mini-grants encourage innovation · vol. 15, no. 4 fall 2012 official newsletter of the florida...

Vol. 15, No. 4 Fall 2012

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC.

A D V O C AT I N G A B I C Y C L E - F R I E N D LY F L O R I D A

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t’s time to nominate worthy indi-viduals and organizations for their significant service and contribu-tions to bicycling in Florida. The awards bring attention to the efforts and achievements of those who for-

ward FBA’s mission to inspire and sup-port people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well being through bicycling. The categories are:

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory CommitteeBicycle Club

Off-Road Club or AdvocateEnforcement Program or Officer

Educator or Regional TrainerTrail Manager or Promoter

Bicycle Friendly CommunitySupporting AgencyProgram or Event

Bicycle Dealer or Store Advocate

Bicycle ProfessionalCitizen Bike Advocate

DeveloperElected Official Champion

VolunteerSpecial Recognition

For a nomination form and list of pre-vious recipients, visit our website, click on Programs, and then Annual Awards. The direct link is www.floridabicycle.org/programs/awards.html. The deadline for submission is Oct. 26, 2012.

FBA Annual Award Nominations

Share the Road program awards two mini-grants

ike Florida’s Share the Road mini-grant program awarded grants to two Florida bicycle clubs, the Sanibel Bicycle Club of Sanibel Island and the

Capital City Cyclists of Tallahassee. Both clubs exemplify the impact local

organizations can have on their commu-nities. Bike Florida, Share the Road, and the Florida Bicycle Association are proud to support these clubs and their initiatives.

The Sanibel Bicycle Club was the “pri-mary mover” in the creation of a Cycling and Pedestrian Welcome Center adjacent to its shared use path and near the cause-way entering the island.

Including the City of Sanibel, 14 or-ganizations worked together to bring about the center’s creation. The city

A Bike Florida Share the Road mini-grant helped make this cycling and pedestrian welcome center possible. The covered display, next to a shared use path near the causeway to Sanibel Island, is designed to orient cyclists and pedestrians new to the island.

lacked funds, but staff and elected offi-cials offered ample support and coopera-tion, demonstrating how cities and com-munities can work together to achieve a common goal.

The Welcome Center is designed to orient cyclists and pedestrians new to the island and serves as a constant method of sharing the “rules of the road” mes-sage.

It will use Share the Road funding to provide cycling and pedestrian informa-tion, as well as bike racks and seating.

Year round residents of Sanibel, thou-sands of national and international tour-ists, and regional riders who visit the island for the quality cycling it offers will all benefit from this project.

The Sanibel Bicycle Club can list the new Center as a tremendous accomplish-

Please see Mini, page 2

2 Florida Bicycle Association

ment along with its annual bicycle rodeo and bike safety education pro-grams.

Also receiving a mini-grant is the Capital City Cyclists (CCC) of Tallahassee, which will use the grant to fund its Kids on Bikes Program. The program includes helping to teach the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program (FTBSEP) in the Leon County School System.

The FTBSEP was developed by the University of Florida through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation. With the help of Florida State University Graduate and Undergraduate students (FTBSEP Certified Interns), CCC taught nearly 3000 kids in the 2011-2012 school year. This grant will allow them to double that number in the upcoming academic school year.

The Leon County School system has actively taught the FTBSEP for 10 years, reaching about 1,000 kids a year.

Fifty additional bicycles, an 8-by-20 foot trailer, and supplementary certified instructors provided by the Capital City

Cyclists have greatly expanded participa-tion numbers.

The Leon County Emergency Medical Services and the Tallahassee Police Department have helped by providing additional personal for instruction and assistance with the fifth grade neighbor-hood ride.

Designated Bronze level Bicycle Friendly Communities by the League of American Cyclists, Sanibel and Tallahassee clearly benefit from their respective bicycle clubs.

The Sanibel Bicycle Club and the Capital City Cyclists deserve ample credit and appreciation for their efforts.

The mini-grant program is awarded at various times throughout the year. Visit the websites listed below for more infor-mation on these clubs or to apply for a grant.

Mini-grant application website: bike-florida.org/programs.php

FTBSEP Website: hhp.ufl.edu/safety/Capital City Cyclists: cccylists.org Sanibel Bicycle Club: http://home.

comcast.net/~SanibelBC/BCWebsite-new/Home.html

Mini-grants encourage innovationcontinued from page 1

Please see ADA, page 6

Disabilities Act revisions open bike paths and Rail Trails to cyclists with disabilities

ead to your nearest bike path or rail-to-trail, and the chances are excellent that you’ll see a prominent sign stating unambiguously NO MOTOR VEHICLES.

That would seem to leave us riders of ebikes out in the cold (or at least off the path), but a new regulation that expands the Americans with Disabilities Act declares such prohibitions null and void, at least until new procedures are adopt-ed.

Without those procedures, trail admin-istrators have been slow to accommodate the new regulation.

But once new guidelines are in place, those ebike riders with a physical or mental disability are almost certain to be allowed to ride the trails — and perhaps those of us without disabilities as well.

The purpose of the new regulation (ADA Title II, Sec. 35.137) is to prohibit “discrimination on the basis of disability by public entities.”

The entities of interest to us are all agencies that administer any public bike path or trail; the law seems to allow no exceptions.

In the past, agencies have been able to decree that motorized vehicles may not be ridden on such paths, but such prohi-bitions discriminate unreasonably against people with a disability.

The new regulation requires agencies to review their policies to permit the rea-sonable use of power-driven “mobility devices.”

If a specific device is excluded, it must be on the basis of legitimate reasons of safety or harm to the environment.

Agencies must specify which vehicles are allowed and must post these specifi-cations publicly. Until such guidelines are posted, the agency is not in compli-ance with the law.

by John Mosely John Mosley is a long-time avid cyclist who found himself unable to ride a con-ventional bike after suffering a brain tumor. He bought a step-though ebike and is now back in the saddle and loving it. This article was originally posted on ElectricBikeReport.com on 7/27/12 and does not necessarily represent the offi-cial opinion of FBA. Photo: John Mosley

This is great news for those of us with an ebike and a handicap — which includes a lot of us.

The law has in mind both returning young veterans who were wounded and are now unable to ride a conventional bike and older folk whose body is wear-ing out and who can no longer manage a bike like they used to.

Public cycling paths and trails should be open to use by such individuals and their powered vehicles, the law says, unless there is a clear (and stated) reason to exclude them.

Ironically, powered wheelchairs were always permitted on bike paths; now the same courtesy must be extended to other powered vehicles.

Agencies now have to face the problem of determining specifically which pow-ered vehicles can be allowed on which bike paths, and why others are to be excluded.

They can take into account the type, size, weight, and dimensions of the vehi-cle, the volume of traffic on the path, safety concerns, and environmental and historical/cultural concerns. Whatever they decide, they must post the guide-lines.

3Fall 2012

Join FBAUse the application form on page 15. Suggested contributions (tax deductible):

Individual $25Family $35Student/living lightly $15 Bicycle Club $100Corporate/Agency $100Higher donations are greatly appre-ciated! See membership categories at right.

Make check payable and mail to: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. P.O. Box 916715 Longwood, FL 32791-6715or join online at floridabicycle.org.

Visit FBA’s Websitewww.floridabicycle.org

Subscribe to FBA News, and FBA BlogStay up-to-date on bicycle issues with these statewide forums.

To subscribe to Florida Bicycle Association's FBAlink, go to FBA’s home page at the website URL listed here and click on the “Sign up for FBA News Updates by E-Mail” link.

FBA's Blog is on the website

www.floridabicycle.org

Messenger DeadlinesCopy and Advertising Deadlines:Summer Messenger - May 15Fall Messenger - August 15Winter Messenger - November 15Spring Messenger - February 15

Inquiries and submissions:tim@floridabicycle org

Membership Categories:

Paceline Leaders ($1,000+)

Titanium Partners ($500-$999)

Golden Gears ($250-$499)

Silver Spokes ($100-$249)

Bronze Pedals ($50-$99)

Membership includes a subscrip-

tion to the FBA Messenger.

Earl Lang, Treasurer 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Phone: 941-258-3400 [email protected]

Michelle Avola Reese 300 Fifth Ave., Ste. 101 Box 464 Naples FL 34102 Phone: 239-810-5949 [email protected]

Hope Howland-Cook10245 Winding Creek LaneOrlando, FL 32825(352)514-0652 [email protected]

Mighk Wilson, President 737 S. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32801Phone: [email protected]

Jodi Hohlstein, Vice President 3838 Cardinal Oaks CircleOrange Park, FL 32065Phone: [email protected]

Ted Wendler, Secretary 716 Ohio Ave. DeLand, FL 32724 Phone: 386-235-0057 [email protected]

Lisa Walker, Public Affairs [email protected]

Don Braverman [email protected]

Keri Caffrey, Webmaster [email protected]

Paul Casazza, Law Enforcement [email protected]

Raphael Clemente [email protected]

Dan Connaughton, Director, Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety Education Program [email protected]

Steve Diez [email protected]

Hal Downing [email protected]

David Henderson [email protected]

Herb Hiller, Journalist [email protected]

Dwight Kingsbury, Historian [email protected]

Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special Programs [email protected]

Jessica Meurer [email protected]

Laura Minns [email protected]

Danny Page [email protected]

Roger Pierce, Touring Calendar [email protected]

Carol Pulley [email protected]

Bianca Pyko [email protected]

Louis Rossi [email protected]

Tina Russo [email protected]

Robert Seidler, Filmmaker [email protected]

John Sinibaldi, Jr [email protected]

Stephanie Striefel [email protected]

Randall Williams, Newsletter [email protected]

P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715

Orlando

Board of Directors

Advisory Board

Executive DirectorTim Bustos 336 N Woodland Blvd.Deland, FL 32720 Phone: [email protected]

Membership DirectorDeb Devoe2738 Gables DriveEustis, FL 32726 [email protected]

Program Director Dan Moser1449 Linhart Ave.Ft. Myers, FL 33901Phone/Fax: 239-334-6417 [email protected]

Advocating a bicycle-friendly Florida

City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today!

NaplesFirst Coast Chapter DirectorJeff Hohlstein JacksonvillePhone: [email protected]

Central Fla. Chapter DirectorBrad Kuhn OrlandoPhone: [email protected]

Orange Park

Port Charlotte

DeLand

Lifetime members

Mighk and Carol Wilson Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal

James NashDuke BreitenbachKimberly Cooper

Dr. Joe WarrenWilliam R. Hough

Earle and Laura ReynoldsPolk County Sports Marketing

James HenzeCharles and Denise Badger

Richard Hammock and Lisa Cashulette

Frank SchroederJohn MildenbergerHarold & Karen Karabell

Douglas and Paula Fowler

Susan CunninghamJames TerylRed Camp

Candace OdiernaJames TowersJohn TannerAl and Heidi ParkerWilliam & Debra Baldwin

Allen LoydStephen and Roxanne Childers

Jason AufdenbergWaco and Mila Moore

Thomas Blazejack

Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99)

Silver Spokes ($100 - $249)

Richard and Belinda Carlson

Law Offices of Jeanne Coleman

Volusia Transportation Planning Organization

Polk Area Bicycling Association

Billys Bike ShopNational MS SocietyPhillip ScanlanM. Richard BerkowitzJack FineJohn SwansonHans Hansel (Bicycle Works, Inc)

City of Boca Raton Clerks Office

Emerald Coast Cyclists

Thomas and Maureen Olson

Paddle FloridaGregory & Sandra Dudley

Gordon & Donor, PA

Carlos & Leala Vazquez

Highland PedalersThe Great Bicycle Shop, Inc.

Panthers Tandem Club

Winter Garden Wheel Works

West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority

Alta Vista SportsMichael PilatoCharles and Colleen Weill

Seth Krieger & Kathy Peres

Donald & Laurette Bryan

Derek BlakesleeMark GreenbergDaytona Bicycle Center (Norm White)

Ulrich Bernier & Julie Abrams-Bernier

Tim and Nioma Brown

Thanks to Our Donors! 2nd Q 2012:

Paceline Leaders ($1,000+)MoXXie Bike Club

David Henderson and Kim Ogren

Thomas DemarcoStephen J. Cannon

Golden Gears ($250 - $499)

Natalie MosesRobert BellChristopher QuireJoseph FloydMichael NachtigalJohn and Christianna Campbell

Julie KlecknerHernan Martinez & Maria del Pilar Hurtado

Christine ProksochMitchell EdneyBrenda Dorn

Welcome New/Rejoining Members!

oontinued page 5

Ft Myers

Jacksonville


From the FBA Program Director...

Working toward a Florida bicycling culture

by Dan Moser

Capital City Cyclist members see recommended Florida Driver’s Handbook changes adopted

he 2012 edition of the Florida Driver’s Handbook

brings added attention to bicyclists and pedestrians,

thanks to the work of Tallahassee cyclists.

Dennis Scott, the (now retired) State Pedestrian/Bicycle Coordinator, and col-league Dwight Kingsbury made many useful edits, and provided the opportuni-ty for several members of the Capital City Cyclists advocacy committee (Committee for a Bikeable Community) to make suggestions as well.

The FDHSMV included in the final 2012 driver’s handbook all the commit-tee’s suggestions.

What changed?In many places throughout the handbook motorists are asked to pay attention to bicycles and pedestrians. And this new version finally explains what sharrows are (shared-use roadway markings, mostly in urban areas, that alert motorists to bicycles on the road and indicate where cyclists should ride ) – they have been present for years on several of our roadways, but the driver’s handbook had yet to mentioned them.

Word count of bicycle- and pedestrian-related terms increased significantly over the 2011 edition of the handbook.

The word “bicycle,” for example, appears 40 times in 2012, compared to 28 times in the previous edition. Mention

of “pedestrian” jumped from 46 to 71 and “cyclist” from 45 to 62 times.

The term “bike lane” doubled from 7 to 14 mentions and reference to “shar-row” went from zero to two mentions with the addition of an explanation of the term and an illustration of the mark-ings used on the roadway.

The handbook’s Section 5.17 – Bicyclists includes a Share the Road illustration and multiple text additions. Section 5.27 – Traffic Lanes adds men-tion of bicycle lanes. Section 6.5 – Pavement Markings adds text and images for bicycle lanes and sharrows.

The online version of the handbook is at www.flhsmv.gov/handbooks/EnglishDriverHandbook.pdf.

According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles Website, more than 800,000 new Florida driver’s licenses are issued every year.

Additional references to bicycles and pedestrians, advocates hope, will increase both cyclists’ and motor vehicle drivers’ knowledge of traffic rules with regard to bicyclists and pedestrians on the road, leading to improved interac-tions and a safer environment.

— Information in this article taken from the Capital City Cyclists blog at

www.cccyclists.org and used with permission.

BA’s purpose is “To inspire and support people

and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-

being through bicycling.” What appears to be a fairly

straightforward statement is actually quite complex and difficult to achieve anywhere in the modern world, but espe-cially in a state so entrenched in a cul-ture of motoring, due primarily to our pattern of development.

This car-centric focus has resulted in Florida’s dubious distinction of routinely having the highest fatality rate for bicy-clists in the US.

That fact is the primary issue that drives FBA’s board and staff, often to the detriment of being able to focus on other important matters. There’s obviously an urgent need to work towards creating a better environment for cyclists of all shapes and sizes for reasons related to our purpose, and for public safety.

The Florida Department of Transportation, an agency that FBA and other transportation and public safety agencies must look to for leadership in providing a better, safer transportation network for non-motorists, has undertak-en another effort towards that end.

Recently, a number of “roundtable” sessions were conducted around the state with the goal of gleaning ideas and examples of approaches that can work, have worked, or have been ineffectual.

While we applaud FDOT for their effort, the roundtables themselves were a case of déjà vu for those of us who have been involved in this arena for a while, who can only say “been there, done that.”

One thing that wasn’t the same as in the past was very welcome indeed.

Billy Hattaway, FDOT District 1 Secretary, and the point person for the effort to reduce bike/ped fatalities and injuries, welcomed everyone by noting his background as someone who has been a bike/ped champion in both FDOT and private sector.

The fact that he’s an avid cyclist (including as a commuter) and a CyclingSavvy Instructor, means we have someone in a vital role who “walks the walk” and serves as an example to his peers and co-workers at FDOT.

My concerns aside, I don’t want to diminish the importance of this latest attempt by our state’s main transporta-tion agency, and I believe something of substance will come of it.

However, I was also disappointed in the process being as it was – seemingly

starting from a point we should have moved beyond by now.

I’m also concerned that FDOT said they wouldn’t have available for public access the ideas, comments and exam-ples that came from the numerous public gatherings.

Instead, they stated, appropriate ones would be included in the bike/ped ele-ment of the Strategic Highway Safety Plan, currently being updated.

I hope FDOT will reconsider that approach because it perpetuates a per-ception that everything’s not really on the table, including perhaps a very important one: funding.

MAP-21, the new Federal Transporta-tion Bill, makes it possible for state DOTs to use funds in ways that may or may not be helpful to reducing bike/ped fatalities and improving the overall envi-ronment of non-motorized transportation modes.

Unfortunately, that topic wasn’t one covered during the roundtables unless someone from the audience brought it to light. And even then, while not ignored, wasn’t given the kind of attention this “elephant in the room” deserved.

At least that’s what I witnessed, and what others I communicated with who attended the various gatherings reported.

To be clear, FBA is a willing partner in FDOT’s latest effort to reduce bike/ped fatalities and injuries, one of many who seek to work with them to achieve this long overdue and critical goal.

However, their partners must remind them to keep moving in the direction of creating equity in transportation options, which means providing adequate funding

Letter to FBA...

Thanks to your crash informationVia “Contact FBA” – I’m a new member and I just wanted to thank you (the FBA) for your guidance and assistance with my recent crash.

Thanks to the information on the FBA Website, I decided to contact a lawyer to recover the money for my medical bills that resulted from the crash.

A month ago a dog ran out in front of me causing me to crash and land on my head, shoulder and back. I received a concussion, brain hemor-rhage, broken collarbone, 3 broken ribs, and 3 days in ICU, along with $50k in bills (so far). The lawyer agrees with the FBA that the dog’s owners & home owners’ insurance should be responsible for my medical bills. That’s a huge relief; now to heal up and get riding again.

THANK YOU ALL!!— M.S.

This car-centric focus has resulted

in Florida’s dubious distinction of routinely having the highest fatality rate for bicyclists

in the US.

for the programs and infrastructure nec-essary for that to be a reality.

That means putting pressure on FDOT leadership and elected officials to stay that course, and not revert back to the formulas and practices of the past, in which way too much emphasis was put on moving cars and trucks at high speeds – at the expense of all other road users.

If we fail to do so, trucking/freight and automobile interests, and their lobbyists, will seize on the newfound opportunity MAP-21 has provided to blow us off.

As I mentioned earlier in this piece, it may be a case of déjà vu... one we don’t want.

5Fall 2012

Point of view...

Free roads cost too muchEarl Lang, FBA Treasurer

fter decades of building more and better roads, we still have too much congestion.

In Tim Hartford’s book, The Underground Economist,

he said, “It is because roads are free that we have run out of spare road space.” He explains that the marginal cost of driving is so small that we never consider it.

Marginal cost is the cost of doing one more of anything, after the original cost of the equipment, the infrastructure, is in place and the annual fees – licenses, reg-istration, insurance, and taxes – are paid.

We think one more trip costs nearly nothing. We believe it is efficient and inexpensive to jump in the car to go to the market for a loaf of bread. We don’t see all the costs. We don’t relate our “quick trip” to the destruction of the environment caused by wide roads, the damage caused by extracting oil and refining it, the global warming caused by burning fossil fuel.

Do you ever think of the coal, iron ore, rubber, glass, and oil based materials that go into the car we all take for granted? Can you even imagine the waste prod-ucts generated by the production of all these bits and pieces that make a car? Can you see how our “Marginal Cost” thinking is destroying us, and the world we live in?

Is there an answer? I offer one solution and there are many. Most answers will not be popular with everyone. Not popu-lar? I ask you, “Just what is popular about the way our world is going now? I suggest that we increase the use of grad-uated tolls. Yes, toll roads. We need to

turn the most used and most popular roads into toll roads. If we applied surcharges for using congested roads we could reduce the number of users congesting that road. Fewer users of a given road equal less need for additional lanes. This will work almost immediately because many of our smaller, non-limited access roads are under utilized, while our Interstate high-ways and city centers are overcrowded. With tolls on overcrowded, popular and congested roads, drivers would begin to look for less expensive ways to get around – like the bicycle!

Picture this: you need a loaf of bread for dinner, you grab your keys, take the Interstate and zoom to the mall, dash into a MegaMart, get that loaf of bread, jump in your car, back on the Interstate, no zooming now because traffic is stopped for an accident. You finally get home to enjoy your late dinner. If you had to pay a toll to use the highway, would you think twice? Would you choose the nearby convenience store and use your bike? PayPass linked with a GPS system is available today to pin-point and assess charges for road use, or for driving in congested areas.

More and better roads have not cured congestion, but alternative transportation, walking and bicycling does. The money saved by not building more expensive roads, could be used to build a lot more multi-use paths, bicycle lanes and side-walks.

This can begin to stop our roads from costing too much.

Josh StevensDavid DennisDouglas and Julie RayCharles and Lee Leibold

Herman Ebeling, Jr.Jared KirklandJohn GeminderBruce LiermanDiane McNeilKevin PhelpsTodd NelsonAnthony Browne and Shelly Laughlin

MoXXie Bike ClubBruce BrennerDan ConnaughtonRed CampDiane BerlingoDuoying LiEliot LandrumChristina Willis-OttStephen J. CannonNairim VillarrealJean WestCharles and Colleen Weill

Ken and Valerie FosterGeorge and Tina Wayland

Daytona Bicycle Center (Norm White)

Terry KellyAndy ForandWest Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority

David ShafferClayton SmithAndrew IrvinMark and Jodi Smigelski

RC RangelKaren Lee LabargeJohn Hopkins & Liz Warriner

Bob CookJim DayTony D’AquillaEarl E. StineRob AboudDeborah AdamsRuthanne AlarconAnthony AndersonDan AndersonRobert ArmagnoAlvaro ArteagaSteve BallouSteve BallouJennifer BantleEdward BaumWilliam BelcherMary Ellen BellAlan BenderEd BennettCyndi BergsMichael BoneW Allan BoomerPamela BowRebecca BowmanGreg BrannonGlenn BroschLinda BrueskeJohn BurkeTony Cabrera

Daniel CabreraJeffrey CampbellSteve CannonResa CanterLynda CargileCharlie CasimirDavid ChalenderDan ChisholmKristeen ChristianDonald ClontzAmy CloutierAlbert CockerhamJeffrey CohenDale ColemanMatt CollierMaureen CollinsJim CostanzoDon CrowellJohn CutterSteve D AngeloMike DavisSacha DawsonNicola DeanMillie Del RioCathy DelGrossoJoed DenizacDiane DiazMichael DowlingSusan DriggersLynn DukeMonika EmersonPaul EmersonVanessa FelixBecky FilosofosK. FindleyRalph FisherTara FlemingRhonda FletcherMaria FrancoMichael and Kathleen Gagnier

Brad GarnerStephen GarrettRon GeorgeAndy GillhouseRandy GittessJim GoodrichDovi GorenGordon GravesWayne GrayEarl GreenKurt GuentherEmilia HalikmanMichael HallEllen HaraJameson HeiseConnie HendySarah HeraldBob HillChris HoaglundMichael HohreinJohn HoofnagleCindy HornerJeff HudsonTom and Barbara HuryBonnie JeanDwight JenkinsPatricia A JohnstonWalk JonesBernice JoyceIsaac JuarezDaniel JusticeJudy KahanJoAnne Kane

Noah KanterGary KastorffJon KaufmanKay KirkpatrickKristopher KouvarasUlrich KreidlerPaul KudlickKelby KuneyRichard LaChanceDarryl LaddMuki LaszloBob LeesDenise LeheupJ LittlePaul MagaleeDavid MaranoLauren MarcusDon MartynyKeith McCloudNancy McNallyDavid MenkerSheri MerriamJohn MoiseMavis MooreDavid MossDavid MuthDavid NagyColeen NagyPatrick and Toria NavePeter OlsenDave OlsonJamie OnealGregory ParksGary PearsonCharlie PeshekColleen PiparoJoe PriceMarcia PriceMichael PuleoAnnette Pulizzi LaveryJoan QuinnJon RandleJessica RandolphGus Reeves

Edmundo I RiveraMike RobinsonTricia RomesbergConnie RookRami RotlewiczKristin RubinChris RushCecil SalmonThomas SaylorTimothy SchererJames SchneckJan SchonhoffLinda SchulteLee and Sharon Sisselsky

Kathie SmithSarah SpeightVincent SpenceStephen SteckLaura StevensonPatricia StoneJim SullivanRobert SwartleyJohn TenneyMichael TigheThienthu TranBill TuckerRobert VogelJacob WaguespackLoretta WawrzyniakSam WhithamHoward WiedmanRob WorthenKevin WrobelCharlie ShawMary SheffKeith Sherrick

Welcome New/Rejoining Members!from page 3

Have you a subscription to the Share the Road Newsletter? It’s filled with information about bicycling events, people and places (including great trail maps for off road cycling). sign up at www.bikeflorida.org.

If you are an Adventure Cyclist, check out the ad-venturecycling.org newsletter, Bike Bits. To subscribe, visit: http://www.adventurecycling.org/bikebits/sub-scribe.cfm and read their blog at http://blog.adventu-recycling.org

FBA board president Mighk Wilson blogs regularly at www.mighkwilson.com. His well-researched, philosophical essays will get you thinking on a higher plane.

Don’t forget to check out our Cycling Savvy guru, Keri Caffrey’s favorite site, http://cyclingsavvy.org. There you’ll find a pannier-load of stories about “em-powerment for unlimited travel.” FBA’s own little pro-gram is so popular it’s spreading across the country. Have you taken your class yet?

For information about Florida’s bicycle laws, go to http://.Flbikelaw.org. Read through the archives, or ask your own burning question. We reprint some of

the questions and answers in the FBA Messenger, but there are many more on the site.

Can’t get enough of Keri? Go to her Website/blog at http://CommuteOrlando.com. Lots of great information on “Bicycling in the Real World.”

And don’t leave your computer without a visit to (I know it’s another Central Florida site...sorry) the Or-lando Sentinel’s own cycling blog, The Chain Gang.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_thechaingang

Sign up for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy eNewsletter at http://support.railstotrails.org/site/PageServer?pagename=rtn_registration to keep on top of advocacy, trail conversions and more.

Florida Cycling Magazine, a semi-monthly digital magazine dedicated to promoting Florida cycling and focusing on racing, can be found at www.floridarac-ingmagazine.com. Sign up for the e-mail.

You’ve certainly run across many more. The list is virtually end-

less. These few offer a variety of subject matter, just to get you

started.

Some Online Resources


hate stopping for anything! You lose all your momentum and it’s a pain getting the bike back up to speed.

That’s right, you lose the momen-tum but starting and getting back up to speed is a piece of cake if you know your gears.

The gearing system on a modern bike is one of the most efficient devices on the planet for translating human effort into actual work. Understanding gears should not be daunting.

Properly used, gears make you as efficient as possible for the speed, wind conditions and ter-rain. They’re easy on the knees. And they prolong the life of your chain and cassette. That translates into money saved. So let’s start with the basics.

In a standard configura-tion, the shifter on the left handlebar controls the front derailleur, which controls the position of the chain on the crank set, where the pedals are attached. The right shifter controls the rear derailleur, which positions the chain

on the cassette mounted to the rear wheel.

Remember when you drove a stick shift car? Did you ever try to start out in fourth gear? It didn’t work out for you then, and it doesn’t work very well on a bike either.

Gear combinationsThe lowest gear combi-nation on a bike is when the chain is on the inside chain ring on the front (smallest diameter chain ring), and the inside cas-sette cog on the rear wheel (largest cassette cog), as shown in the figure at right. If you have numbers on your shifters, they will each start out at “1” closest to the wheel through “x” farthest from the wheel.

Front chain rings are like gear shifts on a carMany geared bikes have three chain rings – such as mountain bikes and touring bikes; road bikes usually have two.

The low, or No. 1 “granny gear,” is

designed for going up steep hills, or in the case of riding in Florida – high bridges with a headwind. You’ll pedal like mad, but eventually, you’ll get to the summit.

The mid crank ring (smaller of two crank rings on road bikes) is your basic utility front gear. It optimizes your rear

First Coast Chapter Update...

Gears 101: understanding those pesky cogsJeff Hohlstein, CSI, Chapter Director

Ebikes are a shoo-in because they’re virtually silent, non-polluting, low speed, and take the same footprint as a non-electric bike, where a Segway might well be prohibited because of its width and gas-powered vehicles are not likely to be allowed for several reasons.

A huge question that hangs over all discussions is how to determine that an ebike is a handicapped vehicle; the ADA regulation is to help disabled cyclists specifically as opposed to anyone who happens to own an ebike who would like to ride the trails.

Wheelchairs are handicapped vehicles by virtue of being wheelchairs, powered or not. There is no process to certify that a wheelchair is a handicapped vehicle — it just is. Wheelchairs don’t display a decal with the blue handicapped logo.

Likewise, there is no process to certify that an ebike is a handicapped vehicle and no agency is empowered to issue special handicapped decals or plates, so there is no way for a trail officer to know by inspection that an ebike is being used as by a person with a disability or not.

The ADA regulation makes it clear that an officer can ask a rider if the ebike is for disabled use but may not inquire as to the nature of the disability or demand proof of a disability, so this leaves the question of enforcement wide open.

Without a way to certify an ebike as a handicapped vehicle with a decal or plate, it seems that the only option trail authorities have is to allow all ebikes (and other vehicles) that meet their stan-dards to ride the trails, whether for hand-icapped use or not.

Just as people can have handicapped license plates and windshield tags issued by the state, eventually we might see the equivalent decal or small license plate issued by local police departments, upon receiving a note written by a doctor or upon receipt of a completed form.

And we might see a standardization in exactly what constitutes an accepted ebike so that a ebike licensed in one jurisdiction is honored elsewhere. If so, we can hope that the guidelines are writ-ten carefully and thoughtfully.

ADA revisions open bike paths to motorized vehiclescontinued from page 2

When trail authorities eventually issue guidelines as to which ebikes are allow-able there may be a mixture of good news and bad news.

Pittsburgh now allows ebikes on their trails, but only if the motor is 250 watts or less — to limit the speed to 15 mph. Bad regulation! This seems to be a clear case of discrimination — many of us have motors with a higher wattage to climb hills, not to speed along on the flat. If Pittsburgh wants to limit speeds to 15 mph on their bike paths they should post and enforce a speed limit rather than ban ebikes with the theoreti-cal ability to go faster on the flat.

Hopefully agencies will get useful input from the ebike community before issuing guidelines that are then hard to modify.

The new regulations, posted in 2010, went into effect on March 15, 2012. Complaints should be referred to the Department of Justice (there is a form for registering complaints at their web site), and all administrators of bike paths and rails-to-trails should realize that

messing with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Department of Justice is not a matter to be taken lightly.

As an ebike rider with a disability, I cycle past the “no motorized vehicles” signs without slowing, but I carry in my pack a printed summary regulation.

To learn more:The text of the regulation: www.ada.

gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/titleII_2010_withbold.htm

A detailed discussion of the regulation, how it came to be, and guidelines for its implementation: www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/titleII_2010_regulations.htm

An article on how North Jersey is implementing the regulation: http://www.northjersey.com/news/environ-ment/081211_Federal_directive_chal-lenges_parks_with_increased_access_for_disabled.html?

Another article on how Pittsburgh is implementing the regulation: www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/low-pow-er-electric-bikes-allowed-on-trail-287385/

See Shifting gears on page 12

Above: Front derailleur on “2” (outside) rear: “4.” Hard pedaling but you go faster. Below: Front derailleur on “1” (inside) rear: “1.” Easy pedaling but you go slower.

Illustrations: Randall Williams

7Fall 2012

Self-supported bicycle touring in the Florida Keysby Earl Stine

ince I first visited the Florida Keys in 1973, “The Keys” have always been a mystical escape for me.

The sunshine, the aqua-blue waters and soft tropical breezes are my idea of paradise. But, like most of us, that little issue called work always kept me from experiencing her charms and exploring her many secrets.

A trip to “The Keys” usually meant flying into Miami, renting a car, driving straight to Key West…windows closed and the A/C running.

Quick stops along the way, jump out of the car, take a look, snap a picture, back in the car and off we go at 60 mph…

There was never enough time to truly enjoy the beauty around me. As an inter-national business executive, my life was

Share the Love – top 20 counties in Share the Road specialty plate salesby Ken Foster, Bike Florida Marketing Director

We really love all the counties but this group has proven, year after year, to be among the highest Share the Road specialty plate selling counties.

To offset counties with the largest populations tendency to dominate the “Most Plates Sold” list, we compare the number of Share the Road specialty plate sales to all specialty plate sales.

The counties with the highest popula-tions do still make it on the list.

Here are the top 20 Share the Road specialty plate selling counties for the past 18 months ending June 30, 2012.

1. St. Johns, 2. Alachua, 3. Leon. 4. Seminole, 5. Pinellas, 6. Orange, 7. Okaloosa, 8. Duval, 9. Lake, 10. Collier, 11. Sarasota, 12. Palm Beach, 13. Broward, 14. Nassau, 15. Martin, 16. Citrus, 17. Miami-Dade, 18. Brevard, 19. Wakulla, 20. Santa Rosa.

Share the love, visit your nearest tax collectors office to purchase a Share the Road plate.

Touring By BicycleI have always enjoyed bicycling, but rarely had time for touring. In 1998 I began cutting back on travel for work and started to take more time for myself. It was in this stage of my life I began to enjoy supported bicycle touring.

These trips were always enjoyable and I had the opportunity to explore many breathtaking locations across the U.S. All I had to do was hike or bike and they took care of everything else.

However, a group trip in many ways is similar to a corporate trip. The agenda and time line are set. There are group breakfasts, group dinners and set times to move to the next starting point.

I wanted something better. So around 2004 I started to give serious thought to self-supported bicycle touring. I could be like the pioneers, self-reliant. I could set my own agenda, start when I wanted to, stop where I wanted and best of all, there’d be no group dinners!

I researched what was needed to become a self-supported bicyclist and I began acquiring the equipment and learning the mechanical skills necessary to be a confident rider. Finally, I had to build my endurance and learn how to

spent in an aluminum tube, 30,000+ feet in the air on endless flights. I was away from home 5-6 weeks at a time and always on the move with never enough time to slow down and just relax.

In 1998 I started to give some thought to those “golden years” that were rapidly approaching.

My retirement target date was January 1, 2006, and I knew one thing: I did not want to spend the next stage of my life in planes, trains, automobiles or buses labeled “senior tours.” I was going to be different and explore as much of the United States as possible by bicycle. There would be no schedules, no time lines, no bosses and no group dinners!

Please see Biking to Key West, page 8


The Florida Bicycle Club Leadership Workshop returns to Clermont November 17, 2012, in conjunction with the Florida Freewheelers’ Horrible Hundred.

Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012Time: 3:00-6:00pmLocation: Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1750 Hunt Trace Blvd., Clermont, FLFee: FREE, however, registration is required.

Back by popular demand, this work-shop is not just for bike club presidents, but anyone in a leadership position who wants to share ideas with other club leaders.

This workshop is for you so don’t miss this opportunity to have your club well represented.

We welcome your agenda items and will ask many of you to make presenta-tions on your club’s best practices.

The Florida Freewheelers have gra-ciously offered, once again, ONE com-plimentary Horrible Hundred registration per club for individuals attending the workshop. The Horrible Hundred is Sunday, November 18, 2012.

Join us by registering today - https://floridabicycle.wufoo.com/forms/florida-bicycle-club-leadership-work-shop-111712/.

For more information, contact Laura Hallam at [email protected].

Florida Bicycle Club Leadership Workshop set for Horrible Hundred weekend

conserve energy so I could easily ride 50+ miles per day on a loaded bicycle.

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail (FKOHT)There was never a question about where I would do my first self-supported bicy-cle tour. It would be the Florida Keys.

I retired on January 1, 2006, and I began my first tour 11 days later. My route would take me from Key Largo to Key West and back for a total of 210 miles.

Before starting my ride, I did as much research as possible about riding in the Florida Keys. It seemed as though every-thing I read painted a not so positive pic-ture of biking in The Keys. I read blog after blog and it was depressing. But, I was determined, so at sunrise on January 12, I was off.

The blogs were correct. Many sections of US1 were being repaved, so many times there was only one lane for all traf-fic, bicycles included. Bridges were also being repaved, again forcing traffic into a single lane.

You don’t make a lot of friends when you are using the only available lane, riding a loaded bike and going at a top speed of 12 mph especially when all of those cars behind you are racing to get to

Key West! I hung in there, did the entire ride and loved every moment of my adventure.

Today, the FKOHT is a much different story. There are numerous bike paths on many of the keys, and, when it is neces-sary to use US1, there are beautiful wide shoulders. I have learned over the years that many times it is possible to avoid US1 and pick up a frontage road. Many

of the old bridges have been converted to fishing bridges and the center lane is dedicated to bikers and pedestrians.

And, work is continuing on building a continuous trail from Key Largo to Key

West. It is my understanding that another 30 miles of bike paths will be added in the next year.

The trip from Key Largo to Key West and back is a now safe and pleasant trip. It is flat except for the bridges. However, the winds can be strong, especially dur-ing the winter and for this reason I usu-ally break the trip into 50 mile segments. If you can ride 50 miles a day you can easily do this ride..

The Ride From Key Largo To Key West and ReturnI no longer camp. I stay in motels in the evening. I prefer the old mom and pop “Keys Motels” which are part of the charm of the area.

Being in a 5-star resort is not experi-encing The Keys. Over the years I have found several motels that meet my mom and pop expectations, are clean and moderately priced and are strategically located for the ride.

Key Largo Inn, Key Largo, located just a few hundred feet off of the bike path running from Key Largo to Tavernier. The owners, for a small fee, will allow you to park your car on their lot while you are touring.

Blue Waters Motel, Marathon:This is very nice mom and pop motel. It is the last motel before crossing the 7 Mile Bridge and the 1st motel after crossing the bridge on your return.

El Patio Motel, Key West:It is far enough away from Duvall Street to avoid all of the crazies and close enough to join in if that is your prefer-ence.

I begin my trip by leaving the Key Largo Inn, crossing northbound US1 and

taking the bike path. When on US1 I use the shoulder and I never ride against traf-fic, so it is necessary to crisscross US1 numerous times to either pick up a bike path or frontage road, or to avoid riding against traffic. Currently, the FKOHT lacks signage directing a rider to the segmented bike paths. Keep an eye open and you will quickly learn how to spot them.

The Wind Is My Friend, the Wind Is My EnemyThe trip from Key Largo to Key West is a joy because most likely there will be a tailwind. In the winter months the wind can be 30-35mph and a rider will easily fly down US1 and cross the 7 Mile Bridge like a bird. It is easy to begin thinking that the 7 Mile Bridge is just another bridge in The Keys.

The return trip can be difficult because usually there will be a headwind.

Biking to Key West and backcontinued from page 7

Plese see Self-supported, page10

9Fall 2012

Do I have to wear a helmet when I ride my

bike? Helmets are hot,

uncomfortable, strain my neck, and some of them cost more than $200!

Are they legally required? Are they really necessary? Motorcyclists travel a lot faster than we do on a bike, and many of them don’t wear helmets.

A Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia require bicycle helmets for children. No

state currently requires them for adults. Here is the legal answer to your question about bike helmets in Florida:

1. In Florida, it is NOT mandatory that you wear a helmet if you are age 16 or older.

2. If you are under 16, you must wear a helmet that meets federal safety stan-dards, and that is fastened to your head with a strap.

3. Assume this scenario: YOU are:

A. riding your bike without a helmet

B. involved in an accident that was not your fault with a motor-ist

C. You suffered a head injury

D. You pursue an insurance claim or law-suit to compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, and injuries against the at-fault driver.

Can the at-fault driver defend your legal claim by saying you caused your own head injuries by failing to wear a helmet?

Answer: No. Florida Statute §316.2065(18) says:

“The failure of a person to wear a bicycle helmet or the failure of a par-ent or guardian to prevent a child from riding a bicycle without a bicy-cle helmet may not be considered evi-dence of negligence or contributory negligence.”Having described the legal conse-

quences of bike helmets in Florida, what is the most reasonable decision about whether to wear a bike helmet? The statistics for wearing a bicycle helmet are overwhelming and compel-ling.

About 9 out of 10 bicyclists who die are not wearing a helmet.

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, 91 percent of all cyclists killed in 2009 in the United States were not wearing a helmet.

In Florida in 2009, there were 100 bicycle fatalities. Only 12 riders were wearing helmets. 88 were not. From 2000 to 2010, Florida suffered 126 bicy-cling deaths to helmeted riders. But there were 964 deaths to cyclists not wearing a helmet.

In 2007, about 67percent of bicyclists who died had suffered a fatal brain inju-ry. Helmets decrease the risk of head and brain injury by 70 to 88 percent.

Bicycle helmets reduce the risk of facial injury to the upper and mid face by 65 percent.

Helmets help prevent fractures and injuries to the head, neck, face and jaws. It has been posited that 75 percent of bicycle fatalities among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.

In the studies conducted, the conclu-sion is reached that wearing an industry approved bicycle helmet significantly

reduces the risk of head injury during a crash or collision.

Since the statistics are so obvious, one might think that most cyclists would reli-giously wear helmets. Unfortunately, one would be wrong.

In 1999, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted a survey, which found that rough-ly 50 percent of all

bicyclists wear a helmet.It may also surprise you that the major-

ity of cyclists who die are actually adults, and not children.

For the last 10 years, the average age of a bicyclist killed in the U.S. is about 40.

The average age of bicyclist who suf-fers injuries is 29. This is particularly relevant because only 38 percent of adult bicyclists wear a helmet. By compari-son, about 66 percent of children wear bicycle safety helmets.

Many ask, then, why do those riders in the Tour De France not wear helmets?

THEY DO – NOW. Cycling race regulations are set by the

Union Cycliste Internationale, which his-torically did not mandate helmet usage. For this reason, most professional cyclists did not wear helmets because they claimed the weight was a disadvan-tage, especially during steep uphill courses.

However, in 2003, new rules went into effect. The 2003 rules require pro cyclists to wear a helmet at all times, except they may remove their helmets during the final climb. It has now been almost a decade since all pro cyclists began to wear helmets.

As bicycle advocates, what can we do? We must try to educate and con-vince all bicyclists of the safety mer-its of wearing a bicycle helmet.

We must also provide access to inex-pensive helmets and assistance in making sure the helmets fit property.

All bicyclists should wear approved and properly fitting helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries, facial inju-ries, and death.

— Christopher G. Burns, Esq. is an attorney who has 25 years experience in

representing cyclists, mostly in cases involving wrongful death and serious

bodily injury. He is an avid cyclist who has participated in organized rides

around the United States and in Europe. Mr. Burns is also a long-standing spon-

sor of cycling clubs and race teams in Florida. He has also served on numer-

ous boards, clubs, and governmental organizations in advocacy issues related

to cycling. He can be reached at ph: 904-632-2424; e-mail: [email protected]. He is happy to take your phone

calls or e-mails.

Ask an Attorney...

What’s the real scoop on bicycle helmets?by Christopher G. Burns, Esq.

Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury

attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his

experience on the road with his expertise

and insight in the courtroom. This unique

perspective provides cyclists across Florida

with the representation they deserve.

Your race for compensation begins here.

904 -632 -2424

Have You been injured wHile cYcling?( i have. That’s why i’ll fight so hard for you. )

The statistics for wearing a

bicycle helmet are overwhelming and

compelling.


Cycling Savvy courses now available in Orlando, De-Land, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee and Tampa Bay areas. Go to the Web

site to contact an area coordinator near you.

Frequently the wind will be a steady 25mph with gusts of 30-35mph. That easy southbound ride across the 7 Mile Bridge will now become a challenge.

Every inch of riding northbound on the bridge requires work. It is now easy for a rider to understand why it is important to pick a motel close to the bridge.

What Were They Thinking?Probably the most dangerous section of the entire ride is the arrival into Key West at intersection of US1 and A1A.

For the last few miles into Key West there is a nice bike path. At the intersec-tion you have an option to either contin-ue right or go left. My preference is to go left because there will be a very nice view of the ocean. However, going left means having to cross US1.

There is a traffic control light because US1 meets A1A at this junction. But, to reach the control button for the walk light you must cross the section of US1 that flows into A1A to the right. And, there is no light to stop the traffic and the traffic is not about to stop for a biker or walker.

I’ve found it best to dismount and slowly force the issue by moving the bike out and hoping that a courteous driver will stop.

Self-supported touringcontinued from page 8

Again and AgainI am 71 now and I still average about 6,000 bicycle miles a year. With good luck I hope to continue self-supported touring for another 20 years.

It has been the best decision I’ve made for spending my retirement. I’ve had great self-supported trips on the Katy Trail, The Great Allegheny Passage/C&O Canal and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, to name just a few that are my favorites.

But I keep returning to the Florida Keys because they will always be special to me. I have made 15 trips since 2006 and will again ride the FKOHT in November of 2012.

My first 13 trips were solo, but in 2011 I began inviting others to join me, but only if they could meet my ride expecta-tions. If interested, drop me an e-mail ([email protected]) and I will send you the expectations.

Those who are interested in speed need not apply. After all, I am riding to enjoy The Keys, and life in The Keys is laid-back and casual.

Touring has taught me to enjoy the adventure at a slow and steady pace. There are many great and natural experi-ences in The Keys but only if one takes time to seek them out.

11Fall 2012

Educate other users that bicycle drivers are allowed the full use of the lane on most of our roads* with an FBA static cling. Only $2.00 to cover ship-ping and handling. New and renewing members get this free!

Order via FBA’s online store at

www.floridabicycle.org

*Florida Statute 316.2065(5)(a)3.

Show Your Support and Help Get the Word Out

Electric bikes in bike lanes

Q Gary asked: I have and electric bike w/less

than 750 watts motor, func-tional pedals, and less than 20 miles per hour. I have been told by local police

that I am not allow to use the bike lane. I have a document, Federal Electric Bicycle law HR727 Sec.38 stating it is a bicycle. Question is: can I drive in the bike lane and if so, what can I do to prove this right.

AYes! Drivers of bicycles with elec-tric assist motors that meet the

Florida definition of “bicycle” can legal-ly use bike lanes. See the posts in the tag cloud entitled “Motorized Bicycles.” However, let’s make sure we are talk-ing about bike lanes on the roadway and not bike paths, which are not part of a roadway. Vehicles under human power only are allowed on bike paths.

What to do if there are no witnesses

Q Alex asked: I was riding in a marked bicycle lane when a vehicle

made a right turn through me. I was already at the hospital by the time the police officer arrived at the accident site. The driver of the vehicle told the officer I was riding on the sidewalk so the offi-cer didn’t issue a citation for hitting me because, he later told me I was in the wrong. And there were no witnesses to confirm or deny either story. Is there any way to get the driver cited to make the insurance process go more smoothly?

A Your best option is to go to the police and ask for a full investiga-

tion into the incident. A letter to the police chief with copies to the mayor, city council and local Bike/Ped Advisory Committee may help. At a minimum, you should ask to provide a statement for the crash report or investigation and talk to the officer making the report. Ask what laws and facts led the officer to claim that you were at fault.

Educate yourself with the information at www.flbikelaw.org. An attorney can assist with the proper approach, but you probably will have to educate the attor-ney, since few are fully knowledgeable in bicycling law. There is a list on the FBA website of attorneys that have

shown an interest in representing bicy-clists.

Even if on the sidewalk or crosswalk, you are not automatically at fault in a crash. Bicyclists in a crosswalk have the rights and duties pedestrians.

Bicycles on the sidewalks

Q Jocelyn asked: I am going into mid-dle school and I have to ride my

bike and I don’t know if I can ride on the sidewalk or if I have to ride in the road?

A There is no state law requiring or prohibiting cyclists’ use of the

sidewalk. There may be a city or county ordinance that could prohibit sidewalk use.

When on the sidewalk or crosswalk, cyclists have the same rights and duties as a pedestrian, must yield to pedestrians and signal when passing.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations(10) A person propelling a vehicle by

human power upon or along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

(11) A person propelling a bicycle upon or along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedes-trian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

A bicycle on the sidewalk is still a vehicle, not a pedestrian. Other statutes about helmets, lights, etc. still apply.

Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians, and bicyclists on the sidewalk must exer-cise “due care” to avoid a collision. Speeds should be commensurate with the conditions. Simply yelling “passing” and blowing by a pedestrian is not only rude, it is also a violation of the statutes.

Riding on the sidewalk, particularly against the flow of traffic in the roadway, is hazardous:

At intersections and driveways, motorists are not expecting traffic from the right.

Bicyclists on the sidewalk may not be able to see traffic signs and signals.

Before using the sidewalk, ask your school officials or the local police if there is a local ordinance prohibiting sidewalk bicycling.

Do you have a question about the laws related to bicycling?

Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org*George Martin

As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, a website exists to provide a place to ask questions about the laws. This is a continuing series that addresses some of the questions and provide updates about FBA’s Bicycle Law Enforcement Program.*DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or on the streets differs from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and the FBA are not account-able for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation.

Hot New Handbooksby: Dwight Kingsbury, Pedestrian-Cycling Safety FDOT Safety Office

New (2012) editions of the Florida Bicycle Law

Enforcement Guide and Florida Bicycling Street

Smarts reflect changes in traf-fic laws made by the 2012 Florida Legislature (and changes in the Florida long form crash report form), incorpo-rate updated crash statistics and clarify key guidance.

Both publications recommend that a cyclist passing a parallel-parked car maintain 4 ft or more of clearance to avoid the “door zone”– but why this much?

Even the widest-opening car doors open only about 40 inches from the side of the vehicle body. In practice, though, riding this close to cars is not practical.

Cyclists don’t have laser range finder and guidance systems to track exactly 40 inches from parked vehicles. To maintain adequate clearance and avoid being star-tled by a suddenly opened door, a rider needs to maintain 4 ft or more of clear-ance.

Similarly for motorists: even though section 316.083, F.S., requires a motorist passing a cyclist to pass “at a safe dis-tance of not less than 3 feet,” intention-ally passing with just 3 ft of clearance would require superhuman skill.

At higher speeds, and depending on the motorist, being sure of passing with at least 3 ft of clearance might require 5 or more ft of clearance. A truck that swerves left to pass with (apparently) enough room can clip a cyclist with a wide, off-tracking trailer.

Motorists and cyclists used to be advised to be prepared to react to con-flicts, but that approach has been dis-credited. Problem: when a conflict sud-denly develops, operators often cannot

react quickly enough unless they have already anticipated the conflict and made appropriate adjustments in their paths or speeds; wait till a traffic threat definitely emerges, and it’s apt to be too late to take evasive action that doesn’t risk con-flict with another driver.

Planning ahead for common errors by riding in a visible, predictable line is the practical way to avoid problems.

Rather than huff and puff about con-flict anticipation strategy in a narrow lane, the handbooks quote the Florida Greenbook (FDOT Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Streets and Highways), which states: “Wide outside lanes are through lanes which provide a minimum of 14 feet in width. This width allows most motor vehicles to pass cyclists within the travel lane, which is not possible on more typical 10-ft to 12-ft wide lanes.”

A key amendment in the regulations allows bicycle lights to flash. Obtaining and maintaining pricey bicycle lights that required frequent recharging or replace-ment of batteries was once a nontrivial challenge for evening riders, providing a perennial theme of discussion and review in cycling magazines and online forums.

Now, with compact, relatively moder-ately priced LED lights that can run for many hours on a charge (especially on flash or low-power settings), cyclists who ride with lights at night (as legally required) are cooking with gas, so to speak.

Hard copies of the revised handbooks are expected to be available this fall compliments of Florida’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Resource Center, http://www.pedbikesrc.ce.ufl.edu/.

They’ll also be posted online.


gears for speeds from zero to between 15 and 20 MPH.

If you generally operate below 20 mph should use the mid crank almost exclu-sively.

The large crank is for speed. It should be used normally when cruising above an average speed of 15 - 20 MPH. The correct switch-point is dependent on many factors, including bicycle gearing ratios, and rider pedaling cadence (how fast your legs are spinning the pedals).

See “Gears 102” in the next issue for more on cadence.

Depending on what rear cassette ring your chain is on, if you start from zero on the large crank ring you are starting out in the equivalent of at least second gear in a car, probably higher.

Rear cassette cogs are like the acceleratorMost geared bikes have from seven to ten cassette cogs. These cogs change gear ratio in small increments. Use them as you would use your car’s accelerator.

When you start from a stop, you should be in the first or second cog. As you accelerate and hit your target cadence, shift up. As you hit it again, repeat the process until you are at cruise speed.

You may only make one or two pedal strokes between shifts. You’ll be amazed at how fast and easily you can accelerate even on the seat, and how easy it is on your knees.

Once you’re cruising, you can make small adjustments one cog at a time to balance cadence with your strength and environmental conditions. If you want to go faster, shift up. It will become harder to pedal. If pedaling is too hard, shift down

As you slow to stop, you should also downshift through the cogs so what when you’re ready to go, you’re again in

a low gear. If you do this religiously, you’ll always be ready to go, even on a hill, a bridge, or when faced with a high crown in an intersection.

When and how to shiftDue to its geometry, the front derailleur shifts the chain on the front side of power stroke. This means that when shifting the front derailleur, you must ease pressure to make the shift.

You have to anticipate that shift and do it, for instance, before starting up a hill. The rear derailleur shifts the chain on the back side or slack side of the power stroke and you don’t have to ease up on the power. Just keep on pedaling, and shift.

Let’s get goingArmed with this information you now have enough to go out and get to know your gears – it will change your ride for the better.

Or, in CyclingSavvy’s “Train Your Bike,” we take gear novices, some of which have pedaled for years, and make them basically competent through a set of exercises in about 20 minutes. You can find out more at the CyclingSavvy website at http://cyclingsavvy.org/ . If you live in northeast Florida you can get all the local info at the FBA First Coast website at http://floridabicycle.org/chap-ter/firstcoast/

Cadence and gearing are tightly inter-twined to deliver the best power to your bike. That, and simple power train main-tenance can cut your power train repair costs in half! In the next FBA Messenger edition, “Gears 102: Get maximum per-formance from your legs and gears and save $$” will explore how using both cadence and gears, you can extract the maximum performance that you are capable of on every ride – and save big bucks in the process.

Shifting gears 101continued from page 6

Executive Director’s Corner...

‘It’s been a long, strange trip!’Tim Bustos

s infamously quoted by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, “It’s been a long, strange trip!”

I’ve been with FBA a little over a year now, and during that time, we’ve had some successes, and we’ve had some failures – we just try not to have too many of the latter. The last quarter has been no exception, except that we’ve had mostly successes!

ooooo

This past spring, we finally had our grand opening for the new FBA office in

DeLand, and we had a great turn-out! In addition to board members and valued FBA members, we also had the mayor of DeLand, city commissioners, county council members, the executive director from the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce, and many other members of the business community.

This is one of the reasons I’m glad we established our new HQ in DeLand. I had originally settled in DeLand primar-ily because it’s close to the geographic center of Florida, and I wanted to be

available to FBA members as much as possible.

However, much to my surprise, the DeLand business community and local elected officials have been very support-ive of our efforts to improve conditions for bicycling in Florida because they get it! They understand our need to improve road safety for all road users. They understand that bicycling and walking are good for eco-tourism, that it improves quality of life for all Floridians – and that it’s good business! We are hoping this positive perspective will catch on in other communities as well.

ooooo

Speaking of efforts to improve condi-tions for bicyclists, the Florida Department of Transportation recently completed one of the first stages of its new safety program by hosting a series of “rountable” meetings throughout the state.

There were six meetings over a period of a week held in most of the major met-ropolitan areas of Florida, each lasting four hours or more. The purpose of these meetings was to solicit input from many of FDOT’s partners – including FBA – in addition to planners and engi-neers from local government, and the general public.

Many local cyclists showed up to artic-ulate their needs, and to request that FDOT work on specific projects. The Florida Bicycle Association was repre-sented at all of these meetings, including our own Dan Moser (FBA Program Manager), and his summary of the meet-ing we attended in Bartow for FDOT District 1 is included in this issue of the Messenger.

ooooo

As most of you are aware, we here at FBA have been working hard on getting a good federal transportation bill passed that would help improve safety on our roadways and pathways for bicyclists and all road users.

Unfortunately, congress took three years to pass a two-year transportation bill that fell way short of what we had hoped for.

Most of the verbiage is inordinately complicated and way more than most of you want to read about here, but to cut to the chase, much less money is now avail-able for the types of projects that people

want to see...and more competition for the few dollars available..

Moreover, the language in this bill gave the governors in each state the opportunity to “opt out” of such pro-grams as the Recreational Trails Program that has served us so well in Florida. The good news is that nearly every gov-ernor in the country has chosen to “opt in.”

The bad news is that Governor Scott chose to opt out (the only other state in the country that chose to opt out was Kansas). However, we have been work-ing with FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad, and he has stated that the only reason Florida chose to opt out was to maintain flexibility in funding.

And in a press release published the last day of August, Mr. Prasad stated that FDOT remains committed to continuing the Department’s support of the Recreational Trails Program, as well as critical programs such as “Safe Route to Schools.” Additionally, the Transportation Alternatives Program (formerly “Transportation Enhancements,” which has funded many bicycle facilities projects over the last 20 years, including bike lanes and bike paths) will continue to be funded at 2009 levels.

We will continue to work with FDOT to help ensure that limited funding is spent where it is appropriate to help improve the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Florida.

ooooo

On a more positive note, fall should be officially beginning right about the time FBA members and affiliates start receiv-ing this issue of the FBA Messenger. And you know why we appreciate fall more than people in most parts of the country?

Because we feel like we’ve earned it! After sweltering on long rides all sum-

mer, and dodging afternoon thunder-storms, we’re more than ready to start enjoying the cooler days of fall. And we deserve it.

Be careful out there!Your Executive Director,Tim Bustos

13Fall 2012

Selected State-wide Contacts Here’s whom to call about your bicycle/pedestrian/transportation concerns. Go to www.floridabicycle.org/statecontacts.htm for the complete, up-to-date list.

FDOT Districts

District 1Cities: Bradenton, Fort Meyers, Naples,

SarasotaCounties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry,

Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota

District 2Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, St. AugustineCounties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval,

Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St.Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union

District 3Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson,

Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington

District 4Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, StuartCounties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St Lucie

District 5Cities: Coco Beach, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melborne, Ocala, OrlandoCounties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia

District 6 District 7Cities: Key West, Miami Cities: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, TampaCounties: Miami-Dade, Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco,

Monroe Pinellas

Don’t just go...ElliptiGO?

FDOT Central Office State Bicycle-Pedestrian Safety Program Manager Trenda McPherson 850.245.1528 [email protected] State SRTS Coordinator Sarita Taylor 850.245.1529 [email protected] Asst. Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Dwight Kingsbury 850.245.1520 [email protected] Florida School Crossing Guard Program Administrator Providance Nagy 850.245.1757 [email protected] ADA Coordinator Dean Perkins 850.414.4359 [email protected]

Roadway Design/Special Projects Coordinator Mary Anne Koos 850.414.4321 [email protected] District 1 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Michael Kautz (acting) 863.519.2216 [email protected] District 2 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Jennifer Graham 904.360.5636 [email protected] District 3 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Zena Riley Taylor 850.415.9656 [email protected] District 4 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator John-Mark Palacios 954.777.4318 [email protected] District 5 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Joan Carter 386.943.5335 [email protected] District 6 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Ken Jeffries 305.470.5445 [email protected] District 7 Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator Lori Marable 813.975.6405 [email protected]

Other FDEP Office of Greenways & Trails Jim Wood 850.245.2052 [email protected]

Florida Pedestrian-Bicycle Safety Resource Ctr Wanda Tison 352.273.1680 [email protected]

Bike Florida Board President Leigh Matusick 386.736.1202 [email protected]

Rails-to-Trails Florida Office Ken Bryan 850.942.2379 [email protected]

JTA drivers learn to share the roadby Stephen Tochnell, FBA First Coast Regional Advocacy Director

With a PowerPoint that was put together by Jeff Hohlstein, and help from Keri Caffrey from CyclingSavvy, volunteer bicycle advocates gave presentations at all eight of the regular training sessions held for Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) bus drivers in July 2012.

JTA bus drivers are required to attend one training session per month.

Each of the presentations on bus-bicy-cle interactions took up about 20 minutes of the one-hour sessions.

The main points covered included cor-rect procedures for overtaking bicycles, positioning of bicycles in travel lanes, bike lanes and shoulders and communi-cations between bicyclists and bus driv-ers in traffic.

Two videos from Orlando, showed cor-rect procedures when buses and bicy-clists interact.

Following each presentation, bus driv-ers had ample opportunity to ask ques-tions and to comment on their observa-tions with regard to bicyclists.

The major theme was that most bicy-clists are untrained and that all bus driv-ers are trained professionals, it’s the bus drivers who are ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety of the vehicles, passengers and bicyclists.

Even though Florida law requires over-taking vehicles to maintain at least three

feet of separation from bicycles, the rule for bus drivers is to maintain a separa-tion of at least four feet. Also, when bicyclists use the bike racks on buses, they have to be sure to exit from the front, and to let the bus driver know that they are going to retrieve their bike.

If they exit from the rear, there’s a good chance they’ll be run over when trying to take their bike off the rack.

Response to the presentations, both from JTA officials and bus drivers, has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic. In an e-mail message, Patricia Emard, the JTA interim Superintendent of Transportation, reported that the presentations on bus-bicyclists interactions may be something that the JTA would like to consider doing on a regular basis.

She also reported that the video was very impactful.

The idea for the presentations came from Mr. Michael Blaylock, the outgoing JTA CEO. I was proud to help set them up.

For volunteering to make one or more of the presentations, thanks to Jacksonville Council Member Don Redman, Jeff Hohlstein, Mark Fetzer, and James Reed, the City of Jacksonville Bicycle Pedestrian Coordinator.

If you would like to know more about these sessions, please post a comment or send me a message.

Design for this “vehicle” was born of a desire to maintain fitness in spite of injury. Discovering that hip and knee injuries meant that he could not run or engage in any high impact sports or exercise, co-founder of the company, Bryan Pate, teamed up with Brent Teal, (mechanical engineer and former Ironman triathlete) to design this elliptical trainer on wheels.

Their idea was to create the feeling of running, without the impact, and to build a device that would get Brian out of the boring workout room. Several years and several designs later the first ElliptiGO was delivered to a customer in 2010.

The ElliptiGO comes in three models with prices ranging from about $1,800 to $3,500. With that kind of outlay, you could just go ahead and buy that new 55” plasma to spruce up your own boring workout room. But, hey, you’d still be missing the great outdoors.

You can find dealers in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, Miami.

Of course they have a Website:

www.elliptigo.com

PEDALS


Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida This printed version is ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the con-tact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calen-dar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, and much of

the hype we edited out in this here version, at www.floridabicycle.org/fbtc/.

October

October 6 (Sat) Miccosukee29th Annual Spaghetti 100

Enjoy a day of touring the roads (paved or dirt) of North Florida and South Georgia for a day, followed by a sumptuous spaghetti dinner with lots of accoutrements. There are four (4) ride options: Classic Options: 100 miles or 100 kilome-ters on paved rural roads. Dirt Options: 62 miles or (42 miles) on mostly unpaved (dirt) roads. All ride options will be supported with marked routes, rest stops, and emergency SAG. For registration, directions, and ride information please visit the Capital City Cyclists Website (link below). http://www.cccyclists.org/

October 7 (Sun) Inverness18th Annual Rails to Trails

Bike Ride Start: 7-9 am No Mass start.

Location: North Apopka Trailhead in Inverness. Distance: 46 mile paved trail. If you ride the trail both directions an optional 8 mile loop is offered for a century ride Entry Fee $25.00 per rider over 12 yrs old, $15.00 for riders 12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult). Mailed and ONLINE entries must be recieved no later than Midnight October 4th, 2012. All others must register as “WALK UP” the day of the ride. All support ends at 3:00PM DAY OF RIDE For more info. go to our website www.railstotrailsonline.net. and print out or send in entry form Call 352-527-9535 if additional info. needed E-mail [email protected], http://railstotrailsonline.com

October 7 (Sun) HeathrowCystic Fibrosis Foundation Cycle

For Life 100/62/35 Registration 7 a.m., Start 8 a.m. - The CF Cycle For Life is a one-day tour where hundreds of men and women will come togeth-er to participate in an event to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Participants have the choice of 35, 62, or 100 mile routes riding through the back roads of northern Seminole and Volusia Counties. The bike tour is a fully supported journey with stocked rest stops every 12-15 miles, support and gear (SAG) vehicles, on-site medi-cal services, marked route and much more. This unique event empowers participants to take action and demonstrate their fight in finding a cure in a tangible, emotional and experientially pow-erful way. For any questions please contact the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at either 1850 Lee Rd. Suite 111, Winter Park, FL 32789, or Paul Gloersen at 407-339-2978 or [email protected] http://orlando.cff.org/cycleforlife

October 11-14 ChieflandChiefland Fall Bicycle Fest

Up to four fun-filled days riding on Florida’s Gulf Coast Trails. All rides start in Chiefland, FL. Choose from several options to these destinations - Trenton, Cross City, and Cedar Key. Tent camping included or RV and hotel options available. Food option. Phone: (727) 457-6994. http://www.chief-landbicyclefest.com

October 15-19 Cross CityGulf Coast Highlight Tour

Tour package consists of 5 days and four nights; cycling on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast, other attractions include a visit to Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see the Mermaids perform at Weeki Watchee Springs, and see the Manatees at Crystal River. http://www.gulfcoasteventstours.com/

October 21 (Sun) North PortTour de North Port 15, 35, 65, or 100-mile routes

through the pine flatwoods in and around North Port. $35 online reg-istration fee includes breakfast, mobile support,rest stops,snacks,lunch. A free com-memorative ride t-shirt and water bottle to the first 50 to pre-register by Oct.1. Registrations can be done online up through Oct. 19. Check-in/on-site registration ($40)for the 35/65/100 mile rides begins at 7AM; the 15-mile special “Family Ride” begins at 9AM (Family reg-istration rate for this ride is $50 for up to 6 riders,lunch/free t-shirts NOT included). Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave. North Port. Presented by People for Trees, Inc.

www.peoplefortrees.com/

October 21 (Sun) Bonita SpringsRide 4 Hope to Benefit Hope

Hospice Join the ride and help give Hope

to others! 25/50 mile routes. All proceeds benefit Hope Hospice, a non-profit providing care and sup-port to everyone with a life-limit-ing illness. Check-in begins at 7:00 a.m. at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, 27200 Imperial Parkway. 50-mile ride departs at 8:00, 25-mile departs at 8:30. Registration fee includes rest stops, shirt, goodie bag, SAG sup-port and pre-event safety check. Hope Hospice, Heather, (239)489-9164. www.hopehospice.org/ride

October 26-28 White SpringsSBA Suwannee Fat Tire Festival Enjoy 3 days of riding SBA’s 6

unique mountain bikes trails (50+ miles of great single track). Ride guides. Free beginner mnt. bike clinic; hiking and Suwannee River paddling options. Camping includ-ed at the beautiful Stephen Foster State Park. Come early for the Thursday night potluck dinner at SBA headquarters in White Springs. Social events and more. Roadies welcome to enjoy the sce-nic, low traffic rural roads (maps available). For details visit website

or call 386.243.0115. www.suwanneebike.org/ftf.htm

October 27 (Sat) Gainesville20th Annual Santa Fe Century

A tour through the lush forest and pasture land north of Gainesville up through the Santa Fe River val-ley. Rides start at 8:30 am from the North West Boys and Girls Club at 2700 NW 51st Street in Gainesville. Enjoy a 100 or a 55 mile road ride, or the 18 or 28 mile Millhopper Ramble family fun ride, with well stocked rest stops. http://gccfla.org/gcf/

October 27-28 GainesvilleGainesville Cycling Festival

Two centuries in two days! (Or enjoy the shorter options for a weekend of bicycle touring.) See details in the listings for the Santa Fe Century and Horse Farm Hundred. Full info is available on the web site. http://gccfla.org/gcf/

October 28 (Sun) FlemingtonHorse Farm Tours

The Horse Farm Tours start in Flemington on CR 329 (Interstate 75 CR 318 exit). Registration will be open till 9 am. If you want to start with a group, we’ll send you off at 8:30 am. Otherwise, you can start whenever you wish. With 25, 30, and 45 mile routes to choose from, there should be a distance to satisfy everyone in the family. The terrain that you will encounter as you wind through the horse farms is rolling. If you are from the coast, it will be a different challenge than just riding over the odd canal bridge. But many of you will want to make frequent stops to take in the scenery, and perhaps have a conversation with a horse. http://gccfla.org/gcf/

October 28 (Sun) Gainesville32nd Annual Horse Farm 100

The Gainesville Cycling Club’s tour through the picturesque horse farms of northern Marion County. We have the best stocked rest stops

in Florida! The 102 mile ride (and a 55 mile option that doesn’t get into horse farm territory) starts at 8:30 am at Loften High School at 3000 East University Avenue. Bagels and muffins will be avail-able before the start. http://gccfla.org/gcf/

October 28 (Sun) MarinelandSpoonbills & Sprockets- Friends

of A1A Scenic Byway Ride Metric 100/35/20, Mass start 8am. Come ride along the beautiful and scenic A1A Byway through Flagler and St. John’s Counties. Fully sup-ported including SAG, this first year event will showcase stops at Gamble Rogers, Marineland, and the St. Augustine Pier. Then join us for fun and barbeque at Marineland to finish off your ride and celebrate our byway. Registration opens June 1, day of registration available. $35 for preregistration until October 26th. $45 day of. Includes T-Shirt. http://www.scenica1a.org

November

November 2-4 MadisonNorth Florida Tour Host: The Southern Bicycle

League, Come for 3 days of loop bicycle rides in and around Madison, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, exploring, & more, Weekend Package at Camp Cherry Lake includes some meals, 2 or 3 nights lodging, Saturday lunch at Artistic Things by Marshall (Greenville), Saturday night dinner & dance, door prizes. Per person rates, see application, www.bikesbl.org or www.north-floridatours.com

November 3 (Sat) LargoRide to Defeat ALS

62/25/5 mile routes. Start and fin-ish at Walsingham Park in Largo, Florida (just north of St. Pete and due west of Tampa). $35 reg fee for metric century and 25-milers. Routes include coastal roads, sce-nic areas and paved trails. Rest

stops every 4-10 miles. SAG sup-port and ride marshals on the route. $20 registration fee for 5-mile Family Fun Ride which stays on a paved trail. Breakfast and lunch included. Fundraising prizes & awards. We’re riding to defeat ALS, (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS Association Florida Chapter. 888-257-1717 x131. [email protected]. www.FloridaRidetoDefeatALS.org. Join us!. http://ridetodefeatals.org

November 18 (Sun) ClermontHorrible Hundred

33rd Annual. 35/70/100 mi. routes. For 32 years, this has been the most challenging ride in Florida. Several rides are scheduled for Saturday morning led by local cycling clubs. See ad in this issue or www.horrible-hundred.com/

for more information as it becomes available.

November 19-23 Cross CityGulf Coast Highlight Tour


December

December 3-7 Cross CityGulf Coast Highlight Tour


The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. To join FBA complete the form in this newsletter and send with your dues, or join online at www.floridabicycle.org. The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the

Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail: tim@floridabi cycle.org; Phone: 850-238-5238

Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. The Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for rates and specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objec-tives. Although we carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. © 2012 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved.

15Fall 2012

Name: E-mail*:

Address:

City: County: State: Zip:

Tel (H) (W)

Bike Club Affiliation(s):

Member Category: ❑ $15/student/living lightly ❑ $25/individual ❑ $35/household ❑ $100/club/corporate/agency

Ride Preferences: ❑ On-road ❑ Off-road ❑ Touring ❑ Racing ❑ Commuting

❑ I have taken a Traffic Skills 101 or Road I (formerly Effective Cycling) class ❑ CyclingSavvy Approx. year taken:

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List any special skills or interests:

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* We require your e-mail for the FBA online database. See top of this page.

Please make checks payable and mail to: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc.

P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791

Add your voicefor the future

of bicycling in Florida.

JOIN FBATODAY

Membership includesthe FBA Messenger!

FBA transitioning to online membership database FBA is transitioning to a simpler and more efficient management system to manage and grow our association. One of the most important features will allow FBA members to update their contact information directly.

Please assist us with this transition by providing your current e-mail address by using the “Contact FBA” feature on our website at www.floridabicycle.org/about/contact.html.

An online system will also lower our postage costs so more funds can be used toward education and advocacy programs. Thank you for your continued support.

Your membership makes us stronger.

Miami area advocates/enthusiasts rode in for some national coverage in the July installment of the League of American Bicyclists’ magazine, American Bicyclist. The cover shows, from left to right: Guerby Mertil, Executive Director, BikeForLife; Dario Gonzalez, Board Member, Green Mobility Network; Mary Jane Mark, Owner, Mack Cycle and Fitness; Kathryn Moore, Program Manager, Broward B-Cycle. According to the article, which begins on page 10 of the issue, bicycling is one of the few things on which both conservatives and liberals can agree. “The battle over the recent transportation bill,” according to the story, “clearly revealed the wide bipartisan support for biking in communities from coast to coast.... Republicans and Democrats ... united behind bicycling as a means to make America great.”

— Cover photo by Liam Crotty, Photograpy

Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Fall 2012

Good News, Mr. Smith! The IRS now allows your employer to give you a tax-free reimbursement of up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle related expenses as a qualified bicycle commuter.*

We can keep you up to date with the latest rulings affecting cyclists everywhere, offering quality tax and financial accounting services with the confidence and solid reputation that comes from over 30 years of quality service to the Central Florida business community.

We're proud to support FBA and its mission to promote good health and well-being in our communities through bicycling.

Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A.CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Kenneth L. Scearce, CPADavid A. Satcher, CPACarla M. Hansen, CPA

243 W. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789(407) 647-6441 Office (407) 645-0099 Fax

*See Publication 15-B at www.irs.gov for more information.

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