to come.”

In 2001, the community held a series of visioning sessions, and it soon became clear there was strong public support for maintaining Lake Helen’s unique, small-town, historic character. As a follow up, the city commissioned a population build out study on its 1992 comprehensive plan. Citizens and community leaders alike were shocked to realize that it would allow the distinctive community to grow dramatically in population.

Under the leadership of Mayor Mark Shuttleworth, Lake Helen then embarked on a four-year planning process to update the community’s comprehensive plan. In 2005 the city amended the plan, directing development first to infill areas, and incorporating smart growth principles for development outside the central core. The new plan slightly more than doubles the current population of almost 3,000 residents, which is considerably less than the 12,000 residents contemplated in the previous plan.

Mayor Shuttleworth attributes their success to two factors. “For years, our citizens have clearly expressed their desire to preserve Lake Helen’s small town atmosphere and quality of life,” says the Mayor. “They were willing to forgo ‘economic development’ and ‘jobs’ promised by strip malls and highway convenience stores in order to maintain our community’s environmental quality.” He goes on to note that the citizens trusted local government when it rezoned two-thirds of the town to ensure a population cap of about 6,500 at build out.

Mayor Shuttleworth also credits City Administrator/Planner Don Findell, who has guided the city’s planning and municipal infrastructure development program over the last eight years. “Don has been invaluable,” says Shuttleworth. “He brought many years of experience from other locales, and helped develop an acclaimed planning strategy to ensure the survival of this small Central Florida town.”

“The City of Lake Helen is a shining model for other communities across the state,” says 1000 Friends President Charles Pattison. “While its 1992 plan maximized the city’s future population and growth potential, the 2005 plan incorporates focuses on maintaining Lake Helen’s distinctive, small-town character.”

1000 Friends’ Better Community Award is presented annually for plans that have been implemented and projects that are completed that use the principles of smart growth to create livable, vital environments. 1000 Friends of Florida is also presenting six other awards for individual achievement and journalism at separate events over the course of 2007.

A statewide nonprofit organization, 1000 Friends was founded in 1986 to serve as Florida’s growth management watchdog. It has been presenting awards for innovative growth management efforts since 1990. For more information on 1000 Friends, visit www.1000friendsofflorida.org.

Vagabond..Volatile..Vigilant..Veloquent

2007-09-18T16:46:00.000-04:00

Canadian cycling instructor Bruce Mol developed an interesting matrix of bicycling behavior types. I thought it was a more useful approach than the “Types A, B & C” cyclists that the feds promote. You can think of these cyclists fitting along the X and Y axis of Vehicular Cycling Experience and Social Responsibility. Like so:

Here are descriptions of the types:

Volatile
Integrates with other traffic, but “doesn’t play well with others”
High level physical skills
BUT with poor understanding of vehicular cycling principles and practices
Attitude: “I know what I’m doing; I don’t care about your stupid laws.”
Crash Risk: Moderate-to-High
Facility Effects
Bike Lanes: may “calm” this user in some circumstances, but will not teach him to share the road
Paths: often treats other users as hindrances
Education and Enforcement Needs
Training on principles and practices of cooperative vehicular cycling
Enforcement of stop signs, signals

Vagabond
Poor physical skills (as well as poorly-maintained bike)
Poor understanding of vehicular cycling principles and practices
Low consideration of their own responsibilities
Low expectations for motorist behavior; usually on sidewalks; often “invisible”
Attitude: “I can’t wait ‘til I can get a car.”
Crash Risk: High
Facility Effects
Bike Lanes: often won’t use them, (stay on sidewalk); will still ride wrong way when they do use them
Paths: use them, but likely to ignore rules, especially at intersections
Education and Enforcement Needs
Training on nearly everything
Enforcement of stop signs, signals, wrong-way riding, lights at night

Vigilant
Modest physical skills
Modest understanding of vehicular cycling principles and practices
High consideration of their own responsibilities
Poor expectations for motorist behavior; keeps to local streets and paths, sidewalks on busier streets
Attitude: “I wish I could bike more but it’s so dangerous.”
Crash Risk: Low-to-Moderate
Facility Effects
Bike Lanes: likely to use them, especially after training; will recognize that they don’t address most safety problems
Paths: enthusiastic, responsible users; but want to use roads to get to them
Education and Enforcement Needs
Training on nearly everything
Tend to obey the law

“Veloquent”
High physical skills
High understanding of vehicular cycling principles and practices
High consideration of their own responsibilities
Modest expectations for motorist behavior; travels everywhere, rarely on sidewalks
Attitude: “I wish I could bike more than 5,000 miles a year but I don’t have time.”
Crash Risk: Low
Facility Effects
Bike Lanes: likely to use them, but not upset if they’re not available; understand that they don’t address most safety problems
Paths: will use them if they are convenient and uncrowded
Education and Enforcement Needs
Virtually none -- well-trained and tend to obey the law

So, where do you fit in this scheme?

Complete Streets Video from AARP

2007-09-09T17:28:00.000-04:00

Dr. Bob Chauncey from the National Center for Bicycling and Walking explains "complete streets."

http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/interactive/complete_streets.html

Focus on the Truth, Not the Myth

2007-09-05T11:01:00.000-04:00

FDOT Assistant Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator Dwight Kingsbury posted the following to the e-mail list of the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals. It's information that will be especially useful for advocates and safety proponents:

"The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a flier to combat myths about the flu vaccine. It recited various commonly held views and labeled them either "true" or "false." Among those identified as false were statements such as "The side effects are worse than the flu" and "Only older people need flu vaccine.""
"When University of Michigan social psychologist Norbert Schwarz had volunteers read the CDC flier, however, he found that within 30 minutes, older people misremembered 28 percent of the false statements as true. Three days later, they remembered 40 percent of the myths as factual."
"Younger people did better at first, but three days later they made as many errors as older people did after 30 minutes. Most troubling was that people of all ages now felt that the source of their false beliefs was the respected CDC...the studies show that the brain uses subconscious "rules of thumb" that can bias it into thinking that false information is true...."
"The research also highlights the disturbing reality that once an idea has been implanted in people's minds, it can be difficult to dislodge. Denials inherently require repeating the bad information, which may be one reason they can paradoxically reinforce it..."
"Mayo found that rather than deny a false claim, it is better to make a completely new assertion that makes no reference to the original myth..."

The lesson for cyclists: the more you say "That road is dangerous," the more people believe you don't belong on it. Then, as other advocates say, "It's a myth that cycling on the road is dangerous," it only get reinforced even more.

The more motorists believe cycling on roadways is dangerous, the worse they will treat us.

Small Change for Bigger Change

2007-08-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

Via Team Armada:

"[T]oday I came across something that I consider a great idea. While reading this week's RoadBikeRider newsletter, I came across a tip submitted by roadie Michelle C. of Griffin, Georgia. "An 'investment' in goodwill and safety for roadies."

"In the constant struggle to make peace with auto drivers, I stumbled onto a clever idea while on a Saturday morning ride.

We made a store stop to refuel. I found myself at the checkout standing next to a boy about 7 and what appeared to be his grandfather. I spoke to the youngster, who was gawking at my kit and shoes with wide-eyed amazement.

My chocolate milk and water cost $2.70. I gave the cashier $3. I hate change on the bike because it rattles and annoys me, so I smiled at the young man and handed him the 30 cents and told him to put it in his pocket. You would have thought I gave him a hundred dollars.

But perhaps more importantly, his grandfather was genuinely impressed with such a simple act of kindness.

Perhaps for 30 cents I purchased one driver who next time he encounters a cyclist will slow down and move over because it might be that nice person who made his grandson smile. And in a few years maybe that little boy will ask for a bike like mine and take to the road."

Again, this is a great idea, and something to consider next time you are given the opportunity to help all cyclists by doing something as simple as giving some loose change to a kid.

ProBikeProWalk Florida '07 -- Vision and Progress

2007-08-30T19:13:00.000-04:00

FBA's ProBikeProWalk Florida Conference for 2007 is now a wrap, and boy did we cover some ground! We kicked it off Monday with an elected official's luncheon featuring Canada's Gil Penalosa, who put cycling facilities and programs and walkable communities in the political context they deserve: the smart leaders are the ones who recognize the value of walkable and bikeable communities. Some of the officials were particularly interested in the Ciclovia concept.

Monday afternoon saw the kickoff of the Florida Traffic Justice Coalition, with leaders in law enforcement, the judicial system, engineering, education, and bicycling advocacy expressing their desires for a safer street system for ALL users, and developing the beginnings of a strategy, with core principles and short term priorities. (More to come on this in a later post.)

The Conference itself ran from Tuesday morning to Thursday afternoon, beginning with impassioned welcomes from City of Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan, and Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart. Metroplan Orlando Executive Director Harold Barley challenged the attendees to "get cranking and step it up!," because "We are poised at a moment in which cycling and walking are increasingly seen as parts of the solutions to important global issues: health, climate change, energy costs, urban sprawl, traffic safety, and child development. Walking and bicycling shouldn’t be seen as sacrifices for the common good, but as liberation from a broken system."

The Conserve by Bike Study, ordered by the Florida Legislature and recently released by the Florida Department of Transportation, was a popular topic of discussion. The report shows strong preliminary justification for the provision of bicycling facilities, showing that such facilities do indeed increase cycling, and that the increase in cycling results in significant savings in gasoline consumption, CO2 emissions, and health costs.

The Conference finished up with concurrent meetings of FDOT District bicycle and pedestrian Coordinators, and of local coordinators. Such meetings offer unique opportunities for professionals to strategize ways in which the bureaucracy can function better for cyclists and pedestrians. Look forward to a compelling effort by FBA to communicate key remedies in this area to the Governor's office.

Parramore Kidz Zone Ride

2007-08-24T10:26:00.000-04:00

FBA worked with Get Active Orlando (the City of Orlando's active living advisory committee) and Parramore Kidz Zone, a non-profit providing recreational and cultural opportunities for kids in the historic, low-income, African-American community of Parramore on the near west-side of Orlando, to put on the first Pedaling 4 Pride Ride on July 28. The Bobbies and Orlando Police Department were important volunteers.

About 100 kids (and some adults as well) turned out for the short ride around the neighborhood. We don't recall ever seeing such a happy and appreciative bunch of kids.

Like many low-income neighborhoods of late, Parramore is struggling with a significant uptick in crime. Many of the kids reported it was the first time they had felt safe traveling around in their neighborhood for quite some time (if ever).

Another ride is tentatively scheduled for January, and serious discussions are on-going about helping the community start an Earn-a-Bike program and/or a Major Taylor club.

This is how we build a positive cycling culture!

Spokes 'n' Folks Changes URL

2007-08-23T13:04:00.000-04:00

In order to minimize confusion between the names and URLs for FBAs blog "FlaBikes" and the Spokes 'n' Folks blog (at flabikes.blogspot.com), Spokes 'n' Folks has changed its URL to http://spokesnfolks.blogspot.com/ Please change your bookmarks accordingly! Thanks JHop!

Traffic Justice Coalition of Florida

2007-08-23T09:21:00.000-04:00

In Orlando on October 27, 2004, five-year-old Angelica Velez and her two-year-old sister Victoria crossed four-lane Goldenrod Road in a crosswalk with their mother. Ashley Townsend, age 22, ran the red light and killed the two girls as their mother watched in horror. Ashley was allegedly talking on her cell phone at the time. This tragedy brought intense attention in Central Florida to the need for improved motorist behavior and justice in our traffic system, but it was merely one of many such tragedies. The legal outcomes of this and similar incidents should address not only how careless drivers are punished; we must find ways for our justice, engineering, and education systems to help prevent such crashes in the first place.

Poor driving behavior is rampant in Florida. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles there are over 120,000 licenses revoked each year, and another 29,000 suspended due to points alone. Over 114,000 motorists were convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license in 2006; for all types of criminal driving violations there were over 235,000 convictions. 2.8 million non-criminal citations were handed out to Florida drivers in 2006.

Florida’s fatal crash rate is rising while the national rate drops; it is rising faster than our population. The cost of this mayhem falls hardest on our streets’ most vulnerable users – pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists -- but all users of our roads are affected. It is an injustice that we permit the careless and reckless to continue to wield such power, while those who present little or no risk to others are discouraged from using our streets.

The former president of Boston University Dr. John Silber said, “The only standard of performance that can sustain a free society is excellence.” Considering the destructive power wielded by those in motor vehicles, we must raise our expectations. As humans we almost always fall short of our goals, so a goal of mere adequacy in motor vehicle operation inevitably results in too many incompetent motorists. Our goal must be excellence. Dr. Silber went on to ask, “[D]o we have the right as citizens in a free society to reject excellence on behalf of others who may not be so foolish?” No; the vulnerable among us deserve excellence behind the wheel.
Florida Bicycle Association invites you to join us to discuss problems and solutions, to build a coalition with a vision for change and plan for action, at the first Florida Traffic Justice Coalition meeting at the ProBike®/ProWalk Florida Conference in Orlando on August 27th from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Embassy Suites Hotel, 191 E. Pine Street. While legislative solutions are certainly on the table, we’re looking for more; for creative approaches to changing the culture to one with high expectations for users of our public ways.

The format of the meeting will be as follows:
1:30-2:00 Overview, why we are here, encapsulate issues, break-out instructions
2:00-3:45 Focus groups
3:45-4:00 Break
4:00-4:15 Recap group discussions
4:15-4:30 Next steps

Mohandas Gandhi said, “You must make the injustice visible.” That is the first step. Only when injustice becomes fully visible and the voices of the victims are heard can we understand what is needed to remedy it.

Please join us for this important meeting. There is no fee, however, if you wish to attend the ProBike®/ProWalk Florida Conference, visit http://www.probikeprowalkflorida.com/ for details. Please contact Conference Director Bill Richards at 352-377-8342 or by email at paco25@bellsouth.net regarding your availability to attend the Florida Traffic Justice Coalition meeting.

ProBike®ProWalk Florida 2007

2007-08-23T09:07:00.000-04:00

ProBike®ProWalk Florida 2007
Healthy Community Makeovers:
Designs and Programs for Active and Healthy Lifestyles

August 27 - 30, 2007
Orlando, FloridaEmbassy Suites Hotel Downtown
http://www.probikeprowalkflorida.com/

You should attend if:

You walk or ride a bicycle
You care about your community
You care about the environment
You are an educator
You want to make a difference
You have a program or idea to share
You are a health or safety professional
You are an elected official
You are a member of Law Enforcement
You work for a planning or transportation entity
You work for a state agency or department

THE TENTATIVE AGENDA:

Monday August 27— Pre-Conference Workshops
Tuesday August 28— Morning

Welcome— Orlando Commissioner Sheehan and Orange County Commissioner Linda Stewart
Keynote Speaker—Gil Penalosa
FBA—Annual Awards

Tuesday August 28—Afternoon Eight Breakout Sessions
Wednesday August 29 — Sixteen Breakout Sessions
Thursday August 30—Morning Eight Breakout sessions
Thursday August 30—Afternoon Post conference sessions
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mornings—group walks around downtown & Lake Eola
Evenings—bicycle rides and/or walks
All the time—networking

http://www.probikeprowalkflorida.com/