What’s right about cycling and walking in Southwest Florida? Plenty, and if you need some reminders:
•A
lot of new facilities countywide, more on the drawing board and so many
communities looking to enhance bike/ped in their neighborhoods that the
backlog in requests is growing dauntingly large.
•Cape
Coral’s new 90 miles of interconnected bike routes with distinctive
signage, informational maps and kiosks highlighting the landmarks and
activities you can discover on your ride — a sign of what dedicated
citizens and a willing government can accomplish together.
•Sanibel…
with its new Pond Apple Park/Shipley Trail path adding to more than 25
miles of shared-use paths and 8 miles of natural-surface paths, further
burnishing its Bike Friendly Community status. Two new path extensions
are in the works thanks to recently received grants — one to Bowman’s
Beach and another to connect the exit of “Ding” Darling to the existing
path system.
•The
federal TIGER grant that’s going to fill in some major gaps in existing
bike/ped facilities. Construction of these new biking and walking
facilities will begin this summer and continue through 2016 along
sections of Colonial Boulevard., Daniels Parkway, Six Mile Cypress, San
Carlos Park and Florida Gulf Coast University, so stay tuned.
•Bonita
Springs is likewise embracing bike/ped friendliness, with its Complete
Streets policy, joining the nationwide Mayors’ Challenge to help make
roads more pedestrian and bike friendly (with Cape Coral and Fort
Myers), and designing the downtown Bonita improvements project to be
bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
•Bike/ped
improvements are a focus of the major Estero Boulevard. improvement
project getting underway on Fort Myers Beach, a long-term project that
will mean a lot for a very popular, family-friendly tourist destination.
•Florida
Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) and the city of Fort Myers are
coordinating efforts to maximize the long-term benefits of an FDOT
Pedestrian Safety grant by packaging it with the redesign and
enhancement of the entire U.S. 41 corridor from Winkler Ave to Victoria.
•The
continued strong leadership of the countywide regional transportation
planning body, called the Metropolitan Planning Organization, by
inclusion of bike/ped friendly policies and projects in its
transportation plans and funding priorities, among its many efforts.
•More
people biking and walking every year. This season saw more people on
the paths and lanes — a trend we hope will continue as a transportation
alternative, to support healthy lifestyles and with the continued growth
of bike tourism (a concept our local tourist pros have solidly
embraced, to their credit).
•A
network of local groups to support biking, running and walking at
almost any level you’d need… Caloosa Riders, Sanibel Bicycle Club, SWFL
Critical Mass, Fort Myers Track Club, the Speedsters, the Striders, 3D
Running Club, Southwest Florida Walking Meetup Group, Southwest Florida
Biking Meetup Group and more — and that’s just (sort of) looking at Lee
County.
•The
state’s growing commitment to Complete Streets, with forceful advocates
on the regional and state level and a new policy to guide it in the
future, thanks to FDOT leadership.
Even the “bad” news is good
news… more attention to bike injuries and fatalities and more coverage
of bike/ped issues translates to more awareness and more action, both by
the public and elected officials.
Turtle Trot
Head
to the beach on May 9 for the 10th annual Turtle Trot 5K at Lovers Key
State Park, to support The Friends of Lovers Key Inc. A unique trail
course takes runners through a shady maritime hammock ecosystem on a
hard-packed shell path; no part of the course requires running through
beach sand. The course ends at a pavilion overlooking the beach where
refreshments will be served and awards will be presented. Check out www.ftmyerstrackclub.com for details.
BikeWalkLee
is a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for
complete streets in Lee County—streets that are designed, built,
operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users:
pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and
abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org.
Upcoming events
Running/walking:
•May 9: 10th
annual Turtle Trot 5K at Lovers Key, to support The Friends of Lovers
Key Inc. Trail course on shell paths (no sand). Registration 7 a.m. (www.fortmyerstrackclub.com)
•May 16: Cape Cops 5K, Cape Coral Yacht Club. Run, walk and kids’ fun run, starts at 7:30 a.m. (www.fortmyerstrackclub.com)
•May 23:
Mosquito 10K / Run-4-Others 5K, Edgewater United Methodist Church,
19190 Cochran Blvd Port Charlotte. Proceeds benefit “Imagine No
Malaria.” (www.active.com)
•June 20: Sugden Stride 5K, the first event in the Elite Events Summer 5K Series. Sugden Regional Park, Naples. (www.eliteevents.com)
Cycling and other events:
•May 1: SWFL
Critical Mass ride. Join our May Day family fun slow ride through Fort
Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all
your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street
Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (www.SWFLCM.com)
•May 20:
Ride of Silence, to honor cyclists killed or injured while cycling on
public roadways. Leaves at 7 p.m. from Centennial Park, 2000 West First
Street, Fort Myers. Riders are requested to wear black arm bands, or red
if they have personally been injured in a cycling vs. motor vehicle
accident. Free, no registration necessary. Also the Sanibel Bicycle
Club, in collaboration with Billy’s Bikes and Matzaluna Restaurant, has
organized a ride from Sanibel, leaving from the Matzaluna Restaurant
(1200 Periwinkle Way) over the Causeway bridges and back. Arrive at 6:15
for a pre-event, with ride starting at 7 p.m. Both are free, no
registration necessary.
•June 5:
SWFL Critical Mass ride. Join a family fun slow ride through Fort
Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all
your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street
Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (www.SWFLCM.com)
•July 12:
Wheels and Wings VI, Beef O’Bradys, 1105 Taylor Road Punta Gorda. Five
different rides: 15 mile (Mystery Ride) 32-/50-/62-miles and a 40-mile
Gravel Grinder. Food, fun and more. (www.active.com)
Triathlons:
•May 1: Online
registration opens for the 2015 Galloway Captiva Tri, a unique
sprint-length event held Sept. 12-13 (kid-friendly tris Saturday, adults
Sunday) on Captiva Island. Go to www.captivatri.org or www.active.com to register, with proceeds to benefit Community Cooperative.
•May 3: Lake Avalon reverse triathlon & duathlon, Sugden Regional Park, Naples. Details at trifind.com
•May 9: Cape Coral sprint triathlon, Cape Coral Yacht Club. Details at trifind.com.
•June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. (www.thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
•July 12: American Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon (run/bike/run), Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. (www.active.com)
•July 18: Englewood YMCA Sprint Triathlon
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Southwest Florida Critical Mass bike rides growing
Join the family fun on Friday evening...be part of the May Day Critical Mass ride in Fort Myers.
News-Press, April 30, 2015
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When Fort Myers resident Ann Pierce saw her first Critical Mass bike ride last summer, she was intrigued by the“incredibly lit blob of people going around my neighborhood.
“It was like a rolling clown show. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. People wore funny outfits. My husband Bob and I were enchanted by it.”
Now they’re part of it.
Pierce, 63, and her husband were among the 140 riders who took part in the leisurely, 12-mile April ride through Fort Myers.
Held on the first Friday of every month, SWFL Critical Mass’ next race is on Friday. Riders bike for about 90 minutes, taking a break at Edison Restaurant. They’ll start and finish at the empty lot at the corner of Victoria Avenue and McGregor Boulevard across from Publix.
Councilman Forrest Banks has challenged the group to reach 300 riders to prove its legitimacy.
Banks said members have asked him for some things — including a dedicated bike-path plan — but he said, “Gee you know, there’s got to be more (riders) than in the past. You can’t change society for 50 people. It doesn’t fly too well with the rest of ‘em.
“You gotta show some strength, find 300 at one time. To get a voice, you’ve gotta show some strength. Now, they have some strong, organized, committed folks.”
Founder Rob Siebert said he’s not sure 300 riders can be reached this time. “All I can do is give a shout out and talk to friends,” he said. “It’s growing quite a bit.”
Siebert introduced Critical Mass to this area in August, 2013. While it’s a world-wide group dedicated to awareness, respect and consideration toward cyclists, skaters, rollerbladers and any other form of non-motorist transportation, he said none are affiliated other than by the name.
“I like to bring people together,” he said. “We’re continuing to grow but more important is how safely we do it.
With the number of bikers injured on the roads in the last couple of years, he feels this group is even more important.
While people ages 6 — if they can a bike — to 80 are welcome, a lot of families have taken to this event.
Jenn Duffala Hagen, who rides with husband Matt and sons Reed, 4, and Bryce 14, said she’s found a family activity that both her boys enjoy. Reed, who is pulled on a bike trailer, constantly asks his mom when they’re going on the bike parade.
“We are recreational cyclists and love all aspects of cycling,” Hagen said. “Riding is a life-long sport. We also like the sense of community and healthy living.
“Critical Mass became our thing. We’re always looking for different ways to be seen on bikes. Sometimes they have a theme. People have dressed as Muppets, 70s was April, in February it was tweed and for the Christmas holidays, we had a wedding.”
Siebert asks that people not bring political signs to the ride.
“I tell people I don’t care if you’re purple, white or black,” he said. “Drop your work worries. It’s your most fun and least expensive.”
Friday’s race also will honor John James ‘Sugar’ Donaldson, who donated his time for graphics, photography and social media. Donaldson died after donating his kidney to his father.
“What a phenomenal guy” Siebert said. “He lost a dear friend of the group. We created a big card for his dad.
“It’s a bright, energetic group. We look out for each other.”
SWFL Critical Mass Ride
When: First Friday of every month, 7:30 p.m. May 1
Where: Empty lot at corner of Victoria Ave and McGregor Boulevard, across from Publix
Who: Riders of all ages. Families encouraged
What is SWFL Critical Mass?
•Critical Mass is a worldwide movement of awareness, respect and consideration towards cyclists, skaters, rollerbladers and any other form of non-motorist transportation. The Southwest Florida bike ride held the first Friday of every month is internationally recognized and is a community effort to help share the road.
Did you know?
•A 150-pound person biking at a leisurely pace for an hour can burn 272 calories.
News-Press, April 30, 2015
When Fort Myers resident Ann Pierce saw her first Critical Mass bike ride last summer, she was intrigued by the“incredibly lit blob of people going around my neighborhood.
“It was like a rolling clown show. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. People wore funny outfits. My husband Bob and I were enchanted by it.”
Now they’re part of it.
Pierce, 63, and her husband were among the 140 riders who took part in the leisurely, 12-mile April ride through Fort Myers.
Held on the first Friday of every month, SWFL Critical Mass’ next race is on Friday. Riders bike for about 90 minutes, taking a break at Edison Restaurant. They’ll start and finish at the empty lot at the corner of Victoria Avenue and McGregor Boulevard across from Publix.
Councilman Forrest Banks has challenged the group to reach 300 riders to prove its legitimacy.
Banks said members have asked him for some things — including a dedicated bike-path plan — but he said, “Gee you know, there’s got to be more (riders) than in the past. You can’t change society for 50 people. It doesn’t fly too well with the rest of ‘em.
“You gotta show some strength, find 300 at one time. To get a voice, you’ve gotta show some strength. Now, they have some strong, organized, committed folks.”
Founder Rob Siebert said he’s not sure 300 riders can be reached this time. “All I can do is give a shout out and talk to friends,” he said. “It’s growing quite a bit.”
Siebert introduced Critical Mass to this area in August, 2013. While it’s a world-wide group dedicated to awareness, respect and consideration toward cyclists, skaters, rollerbladers and any other form of non-motorist transportation, he said none are affiliated other than by the name.
“I like to bring people together,” he said. “We’re continuing to grow but more important is how safely we do it.
With the number of bikers injured on the roads in the last couple of years, he feels this group is even more important.
While people ages 6 — if they can a bike — to 80 are welcome, a lot of families have taken to this event.
Jenn Duffala Hagen, who rides with husband Matt and sons Reed, 4, and Bryce 14, said she’s found a family activity that both her boys enjoy. Reed, who is pulled on a bike trailer, constantly asks his mom when they’re going on the bike parade.
“We are recreational cyclists and love all aspects of cycling,” Hagen said. “Riding is a life-long sport. We also like the sense of community and healthy living.
“Critical Mass became our thing. We’re always looking for different ways to be seen on bikes. Sometimes they have a theme. People have dressed as Muppets, 70s was April, in February it was tweed and for the Christmas holidays, we had a wedding.”
Siebert asks that people not bring political signs to the ride.
“I tell people I don’t care if you’re purple, white or black,” he said. “Drop your work worries. It’s your most fun and least expensive.”
Friday’s race also will honor John James ‘Sugar’ Donaldson, who donated his time for graphics, photography and social media. Donaldson died after donating his kidney to his father.
“What a phenomenal guy” Siebert said. “He lost a dear friend of the group. We created a big card for his dad.
“It’s a bright, energetic group. We look out for each other.”
SWFL Critical Mass Ride
When: First Friday of every month, 7:30 p.m. May 1
Where: Empty lot at corner of Victoria Ave and McGregor Boulevard, across from Publix
Who: Riders of all ages. Families encouraged
What is SWFL Critical Mass?
•Critical Mass is a worldwide movement of awareness, respect and consideration towards cyclists, skaters, rollerbladers and any other form of non-motorist transportation. The Southwest Florida bike ride held the first Friday of every month is internationally recognized and is a community effort to help share the road.
Did you know?
•A 150-pound person biking at a leisurely pace for an hour can burn 272 calories.
Participate in May 22nd webinar: Mayors' Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets
With three Lee County Mayors/City Councils (Bonita, Cape Coral and Fort Myers) part of the national Mayors' Challenge initiative, this May 22nd webinar is a great opportunity for elected officials, staff, partners, and advocates to learn from mayors in four different types of cities, as well as the USDOT leader and complete streets founder, about ways they are working to make their cities safer for people walking and biking. Register HERE
Update 5/26/15: If you missed the webinar, here's your chance to catch the video. It was great!Sharing the Video Recording of the webinar.
America Walks announcement:
New Webinar- Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets
Webinar Title: “Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets”
Date and Time: Friday, May 22nd at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern
Register HERE
America Walks is excited to announce the next free webinar in its second series of 2015, “Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets.” This webinar is part of the “Take Action at the Local Level” webinar series that calls upon individuals to build community and institutional support for walkable design.
Barbara McCann, former Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition, and now Director of Safety, Energy, and Environment in Secretary Foxx’s office will lead off with an overview of the DOT’s Action Plan and the Mayor’s Challenge. After summarizing the recent rise both in walking and bicycling for transportation, and in pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities, Barbara will describe the seven strategies that are being implemented by more than 200 participating mayors: enacting Complete Streets policies, addressing safety barriers for people of all ages and abilities, gathering and tracking biking and walking data, using context-appropriate designs, creating complete ped-bike networks, strengthening safety laws, and enforcing proper road use.
After that introduction, we will hear from the mayors of four very different types of cities in the upper mid-west, the south, and the mountain west. Mayor Zachary Vruwink of Wisconsin Rapids, WI will discuss how pedestrian safety and access are supporting his community’s recovery from decades of economic decline. Memphis Mayor A.C. Wharton, Jr.’s Bikeway and Pedestrian Program Manager Kyle Wagenschutz will then describe how Memphis is using the Mayors’ Challenge as a springboard to promote health and physical activity in a sprawling southern metropolis of two-thirds of a million. Although Memphis’ near neighbor, the City of Hernando, MS, has a population of just 15,000, Mayor Chip Johnson has made a name for himself by promoting walkable, bikeable communities and is the newest member of the America Walks Board of Directors. Finally, National League of Cities President and Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker will explain why alternative transportation is a priority for his administration and his mountain city.
We hope you will be inspired. Our call to action is to check whether your city Mayor is participating in the Challenge and either get involved or get the Mayor involved!
About the Presenters
Barbara McCann, Director of the Office of Safety, Energy and Environment in the Office of the US Secretary of TransportationBarbara McCann serves as Director of the Office of Safety, Energy, and Environment in the Office of U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx. Among other responsibilities, she directs the “Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets” pedestrian and bicycle safety initiative. Prior to joining DOT in January 2014, McCann served as the founding Executive Director of the National Complete Streets Coalition, working with groups from AARP to the YMCA to develop and advance the adoption of policies to make streets safe for all users. More than half the states and more than 600 local governments now have Complete Streets Policies. In 2013 Island Press published her book, “Completing Our Streets: The Transition to Safe and Inclusive Transportation Networks.”
Zachary J. Vruwink, Mayor of Wisconsin Rapids, WIZachary J. Vruwink was the youngest mayor in Wisconsin Rapids history when he was elected in 2012. He was born, attended school, and launched a successful business career in Wisconsin Rapids, where he serves as a model for his own vision of making the community an attractive place for young adults. At the age of 15, Vruwink founded ZAXX Technology Specialists in downtown Wisconsin Rapids, where the company remains headquartered with employees and locations throughout Central Wisconsin. He has been awarded the Ernst & Young/Junior Achievement Regional Youth Entrepreneur Award, was named to the empact100 list of top young entrepreneurs in the country who were honored at the White House. and was selected as a U.S. representative for the 2011 G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit in Nice, France. Zach is passionate about recreation, entrepreneurship, and citizen engagement.
Chip Johnson, Mayor of Hernando, MSAmerica Walks Board Member Chip Johnson is in his third term as Mayor of the City of Hernando, MS. He has also served as an alderman for the City, and as Legislative Chairman and President of the Mississippi Municipal League. During ten years as a small-town Mayor, Chip has become a national spokesperson for community health and quality of life initiatives, especially those that can be undertaken by local governments. He served as a panelist at the CDC’s Weight of the Nation Conference in D.C. and was present with the First Lady when she announced her Childhood Obesity Initiative in 2010. He is a Board Member of Bike/Walk Mississippi and a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Chip served with distinction in the United States Submarine Service for six years, and is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A.C. Wharton, Mayor of Memphis, TNA.C. Wharton was elected Mayor of Memphis, TN in a 2009 special election, and re-elected to a full term two years later, with 65% of the vote. He previously served as the Mayor of Shelby County, Tennessee. Wharton holds a B.S. in Political Science from Tennessee State University and a J.D. from the University of Mississippi Law School, where he became the first African American professor of law in 1974. Mayor Wharton’s agenda consists of reinvesting in safe and vibrant neighborhoods, creating jobs and prosperity for all, giving every child a fair start in life, and a high-performing government. After Bicycling magazine ranked Memphis one of America’s worst cities for cycling, Wharton pledged to build over fifty miles of bicycle lanes and launched a new initiative focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety. In 2010, he hired the city’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, Kyle Wagenschutz.
Kyle Wagenschutz, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator, City of Memphis, TNKyle Wagenschutz is the current Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager for the City of Memphis within the Division of Engineering to create programs, projects, and policies that increase the safety, efficiency, and daily use of walking and bicycling as a means of transportation in Memphis. Kyle was formerly the director of Revolutions Community Bike Shop, helping to provide affordable bicycles and bicycle repairs to Memphis residents. He is currently Vice President of Bike Walk TN, a state-wide advocacy group focused on improving conditions throughout Tennessee for active transportation through education, political policy, and grassroots campaigning. In 2013, the Association for Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals awarded Kyle with its Young Professional of the Year Award for exceptional accomplishments in the field of walking and biking.
Ralph Becker, Mayor of Salt Lake City, UTRalph Becker has served as the Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah since 2007. Previously, he was a member of the Utah State House of Representatives, including five years as the House Democratic Leader. A visible and highly regarded national leader among U.S. mayors, Mayor Becker is the current President of the National League of Cities and recently served on the White House Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience. As Mayor, he has been a champion for expanding Salt Lake City’s mobility and transportation options, and has focused on sustainability and social justice. During the great recession, Mayor Becker led the Salt Lake City government in addressing the largest budget gap in the City’s history without raising taxes, reducing core City services or implementing significant layoffs. Away from work, Mayor Becker is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, backcountry skiing, and camping in Utah’s wildlands.
We are grateful to the Centers for Disease Control, American Public Health Association, New Jersey Department of Health, and Every Body Walk! Collaborative for sponsoring this program.
- See more at America Walks
BikeWalkLee Blog reports on Mayors Challenge:
Dan Moser Column: May is National Bike Month
Dan's column this week reviews the many activities in our area during May in celebration of National Bike Month.
Yes, it’s hot, hot, hot in May. But riding a bike is one outdoor physical activity that’s fairly tolerable when the heat and humidity reach Southwest Florida’s excruciating summertime levels. And although Florida’s official Bike Month is technically designated as March, the fact is that the majority of Bike Month activities take place throughout the state in May each year, in conjunction with the rest of the country during National Bike Month.
Next up is Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6. At least seven schools in Lee County are participating in some way. Similar to October’s Walk to School Day, this event is intended to spark interest among families in having students ride their bikes to school or the bus stop. Based on the empty bike racks that are common at almost every school in Lee County there’s a lot of room for improvement in terms of getting parents to forego chauffeuring their children and instead allow them some independence while lowering the number of cars creating havoc around our schools. That unnecessary congestion is one of the reasons parents say makes them reluctant to let their kids ride a bike or walk to school. So the more cars removed from the student drop-off and pick-up lines the better.
Yes, it’s hot, hot, hot in May. But riding a bike is one outdoor physical activity that’s fairly tolerable when the heat and humidity reach Southwest Florida’s excruciating summertime levels. And although Florida’s official Bike Month is technically designated as March, the fact is that the majority of Bike Month activities take place throughout the state in May each year, in conjunction with the rest of the country during National Bike Month.
To kick things off in style, our area’s popular first-Friday ride, known as SWFL Critical Mass, leaves at 7:30 p.m. on May 1, from the empty lot next to First Street Village Publix, between McGregor and First Street in Fort Myers’ River District. According to organizers, SWFL Critical Mass rides are brightly-lit, family-oriented, safe and fun events. The rules of the road are safety and courtesy to all others — other riders and those we share the road with or pass by. The group ride rolls through downtown and around the Edison historic district at speeds of 8-10 mph for a total of about 11 miles with a 10-minute break at Edison restaurant at Fort Myers Country Club. Bike lights are required and helmets highly recommended. You’ll find more info on Facebook by searching for “SWFLcriticalmass” or swflcriticalmass.wordpress.com
Next up is Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6. At least seven schools in Lee County are participating in some way. Similar to October’s Walk to School Day, this event is intended to spark interest among families in having students ride their bikes to school or the bus stop. Based on the empty bike racks that are common at almost every school in Lee County there’s a lot of room for improvement in terms of getting parents to forego chauffeuring their children and instead allow them some independence while lowering the number of cars creating havoc around our schools. That unnecessary congestion is one of the reasons parents say makes them reluctant to let their kids ride a bike or walk to school. So the more cars removed from the student drop-off and pick-up lines the better.
CycloFemme is something fairly new to the Bike Month mix and happens on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10. The website, cyclofemme.com, describes it in the following way: “Our annual Mother’s Day ride unites riders, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or bicycle preference to share in the joy of cycling. Year round, our global community inspires and empowers other women, by making their passion public and the joy in cycling contagious. In our first year, 163 rides were registered in 14 countries with many others joining in to celebrate in their own special way. By our third, we grew to 303 rides in 25 countries, including participation from Bicycle Share programs in three metropolitan areas to reduce the barrier of owning a bike. Ride with us as we Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Empower the Future of Women in Cycling.” While there’s nothing listed for events happening in Southwest Florida, anyone can plan a ride and post it on his or her website.
The month then gets into high gear with Bike to Work Week, May 11-15, with May 15 being National Bike to Work Day. Whether you’ve tried commuting in the past or are thinking about it, the League of American Bicyclists provides tips to make the journey practical and enjoyable at bikeleague.org/content/commuting. For some it might mean having real options in getting to work, at least some of the time. My next column, which publishes that Wednesday, will include details of any commuter-related events that may be happening on Friday.
Finally, the annual Ride of Silence, honoring those who were killed or injured while riding their bikes, takes place on Wednesday, May 20. In Fort Myers, the ride begins in Centennial Park at 7 p.m. It’s a ride we’d all rather not have to host, but, unfortunately, that’s never the case because there are always friends and relatives who have met that fate and deserve to be honored. We’ll ride at a slow pace (10-12 mph) and keep talking to a minimum, as the name implies. Visit rideofsilence.org for more on our ride and others happening around our area and throughout the world. Remember, too, that you can learn more about this and many other important community matters at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.
Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways. ¦
Upcoming Events
>> Running/Walking:
Run for Kayla 5K, Saturday, May 2, Patriot School, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 9, Lovers Key Park, Fort Myers Beach (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
>> Cycling and other events:
Ride for Literacy, Saturday, May 18, Immokalee (caloosariders.org)
SWFL Critical Mass, Friday, May 1, downtown Fort Myers (swflcriticalmass.wordpress.com)
— Dan Moser is a long- time bicycle/ pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com or 334- 6417.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
April 27th: Upcoming walking/running/biking/tri events
Here's what's in store around SWFL. Plan now to be part of the family fun May Day Critical Mass evening ride (May 1st)
in downtown Fort Myers...help us meet our goal of 300 riders. And mark
your calendars for the May 20th evening Ride of Silence (in both Fort
Myers and Sanibel this year).
Upcoming events
Friday, June 5: SWFL Critical Mass ride. Join a family fun slow ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (www.SWFLCM.com)
Upcoming events
Running/walking:
·
Saturday, May 9: 10th annual Turtle
Trot 5K at Lovers Key, to support The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. Trail course
on shell paths (no sand). Registration 7 a.m. (www.fortmyerstrackclub.com)
·
Saturday, May 16: Cape Cops 5K, Cape Coral Yacht
Club. Run, walk and kids’ fun run, starts at 7:30 a.m. (www.fortmyerstrackclub.com)
Saturday, May 23: Mosquito 10K / Run-4-Others 5K,
Edgewater United Methodist Church, 19190 Cochran Blvd Port Charlotte. Proceeds
benefit "Imagine No Malaria." (www.active.com)
·
Saturday, June 20: Sugden Stride 5K, the first
event in the Elite Events Summer 5K Series. Sugden Regional Park, Naples. (www.eliteevents.com)
Cycling and other
events:
·
Friday, May 1: SWFL Critical Mass ride. Join our
May Day family fun slow ride through Fort Myers, starting at 7:30 p.m. Front and rear bike lights
required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in open field next
to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.
(www.SWFLCM.com)
·
Wednesday, May 20: Ride of Silence,
to honor
cyclists killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Leaves at 7
p.m.
from Centennial Park, 2000 West First Street, Fort Myers. Riders are
requested
to wear black armbands, or red if they have personally been injured in a
cycling vs. motor vehicle accident. Also the Sanibel Bicycle Club, in collaboration with Billy's Bikes and Matzaluna Restaurant, has
organized a ride from Sanibel, leaving from the Matzaluna Restaurant (1200 Periwinkle Way) over the Causeway bridges and back. Arrive at 6:15 for a pre-event, with ride starting at 7 p.m. Both are free, no registration necessary.
Friday, June 5: SWFL Critical Mass ride. Join a family fun slow ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (www.SWFLCM.com)
·
Sunday, July 12: Wheels and Wings VI, Beef O'Bradys,
1105 Taylor Road Punta Gorda. Five different rides: 15 mile (Mystery Ride) 32-/50-/62-miles
and a 40-mile Gravel Grinder. Food, fun and more. (www.active.com)
Triathlons:
·
Sunday, May 3: Lake Avalon reverse triathlon and duathlon, Sugden Regional Park, Naples. Details at www.trifind.com.
·
Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon,
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. (www.thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
Sunday, July 12: American Sprint Triathlon and
Duathlon (run/bike/run), Sugden Regional Park, 4284 Avalon Drive, Naples. (www.active.com)
·
Saturday, July 18: Englewood YMCA Sprint Triathlon
2015. Englewood Beach, Shelter 3, 2100 N. Beach Road., Englewood (www.active.com)
Monday, April 20, 2015
Update on Lee County bike/ped injuries and fatalities in 2015 to date
At the April 17th Lee MPO Board meeting, Don Scott, the MPO staff director, gave his periodic report on the status of bike/ped injuries and fatalities in 2015 to date. This periodic report is part of the MPO Board's efforts to track implementation of the MPO's Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan adopted in September 2013.
Below are the updated trend graphs that Don Scott shared with the Board. This data shows that for the first 3 1/2 months of 2015 (through April 13th), we've had 69 pedestrian injuries and 6 fatalities; and 69 bicycle injuries and 1 fatality. With 8 1/2 months remaining in 2015, it's too early to predict whether the annual trends are going up or down; but any way you look at it, having 7 fatalities and 138 injuries so far this year is not welcome news.
Report by Darla Letourneau
Below are the updated trend graphs that Don Scott shared with the Board. This data shows that for the first 3 1/2 months of 2015 (through April 13th), we've had 69 pedestrian injuries and 6 fatalities; and 69 bicycle injuries and 1 fatality. With 8 1/2 months remaining in 2015, it's too early to predict whether the annual trends are going up or down; but any way you look at it, having 7 fatalities and 138 injuries so far this year is not welcome news.
Report by Darla Letourneau
Sunday, April 19, 2015
BikeWalkLee's new Estero representatives
BikeWalkLee is excited to announce that we have BWL reps in the newly incorporated Village of Estero. We've been working with the Estero community through the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) since our inception, so we have a good foundation in that community, but its great to have local citizens who are now going to represent us in the new 6th municipality in Lee County.
Thanks to all of BWL's local reps for keeping our network informed and involved in what's happening around the county.
Background
BikeWalkLee has been involved in advocacy on a countywide basis, participating in Lee County MPO meetings and committees, and in the Board of County Commission committees and hearings. While the majority of transportation decisions that affect bike/ped/transit facilities and complete streets policies are made in these two bodies, the local jurisdictions (Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and the new Village of Estero) also make bike/ped decisions on their local roads as well as influence decisions on county maintained roads. In the past couple of years, the cities have played a leadership role in implementing complete streets and focusing on bike/ped safety in their local jurisdictions.
Beginning in 2011, BikeWalkLee designated local representatives in each jurisdiction. Click here to the updated list and bios of our local representatives. These individuals serve as our “point persons” who lead the local advocacy efforts and keep the BWL network informed about what’s happening in their jurisdiction. Great things are happening in the local jurisdictions and our local representatives are in the thick of things.
New Estero Representatives
We're pleased to announce that that we have a new "Team Estero" for the recently incorporated Village of Estero--Doug Saxton and Tom Barber, with Doug being the lead point person. Thanks to our long-time supporter organization, the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL). for helping us identify Estero citizens interested in becoming involved with BikeWalkLee.
Below are bios of "Team Estero":
Doug Saxton is BikeWalkLee's lead rep in the new Village of Estero, which incorporated in November 2014. Doug moved to Estero in 2013 from Connecticut after retiring from Pratt and Whitney where he managed the assembly of the some of the most technologically advanced Military Jet Engines in the world. Upon Doug’s retirement, he and his wife wanted to get away from the New England winters and chose Estero based on the weather and the look and feel of paradise. In CT, Doug volunteered for the United Way and Rotary and was a youth coach in many sports including baseball and hockey. Since moving to Estero, he has been active in his Condo Association having served on the board and several committees. He represents his condo association at the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL). He also volunteers at the Café of Life in Bonita Springs. Doug enjoys running and would like to bike a lot more than he presently does. He believes in living an active lifestyle and joined BikeWalkLee's team after reading about the positive effects this group has had various communities.
Tom Barber is part of BikeWalkLee's new Estero rep team. He is a project manager at Agnoli, Barber and Brundage, Inc., a civil engineering firm based in Naples. Tom grew up in Bonita Springs and has lived in Estero for the past ten years. He is in his sixth year on the Bonita Springs YMCA Board of Directors. Tom has coached youth basketball and soccer at the Naples and Bonita Springs YMCA’s for the past eight years. Prior to moving back to southwest Florida Tom earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. He is the proud father of three young girls and hopes to create safer opportunities for them to bike, walk and run in their local community. He and his family enjoy being outdoors particularly camping, biking and kayaking.
Here's the full list of our representatives:
- Bonita Springs: Sarah Baker
- Cape Coral: Steve Chupack
- Estero: Doug Saxton with Tom Barber
- Fort Myers: Ann Pierce
- Fort Myers Beach: Bruce Butcher
- Sanibel: Tom Sharbaugh
- FGCU: Dr. Margaret Banyan
So, if you live in one of these jurisdictions and want to get involved or have questions, contact our representative for that area. (email: info@bikewalklee.org)
Report by Darla Letourneau
April 20th: Upcoming walking/running/biking/tri events
There's still time to cram in some of these upcoming running, biking, tri events before it gets too hot. Plan now to be part of the family fun May Day Critical Mass evening ride (May 1st) in downtown Fort Myers...help us meet our goal of 300 riders. And mark your calendars for the May 20th evening Ride of Silence (in both Fort Myers and Sanibel this year).
Upcoming events
Upcoming events
Running/walking:
·
Saturday, May 9: 10th annual Turtle
Trot 5K at Lovers Key, to support The Friends of Lovers Key, Inc. Trail course
on shell paths (no sand). Registration 7 a.m. (www.fortmyerstrackclub.com)
·
Saturday, May 16: Cape Cops 5K, Cape Coral Yacht
Club. Run, walk and kids’ fun run, starts at 7:30 a.m. (www.fortmyerstrackclub.com)
Cycling and other
events:
·
Sunday, April 26: Fit and Fuel 50/20. Three
rides are offered: a 50-mile ride, a 20-mile ride, and a short family-oriented
ride. Have fun and raise money Youth Haven serving at-risk Southwest Florida
children. Entry fee includes swag bag and post-ride meal. Starts 7 a.m. from
819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples. (www.caloosariders.org)
·
Friday, May 1: SWFL Critical Mass ride. Join our
May Day family fun slow ride through Fort Myers, starting at 7:30 p.m. Front and rear bike lights
required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in open field next
to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.
(www.SWFLCM.com)
·
Wednesday, May 20: Ride of Silence,
to honor
cyclists killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. Leaves at 7
p.m.
from Centennial Park, 2000 West First Street, Fort Myers. Riders are
requested
to wear black armbands, or red if they have personally been injured in a
cycling vs. motor vehicle accident. Also Sanibel Bicycle Club has
organized a ride from Sanibel, leaving from the Sanibel Community
Association on Periwinkle over the Causeway bridges and back. Arrive at
6:45 p.m. Both are free, no registration necessary.
Triathlons:
·
Sunday, May 3: Lake Avalon reverse triathlon
& duathlon, Sugden Regional Park, Naples. Details at www.trifind.com.
·
Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon,
Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. (www.thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
·
Friday, April 17, 2015
Lisa Indovino named FBA 2014 Educator of the Year
Congratulations to Lisa Indovino who was named Florida Bicycle Association (FBA)'s 2014 Educator of the Year. Lisa is the Safe Routes to School Educator for the All Children's Hospital Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program in Lee County, and has done a great job establishing and running this program over the past two years.
As one example of Lisa's work, check out the blog post about the amazing music video about safe biking and walking created by Challenger Middle School students under her leadership. (see BikeWalkLee Blog Feb. 11, 2015: "Safety Kids": Local students create music video PSA on biking safety)
On April 16th, Becky Afonso, FBA's Executive Director, came to the April School Health Advisory Committee meeting to make the award presentation. The event was attended by Sarita Taylor, the head of FDOT's statewide SRTS initiative; School Board member Mary Fischer, other school officials; and members of Cape Coral Bike Ped and BikeWalkLee.
Florida Bicycle Association awards are presented to worthy recipients for their contributions to bicycling. The purpose of the awards is to bring attention to the efforts and achievements of groups, organizations and individuals that help shape our vision for all Florida bicyclists to be safe, respected and encouraged to bicycle for transportation and recreation. Over the past 15 years that FBA has presented these awards, Lee County recipients have frequently been among the awardees. This year, 3 of the 16 award winners are from Lee County. We will be reporting on each of the award winners at the time that FBA makes the award presentations in person, so stay tuned!
Below is FBA's award write-up about Lisa Indovino.
Educator: Lisa Indovino, Safe Routes to School Educator, All Children’s Hospital
Lisa is a Community Educator for the All Children’s Hospital Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. The program operates in seven counties, and Lisa heads up the Lee County branch. The primary focus of the program is to combine classroom instruction, educational outreach, and experiential learning to educate children and parents how to walk and bike in a safer way. To do this, the program uses developed classroom lessons, conducts safety assemblies at schools, presents at PTA/PTO meetings, coordinates walking schools buses and walk/bike to school days, conducts bike rodeos, and participates in various community and school events.
The Lee County program started in 2013, making it one of the most recent additions to the All Children’s Hospital Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. While the Lee County program is new, Lisa has taken initiative and turned the program into a success. Lisa has met with key stakeholders in Lee County and received tremendous buy-in and support from the Lee County School District. She has provided lessons and bicycle rodeos in 32* schools and reached over 17,000* students so far this school year. One student was the winner of the State-wide Florida Department of Transportation SRTS/Alert Today Walk to School Day poster contest. Lisa’s passion and drive to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety education is evident in the success of the Lee County program. With the program as a resource in Lee County, many children will receive much-needed pedestrian and bicycle safety education.
*updated numbers from Lisa's SRTS PowerPoint presentation at 4/16 meeting.
Click here to learn more about the FBA Award Program.
Report by Darla Letourneau, photos by Ann Pierce.
As one example of Lisa's work, check out the blog post about the amazing music video about safe biking and walking created by Challenger Middle School students under her leadership. (see BikeWalkLee Blog Feb. 11, 2015: "Safety Kids": Local students create music video PSA on biking safety)
 |
| Dawn Huff, Sarita Taylor, Dan Moser, Lisa Indovino, and Becky Afonso |
 |
| Award winner Lisa Indovino and FBA ED Becky Afonso |
Below is FBA's award write-up about Lisa Indovino.
Educator: Lisa Indovino, Safe Routes to School Educator, All Children’s Hospital
Lisa is a Community Educator for the All Children’s Hospital Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. The program operates in seven counties, and Lisa heads up the Lee County branch. The primary focus of the program is to combine classroom instruction, educational outreach, and experiential learning to educate children and parents how to walk and bike in a safer way. To do this, the program uses developed classroom lessons, conducts safety assemblies at schools, presents at PTA/PTO meetings, coordinates walking schools buses and walk/bike to school days, conducts bike rodeos, and participates in various community and school events.
The Lee County program started in 2013, making it one of the most recent additions to the All Children’s Hospital Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program. While the Lee County program is new, Lisa has taken initiative and turned the program into a success. Lisa has met with key stakeholders in Lee County and received tremendous buy-in and support from the Lee County School District. She has provided lessons and bicycle rodeos in 32* schools and reached over 17,000* students so far this school year. One student was the winner of the State-wide Florida Department of Transportation SRTS/Alert Today Walk to School Day poster contest. Lisa’s passion and drive to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety education is evident in the success of the Lee County program. With the program as a resource in Lee County, many children will receive much-needed pedestrian and bicycle safety education.
*updated numbers from Lisa's SRTS PowerPoint presentation at 4/16 meeting.
Click here to learn more about the FBA Award Program.
Report by Darla Letourneau, photos by Ann Pierce.
Lee MPO Board reviews framework for 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan decisions
At the April 17th MPO Board meeting, the Board got down to business on the 2040 LRTP starting with a presentation by Staff Director Don Staff that set the framework for the decisions ahead. Don's PowerPoint, entitled 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan Revenues looked at the revenues from all sources--federal, state, local--that were available in the 2035 Plan (developed in 2010) vs. what is available for the 2040 Plan. It also analyzed how those funds were allocated in the 2035 plan by activity and the allocation in 2040. Below are some of the highlights:
- The gap between needs and available revenues has widened considerably since the adoption of the 2035 LRTP and is continuing to grow. While the population is projected to increase by 51% between now and 2040, the revenues are projected to decrease overall by 26%.
- Between the two plans (2035 to 2040), the share of local revenues dedicated to maintenance vs. capital has risen from 52% of all local revenues to 62%, demonstrating that a growing share of our resources are being dedicated to maintaining the existing transportation system vs. building new capacity.
- A slightly higher share of the revenues in our upcoming 2040 LRTP is coming from federal and state revenue sources because the local revenue sources are declining by a greater percent than the state/federal sources; however, both are declining. In the 2040 Plan, 68% of the revenues are coming from local sources and the remaining 32% from federal/state.
- Within the overall 26% revenue reduction, that reflects a 15% reduction in federal and state revenues while the local revenues have fallen by 31%. [Note: the local revenue gap would have been 24% instead of 31% if the County's impact fee policy had remained at 100% vs. their current 45% collection rate.]
- Of the local revenue sources available for capital projects in the 2040 Plan, 36% is from tolls, 33% from impact fees, and 30% from gas taxes.
- Taking into account all federal/state and local revenues for capital projects--a total of $1,975 million is available over the 25-year period of the 2040 cost feasible plan.
Dr. Margaret Banyan spoke on behalf of BikeWalkLee at the Board meeting making the following comments:
Today’s presentation on revenues are a critical foundation of the LRTP. More importantly, this discussion sets the stage for the decisions that lay ahead.
This presentation and a new approach to the LRTP is a response to trends that we have known – trends that we have been getting ready for. As we have been discussing the last five years – or ever since the 2035 LRTP- the available revenues from all sources are declining. At the same time, our population is growing.
The gap between potential needs and available revenues has widened significantly and will continue to grow. Anticipating this situation, as far back as 2010 the MPO Board began to set in motion a series of policies that would shift the transportation paradigm to a balanced multi-modal system.
The goal was to underscore and value transportation choice, connectivity, economic opportunity, livable communities, community character, safety, and quality growth. The approach was clearly to shift away from "congestion management" as the sole criteria for transportation decisions and embrace a broader range of policy options to deal with growth.
Part of the reason for doing this is that federal laws mandate that MPOs address a broad range of goals, including safety, accessibility, and quality of life. The Federal Map 21 legislation required that the LRTP be developed using performance measures to assess and prioritize projects Because of this you can’t just zero in on eliminating congestion, which, by the way, isn’t even one of the eight factors the feds recommend focusing on.
In fact, in a 2013 CUTR report said that, “MPOs should take greater care to demonstrate and document how the projects contained in their cost feasible plan support the adopted goals and objectives of the LRTP.”
To move in that direction, in early 2013, the Executive Committee of the MPO was tasked to guide the 2040 LRTP process. The Committee has worked with staff over the past two years to develop realistic revenue projections, determine the cost to fully maintain existing infrastructure, project the remaining funds that could be allocated to new/expanded facilities; and reinvent project review and prioritization processes based on the LRTP and MPO Board's goals.
Ultimately, the Committee's work provides the framework for making better decisions and directing scarce resources in the most cost effective way, as one of the Committee's key objectives has been to develop a cost feasible plan that is 100% fundable.
By moving ahead in your current direction, you have not only begun to embrace a process that many other MPOs all over the country are using, but you are setting up your process to be consistent with federal guidelines and engaging in smart planning.
You have already taken significant action already:
a) You have integrated transportation and land use planning (adoption of land use scenario);
b) You adopted a "fix it first” approach that emphasizes maintenance and improvement of existing facilities before building new ones
c) You learned from other successful MPO communities (such as Nashville, Broward, Sarasota, and Hillsborough);
d) You have ensured that the highest priority projects are the focus;
e) You have maximized the use of available resources;
f) and finally, perhaps most essential, you adopted a set of goals and objectives upon which you will measure performance.
The one way that you have developed that still requires implementation is for all of the projects that will be considered in the LRTP to be evaluated, consistent with a performance measurement standard, as required by the federal MAP-21 guidelines.
Your process was for all projects to be submitted by local jurisdictions to the MPO on Project Request Forms. We understand that this process is now getting underway.
These project sheets and the new objective evaluation process are an essential element of the process and a way to keep your eye on the ball – the ball here is a fiscally responsible transportation plan that meets the goals and objectives that you have adopted.
We, BikeWalkLee, look forward to working with you as the LRTP process enters a critical stage.
David Urich (lifetime member of Responsible Growth Management Coalition and member of the MPO's Citizen Advisory Committee) also spoke during public comment and urged the Board to seriously review road projects that have been on the needs plan for a long time. Much has changed both in terms of available revenues as well as community desires and it's time to cut the list down to fit the available revenues. He urged the Board to take a "zero-based budgeting approach", evaluating projects in terms of what gives us the most bang for the buck.
Report by Darla Letourneau
Below are links to related documents that were shared with the MPO Board:
BikeWalkLee Blog April 9, 2015: Road Zombies in Lee County: The Invasion of Bad Planning in the 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan
Key MPO Board Decisions to date re: 2040 LRTP:
1. Goals and Objectives for 2040 LRTP
Lee MPO Board Approved LRTP 2040 Goals and Objectives--8/22/14
2. Candidate Project Application Process
Lee MPO Board Approved 2040 LRTP Candidate Project Request process
3. Land Use Scenario C adopted by MPO Board on 6/20/14
Links to the Land Use Scenarios report, along with the consultant's recommendation.
· BWL Blog June 23, 2014: Lee MPO adopts land use scenario C, a great beginning to the development of the 2040 LRTP
4. MPO Board Resolutions adopted in December 2010 as part of 2035 LRTP adoption, that set stage for the 2040 LRTP: MPO Board Resolutions #2010-12 and #2010-13.
· BWL Blog December 11, 2010: MPO Board adopted two resolutions to provide policy direction on LRTP