Shake up your running/walking routines with special events

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 2/28/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Lee Waller takes a training climb up Oasis Tower in Fort Myers, before the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Stair Climb. COURTESY PHOTO

It wasn’t so many years ago that there were a limited number of local running races open to the general public. That’s changed, perhaps to the point of saturation. For those seeking other options, I can make some suggestions. First, a quick bit of Lee County’s running history.

The now-defunct Lehigh Spring Fest 4-Miler is considered our area’s first organized run, originating in 1977. With that one gone, the race that’s now the oldest and still taking place is River Run, which started out as the Lee Memorial Hospital Run in 1978, conducted for the hospital by Fort Myers Track Club in its first year of existence. This December will be the 40th running of this event. It’s my hope that Lee Health will once again take ownership of the event that started our community’s running craze - a craze that’s still going strong.
 

This time of year there are sometimes two or three running/walking events on the same weekend. For those seeking something different, there are interesting options. One is the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Stair Climb on Saturday, April 28, near downtown Fort Myers. ALA conducts competitive stair climbs throughout the U.S. The Fort Myers event is the only one between Tampa and Miami. Oasis Tower, the climb venue, is 31 stories, not much less than Orlando’s 38 stories and Miami’s 42 stories. The most ambitious of ALA’s climbs in the Southeast is 55 stories, in Atlanta. Most are in the 30- 40-story range, so the Fort Myers climb is a very respectable challenge.

While no doubt challenging, 31 stories shouldn’t be as intimidating as it may appear. The fastest climbers complete it in under four minutes, the average person in five to 12 minutes, and fully equipped firefighters and SWAT team members in 4½ to 10 minutes. A number of folks dealing with asthma and other lung conditions complete the 31-story climb each year as well. Anyone who has run or walked a 5K or even two miles will be able to finish in much less time than it would take to complete those distances, and with essentially the same health benefits. How fast or slow climbers go is up to them - climbers are sent off individually with a gap between each, but there’s plenty of room to pass or be passed. Open practices are held each Saturday morning in March and April until event day on April 28.

For those who like off-road running there’s River Ruts and Roots Half-Marathon and 5K on the trails of the Caloosahatchee Regional Park in Alva. In my opinion, this is trail running at its best, at least in the southern peninsular of Florida. Thanks to the Mudcutters bike club, which built and maintain the singletrack bike trails that are the most challenging part of the half-marathon, folks come from near and far to take part. The 5K, while not as technical as the halfmarathon, traverses beautiful foot trails along the Caloosahatchee River. RRR usually takes place in early January but because of damage from Hurricane Irma the date was moved to March 4 this year. See www.ftmyerstrackclub.com for more about this excellent running event.

The upcoming Shrimp Run 5K (March 10; www.3dracinginc.com) places participants in the unusual position of having a large spectator field awaiting the parade that immediately follows the race. And if you’ve never been inside an inflatable giant colon (yes, an inflatable giant colon) you can experience it at the Scope for Hope 5K (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com) on March 24 at Hammond Stadium. Then there’s the dog-friendly Fast & Furriest 5K on April 7 at Hammond Stadium (www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org). Finally, the Turtle Trot 5K (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com), a trail run within the gem that is Lover Key State Park, takes place on May 12.

For those who prefer two wheels, another alternative is Critical Mass rides. These are not traditional group rides. There are no breakaways or possibility of being left behind when others speed away as if they were racing - this is all about having fun at a reasonable pace (8-10 mph). And because most are night rides, tricking out bikes with lights makes these outings parade-like, thus adding to the fun factor. Critical Mass rides take place from downtown Fort Myers, south Cape Coral, Fort Myers Shores and Sanibel Island. For dates and other details, visit meetup.com/Biking-SWFL, where you’ll find other more traditional rides as well. ¦

- 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 and 334-6417. 

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

February 26: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

• Sunday, March 4: 15th annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run, half marathon/relay and 5K fun run. The River, Roots & Ruts is a great opportunity to experience Florida trail running at its finest. It is suited for experienced trail runners and novices. The main event is a 13.1 mile half marathon utilizing both sides of the park: the wide nature trails on the south side and the single lane mountain bike trails on the north side. 8 a.m., Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• 
  Saturday, March 10: Shrimp Run 5K, Matanzas Bridge, Fort Myers Beach (active.com) 
• Thursday, March 15: St Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run, 6:15 p.m., Fit and Fuel, 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (gcrunner.org) 
• Cancelled: Saturday, March 17: Hodges University Student Success 5K for Scholarships, 4501 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers (3dracing.com).
• Saturday, March 24: Run for the Music 10K, Starts at Artis Naples. (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

• Friday, March 2: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at a special time: 7:15 p.m. 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. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, March 9: NE-Lee Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) 
• Saturday, March 10: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, March 10: Pedal and Play in Paradise, 62-, 30- and 15-mile rides, plus a 10-mile Mystery Ride (pedalandplayinparadise.com)
  
• 
  Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11: 20th annual Royal Palm Challenge, 32- and 42-mile rides both days, starting from Fort Myers Brewing Co. (www.caloosariders.org)
• Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.
• For more Lee County cycling and tri events, visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

Triathlons:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

February 19: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

• Saturday, Feb. 24: Swamp Stomp 5K. Race proceeds go towards the care of the homeless pets that temporarily reside at Caloosa Humane Society. Caloosa Humane Society is a no kill shelter and cares for approximately 1,000 animals each year. 7:30 a.m., Grandeur Oaks Town Center, 870 W Hickpochee Ave, Labelle, FL 33935 (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Naples High School Golden Eagle Run 5K. The Golden Eagle Run is a chip timed race, starting at Lowdermilk Park and traveling a course through the tranquil streets of Coquina Sands and the Moorings neighborhoods and returning to Lowdermilk Park to the finish line. 7:30 a.m., 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, March 4: 15th annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run, half marathon/relay and 5K fun run, 8 a.m., Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, March 10: Shrimp Run 5K, Matanzas Bridge, Fort Myers Beach (active.com) 
• Thursday, March 15: St Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run, 6:15 p.m., Fit and Fuel, 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (gcrunner.org) 
• Cancelled: Saturday, March 17: Hodges University Student Success 5K for Scholarships, 4501 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers (3dracing.com).
• Saturday, March 24: Run for the Music 10K, Starts at Artis Naples. (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

• 
  Friday, Feb. 23: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at 4706 SE 11th Place for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Saturday Slow Roll 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Feb. 25: Dirty Hamster 100, gravel/off-road ride through the Babcock-Webb WMA. Complete 4 laps of 25 miles for the century or pick you own distance. Ride multiples of any loop: 25 mile loop, 10 mile loop, or a 10 mile paved section. (caloosariders.org) 
• Friday, March 2: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers starting at a special time: 7:15 p.m. 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. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, March 9: NE-Lee Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) 
• Saturday, March 10: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, March 10: Pedal and Play in Paradise, 62-, 30- and 15-mile rides, plus a 10-mile Mystery Ride (pedalandplayinparadise.com)
  
• 
  Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11: 20th annual Royal Palm Challenge, 32- and 42-mile rides both days, starting from Fort Myers Brewing Co. (www.caloosariders.org)
• Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.
• For more Lee County cycling and tri events, visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

Triathlons:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Rights and wrongs

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, 2/15/2018
by Ken Gooderham

Photo: BikeWalkLee

A recent question from an overseas visitor got us thinking about rights and wrongs pertaining to cycling:

"I am a semi-serious road cyclist from the UK, lucky enough to spend winters in Fort Myers. Whilst I am OK with using the cycle-only lanes (i.e. Sanibel Causeway), there are times when using the footpaths (which are not really suitable for road cyclist because of pedestrians, uneven surfaces, etc.) I take to the road. More and more, I am receiving abuse from motorists telling me in not-a-polite-way to get off the road."

"As I understand it, I am entitled to cycle on the road…. However, I have become concerned for my safety and now try to use the footpaths, albeit not suitable for a semi-serious cyclist. The question I have: Is there any policy to educate/inform car drivers about cyclist rights on the road?"

This is not an uncommon concern, for both visitors and residents cycling our area – particularly now when usage of both roadways and bike/ped lanes is high. So the short answers are: Yes, cyclists have a right to ride on the road; and no, there is not a formal push to educate drivers (although we keep trying).

There are rules aplenty that address cyclists and motorists on the roadways – look up Chapter 316 in the Florida Statues or check out a concise guide to bicycle and pedestrian laws from the Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org – a great cycling website overall). There are also plenty of rules that govern how motorists should act around both cyclists and pedestrians – and none of them allow for abuse and harassment.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. And while there are signs and statutes warning motorists to behave (and most of them do), there’s always a few who think that screaming obscenities or endangering cyclists is great fun.

There are also a few who think the mere presence of a shared-use path means all cyclists should be on it. That’s not the law – and it’s not even very smart. If you’re a “semi-serious cyclist” – meaning able to maintain a certain speed with ease – shared-use paths are actually more dangerous than the roadway. There’s the crowded path, of course, with a variety of users moving at a variety of speeds (all much slower than you), not always in the same direction, plus there’s a plethora of intersections (driveways, roads, etc.) with motorists more intent on the other moving vehicles than on what’s coming towards them on the pathway.

That’s why serious cyclists take to the streets, as is their right. The fact that some of them fear for their safety when doing that is unfortunate – doubly so in an area where cycling should be a viable transportation alternative. (The fact that one more bike on the road often means one less car on the same road is even more incentive.)

What can cyclists do?

    • Know your rights. You have as much of a claim to the roadways as other vehicles.
    • Obey the rules. To be treated like a vehicle, you need to act like one.
    • Know when not to fight. You’ll never win a battle with a two-ton vehicle.
    • Find strength in numbers. Find other cyclists to ride with, and improve your odds.
    • See and be seen. Dress brightly, ride smartly, be aware of what’s around you.

The more drivers see cyclists sharing the roadways, the more accepting (and less abusive) they will be of their fellow travelers… at least that’s the hope.

Upcoming meetings

Two cities, two sets of workshops, means Feb. 27 will be a busy day for bike/ped advocates:

Florida DOT is holding a public meeting on improvements for San Carlos Blvd. from Summerlin Road to Estero Blvd. 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church, 100 Chapel Street, Fort Myers Beach.

The issue is an operational analysis to find ways of cutting travel times along this busy corridor when adding travel lanes is not an option. That means looking at alternatives – including mass transit and bike/ped – as well as identifying deficiencies and enhancing safety.

Can’t attend? Written comments are welcomed and you can find out more online at www.swflroads.com/sr865/sancarlosboulevard/.

Bonita Springs also kicks off a three days of visioning sessions to discuss the future of bike trails in the city.

The kickoff meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m., followed by an “open studio” Feb. 28 1-5 p.m. and a studio “pin-up” 5-7 p.m., ending with a “work in progress” open house March 1 5:30-7:30 p.m.

All meetings will be held at City Hall, 9101 Bonita Beach Road. For information, call (239) 949-6262.

Ready to ride or run?

Run? The biggest race around returns this Saturday night, with the Edison Festival of Light 5K taking to the streets of downtown Fort Myers at 5:45 p.m. Don’t need the spectacle? Try the Babcock Ranch Doggie Dash 5K Saturday morning, or the Paradise Coast half marathon/5K in Naples Sunday. The following weekend brings 5Ks in Labelle and Naples. Details at ftmyerstrackclub.com and 3dracinginc.com.

Ride? Cyclists can reach Critical Mass in Cape Coral Feb. 23 (night) or at the Fort Myers slow roll the next morning. Lights required (for night rides), helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events.) Looking for more of a challenge? Try the Dirty Hamster 100, an off-road ride through the Babcock-Webb WMA. You can ride multiples of a number of loop lengths – 25 or 10 miles off road or 10 miles on pavement (caloosariders.org). 

Both?  Nothing nearby in the near term, check out trifind.com or active.com for events in the state.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, 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. 


 

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 2/14/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

One of a number of e-bikes on display at this year’s Tour de Cape.
COURTESY PHOTO

The coming wave of e-bikes brings with it many benefits as well as problems and controversies. In this second part of a two-part report, I’ll do my best to lay out some of the issues involved and perhaps help you decide if an e-bike is right for you.

There are advantages to consider. From a purely practical standpoint, e-bikes are about as economical as motorized transportation can be. For those with very long or difficult commutes that include features such as bridges and hills (obviously, this is not an issue here) or even wind (think Cape Coral, our own “windy city”), using an e-bike can keep one from having to expend energy that may be required for other purposes, such as work. The sweat factor can be reduced as well, another important work-related factor for some.

E-bikes can potentially get folks on a bike who wouldn’t otherwise consider taking up cycling, thereby increasing the critical mass on the roads, an important element in improving safety. And for those who are already serious cyclists but due to advancing age or physical limitations are pedaling a bit too slow to keep up with their riding partners, an e-bike might be what it takes to stay on the road. I realize that any serious road rider is likely dismissing this option, but as we all get up there in age and our physical abilities change, it may eventually sound appealing.

Some of the drawbacks to e-bikes are similar to those associated with any other motorized vehicle. A primary one is that far too many folks who ride bikes don’t know the laws applicable to them or how to safely and appropriately operate their bikes. Adding artificial power to the situation makes it that much more problematic, regardless of the fact that it’s relatively low-power, compared to many other motor vehicles. In fact, one class of e-bikes can propel someone up to 28 mph before the power assist disengages. Speeds like that are usually not realized by an average cyclist, so it would be foreign to almost everyone — both the e-bike rider and others sharing the road.

Another problem is that our laws have not kept up with advances and unforeseen upticks in low-powered vehicles in general. In the case of e-bikes, there’s likely going to be much confusion among users and law enforcement officials about where they can be ridden (under power or otherwise) and what laws apply to which class of vehicle. The federal Consumer Product Safety Act defines a “low speed electric bicycle” as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph and an electric motor that produces less than 750 watts.

The rules for e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks and pathways are under state jurisdiction so are different in each. Along with federal and state laws the e-bike industry defines three classes. A Class 1 electric bicycle, or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. A Class 2 electric bicycle, or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. A Class 3 electric bicycle, or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (no throttle) and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph and is equipped with a speedometer. The Class 3 e-bike isn’t covered by either CPSA’s or Florida’s legal definition. And while no driver’s license is required, in Florida one must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike.

One clarification that a reader reminded me to include on this topic is that any low-powered motorized vehicle that’s approved for use as an assistive device for those with mobility limitations or other disabilities is allowed to be used anywhere a person is allowed to walk, outdoors as well as indoors. Power wheelchairs and e-scooters are examples of Mobility Assistive Equipment. Unfortunately, some devices that serve this purpose but aren’t classified as MAEs are being used in places where they present problems. Also, MAEs are not to be confused with electric personal assistive mobility devices, such as Segways, as defined by Florida law.

I’m all for getting more bikes on our roads but there are concerns that need to be handled on the front end of what is likely going to be a boom in the near future. That boom may be good for those selling e-bikes, but maybe not so great for vulnerable road and pathway users, whether because of potential physical harm or legal problems that may become commonplace.

For example, in Florida one section of our laws allows those without a driver’s license to operate a moped but another section negates that law based on its classification as a motor vehicle because it’s gas-powered. For those with suspended or revoked licenses this is a serious matter if they are found operating a moped. Class 3 e-bikes may create that same problem, especially before any changes to the law are enacted. ¦

- 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 and 334-6417. 

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

State Road 865 (San Carlos Boulevard) Public Meeting Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), District One, will hold a public meeting to discuss the operational analysis study to identify a series of mobility improvements for State Road (SR) 865 (San Carlos Boulevard) from south of Estero Boulevard to County Road (CR) 869 (Summerlin Road), approximately 3.1 miles, in Lee County. www.swflroads.com/sr865/sancarlosboulevard/

The public meeting is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at the Chapel by the Sea Presbyterian Church, 100 Chapel Street, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931.

The purpose of this operational analysis study is to determine locations and types of operational deficiencies that exist along the project corridor and identify specific improvement alternatives that can be developed and evaluated. The goal of the study is to identify ways to reduce travel times on SR 865 (San Carlos Boulevard) during the peak seasons for people getting onto and off of Estero and San Carlos Islands. Adding additional lanes on San Carlos Boulevard may not be feasible, so improvements are needed for all modes of travel including busses and trolleys, cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. In addition to the emphasis on alternative modes of transportation, improvements to safety and accessibility are also an important element of the study.

The proposed project is also intended to promote emphasis for alternative transportation use and to increase public transit ridership. The project will also enhance mobility and safety for vehicular and non-vehicular transportation and increase accessibility and connections between community points of interest.

Traffic volume on SR 865 (San Carlos Boulevard) from south of Estero Boulevard to CR 869 (Summerlin Road) averages about 25,000 vehicles per day during peak season. Traffic is expected to increase to over 31,000 vehicles per day by the year 2040.

Since beginning the study, FDOT has been conducting analyses, meeting with stakeholders, and identifying potential improvements to address the operational deficiencies. Input received to date has been incorporated where feasible. Potential improvements include improved signalization; adding sidewalks and bicycle lanes where currently not present, including the Matanzas Pass bridge and Hurricane Bay bridge; and enhanced transit service.

The purpose of the meeting is to present potential improvements identified by the study team and to obtain comments so that the department can determine which improvements to move forward to the next phase of development. The meeting will be conducted in an informal open house setting. Attendees are encouraged to come to this meeting at any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to review the potential improvements. Project information, aerial photographs and poster board displays will be available for review. Department representatives will be available during the meeting to informally discuss the project and to answer your questions. This meeting will give interested people the opportunity to review displays and talk one-on-one with staff. Written comments are encouraged.

FDOT solicits public participation without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or people who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Jamie Schley, District One Title VI Coordinator, at (863) 519-2573 or by e-mail at Jamie.schley@dot.state.fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Services, 1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or 1 (800) 955-8770 (Voice).

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by FDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. §327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated December 14, 2016 and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and FDOT.

Project Contact

For more information about the project, please contact Marlon Bizerra, P.E., Project Manager, Florida Department of Transportation at 863-519-2250 or toll-free at 1-800-292-3368 Ext. 2250, or by email at marlon.bizerra@dot.state.fl.us.

Written comments and questions can be mailed to Mr. Bizerra’s attention at Florida Department of Transportation, P.O. Box 1249, Bartow, Florida 33831.

Connect with the SR 865 (San Carlos Boulevard) Operational Analysis Study on the web!
www.swflroads.com/sr865/sancarlosboulevard/

February 12: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

• Saturday, Feb. 17: Edison Festival of Light 5K. Over the years, the Edison Festival 5K Race has gained international notoriety. Well over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators take over the streets of the Downtown River District. Register your team for this 3.1 mile race for fun and a chance to win cash prizes. This professional event is coordinated from start to finish by the Fort Myers Track Club and includes chip timing and an after-event awards program. Downtown Fort Myers at 5:45 p.m.(edisonfestival.org/events/2018/5k-run) (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 17: 2018 Babcock Ranch Doggie Dash 5K. We’re hosting our 2nd Annual Bark in the Park Event, so grab your furry friends and get ready to come out to Babcock Ranch for this fun-filled day. The event starts with our Doggie Dash 5K race at 7:30 a.m. Runners can run solo or with a pet. 7:30 a.m., Babcock Ranch (babcockranch.com/event/bark-in-the-park-doggie-dash-5k/) (3dracinginc.com)
• 
  Sunday, Feb. 18: Paradise Coast Half Marathon and 5K, Lely Resort, Naples (www.paradisehalf.com) 
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Swamp Stomp 5K, 7:30 a.m. in Labelle. Benefits Caloosa Humane Society (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Naples High School Golden Eagle Run 5K, 7:30 a.m. (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, March 4: 15th annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run, half marathon/relay and 5K fun run, 8 a.m., Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, March 10: Shrimp Run 5K, Matanzas Bridge, Fort Myers Beach (active.com) 
• Thursday, March 15: St Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run, 6:15 p.m., Fit and Fuel, 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

• 
  Friday, Feb. 23: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at 4706 SE 11th Place for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Saturday Slow Roll 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Feb. 25: Dirty Hamster 100, gravel/off-road ride through the Babcock-Webb WMA. Complete 4 laps of 25 miles for the century or pick you own distance. Ride multiples of any loop: 25 mile loop, 10 mile loop, or a 10 mile paved section. (caloosariders.org)
• Saturday, March 10: Pedal and Play in Paradise, 62-, 30- and 15-mile rides, plus a 10-mile Mystery Ride (pedalandplayinparadise.com)
  
• 
  Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11: 20th annual Royal Palm Challenge, 32- and 42-mile rides both days, starting from Fort Myers Brewing Co. (www.caloosariders.org)
• Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.
• For more Lee County cycling and tri events, visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

Triathlons:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Save the date: Bonita Springs Trail Visioning Workshops Tuesday Feb. 27 to Thursday March 1

Live or work in Bonita Springs? Mark your calendars for Feb. 27-March 1st to participate in the exciting trail visioning workshops to help shape the trails in Bonita Springs.

 

Upcoming Trail Visioning Workshops
_______________________________________________________________________________
There will be multiple opportunities to participate over three days.

Tuesday Feb. 27 to Thursday March 1, 2018

WHAT:  Trail Visioning Workshops: Come help shape the look, feel, and priorities for trails in Bonita Springs.  Multiple topics will be covered including:

• West Terry Street Trail and Pocket Park Design –
  Review and provide feedback on the proposed trail along Terry Street from Tamiami Trail to Bonita Springs Middle School.
• City-Wide Vision for Trails in Bonita Springs –
  Help identify new routes to create a complete and connected trail network in the City.
• Establish the Bonita Springs Trail Brand –
  Help identify the “look and feel” that will make the City’s trail system unique and easy to identify and use.

WHEN:  Over three days, there will be multiple opportunities to participate including:

• Visioning Kickoff Meeting (Tuesday Feb. 27 from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm) – Roll up your sleeves and work with the design team to establish the vision for trails.  Will include overview presentation about trail projects underway as well as interactive group exercises to guide discussion.
• Open Studio (Wednesday Feb. 28 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm) –
  Can’t make an evening meeting?  Stop by at your convenience at City Hall to talk one-on-one with the design team.
• Studio “Pin-Up” (Wednesday Feb. 28 from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm) –
  The design team will have an open house to share what was developed over Day 2 of the workshop.  Input at the event will be used to refine concepts and recommendations for the City’s trail vision.
• Work in Progress Open House (Thursday March 1 from 5:30 pm to 7:30pm) –
  Come hear about what the design team developed over the three days and what the next steps will be for the W. Terry trail and other trail projects.

**All meetings will be held at City Hall, located at 9101 Bonita Beach Road. For additional information please contact City Hall at 239-949-6262.

February 5: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

• Saturday, Feb. 10: 2018 Cape Coral Rotary Run for the Rose Garden 5K. Run in the Cape Coral Rotary Club’s annual 5k race beginning at Rotary Park and winding through the lovely Rose Garden area of South Cape Coral. This event is open to all. T-Shirts are included with your registration. Medals will be awarded in different age, gender and overall groups. Refreshments and a water station will be provided. 7:30 a.m., Rotary Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
• Sunday, Feb. 11: Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run. Hundreds of young participants turn out to show their determination and pride. The Junior Fun Run is open to children in grades five and below. Grades 4 & 5 run a mile, 3rd graders run 1200 Meters, first and second graders run 800 Meters, kindergarten students run 400 Meters, and students under 5 years old run 100 Meters. The Fort Myers Track Club helps to make this a fantastic active event for the children and many children run year after year! Downtown Fort Myers at noon (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 17: Edison Festival of Light 5K, downtown Fort Myers at 5:45 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 17: 2018 Babcock Ranch Doggie Dash 5K, 8 a.m., Babcock Ranch (3dracinginc.com)
• 
  Sunday, Feb. 18: Paradise Coast Half Marathon and 5K, Lely Resort, Naples (www.paradisehalf.com) 
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Swamp Stomp 5K, 7:30 a.m. in Labelle. Benefits Caloosa Humane Society (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Naples High School Golden Eagle Run 5K, 7:30 a.m. (gcrunner.org)
• Sunday, March 4: 15th annual River, Roots & Ruts Trail Run, half marathon/relay and 5K fun run, 8 a.m., Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, March 10: Shrimp Run 5K, Matanzas Bridge, Fort Myers Beach (active.com) 
• Thursday, March 15: St Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run, 6:15 p.m., Fit and Fuel, 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples (gcrunner.org)
• For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

• 
  Friday, Feb. 9: NE-Lee Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, Feb. 10: Sanibel Critical Mass ride, gathers at 7:30 p.m. at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Friday, Feb. 23: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at 4706 SE 11th Place for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Saturday, Feb. 24: Saturday Slow Roll 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/)
• Sunday, Feb. 25: Dirty Hamster 100, gravel/off-road ride through the Babcock-Webb WMA. Complete 4 laps of 25 miles for the century or pick you own distance. Ride multiples of any loop: 25 mile loop, 10 mile loop, or a 10 mile paved section. (caloosariders.org)
• Saturday, March 10: Pedal and Play in Paradise, 62-, 30- and 15-mile rides, plus a 10-mile Mystery Ride (pedalandplayinparadise.com)
  
• 
  Saturday-Sunday, March 10-11: 20th annual Royal Palm Challenge, 32- and 42-mile rides both days, starting from Fort Myers Brewing Co. (www.caloosariders.org)
• Ongoing: Join the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club on one of their many weekly rides for members and potential members, with an array of paces and routes to choose from. Check them out online at www.caloosariders.org.
• For more Lee County cycling and tri events, visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

Triathlons:

• Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Bike me out to the ball game

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, 2/1/2018
by Ken Gooderham

Image courtesry: Cycle Tour | Sport24

One of the long-standing rituals in Southwest Florida is spring training… a chance for fans for see their favorite major league teams up close and personal.

Another regional ritual is the traffic jam that accompanies most spring training games locally. All those fans in all those vehicles, on top of already crowded roadways struggling with season, equals gridlock.

There’s a way to enjoy the former ritual without enduring the latter, if you’re willing to park your car and ride your bike.

Both Hammond Stadium/CenturyLink Sports Complex and jetBlue Park/Fenway South – training sites for the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, respectively – are easily accessible by bike, with some routes able to keep cyclists comfortably away from traffic (if that matters to you).

This idea may be particularly appealing should your tickets take you out to the ballgame on one of the few days when both teams are playing at home – which is guaranteed to turn Daniels Parkway into a parking lot those afternoons.

Parking your bike once you arrive at the stadium can be a challenge, so be sure to bring a sturdy lock and cable/chain to secure your ride to whatever you can find (which won’t be bike racks, I’m sure).

Not up for a long ride from home? Then park and ride… drive your bike to a nearby park or parking area (say, Lakes Park?), then ride your bike the rest of the way. You’ll still avoid the traffic jams and get some exercise (which can help justify that ballgame beer, hot dog or other snack).

You could even park at the airport and bike out from there… but given the cost and the calamity (RSW is not the most traffic-friendly site this time of year), I would not recommend it.

Maps showing the specific routes to both sites are available at bikewalklee.com (look for the Maps link), or you can pick up the countywide bike facilities map at your favorite bike shop (or download it from http://leempo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/3rdEditionFinal_000.pdf). The countywide map is also a great way to plan your rides to take advantage of the various bike facilities the county has in place.

You don’t have to wait until spring training (which kicks off Feb. 22) to put this idea into use. If you want to avoid traffic and find a convenient place to park in downtown Fort Myers during Art Fest this coming weekend, ride your bike. (Should you find some artwork you just can’t live without, most of the artists are happy to hold it for you until you can come back with a more appropriate vehicle.)

Still time to comment on projects

You may have missed the Jan. 29 public workshop to speak up about two proposed bike/ped projects in Fort Myers, but you can still get your feelings on the record – at least until Feb. 12.

The two projects – the next phase of the Yarbrough Linear Park and the Winkler Canal Shared Use Path – are facing feasibility studies to determine their fate, so supporters should speak up or forever hold your peace (and your complaints about missing links in the bike/ped network).

What’s proposed? For the Yarbrough park, it’s extending the existing shared-use path northward from Colonial Blvd. to Hanson Street (it now runs from Six Mile Cypress to Colonial along Ten Mile Canal). For the Winkler project, it’s a new shared-use path from U.S 41 to McGregor Blvd. proposed to run along either the Winkler Canal, within Jefferson Park neighborhood, or along Hill Ave adjacent to the Fort Myers Country Club.

Email your comments to mavola@cella.cc (CellaMolnar & Associates is handling the public information aspect of the studies) by Feb. 12 to make sure your voice is included in these two vital projects.

 

Ready to ride or run?

Run? wo Fort Myers 5Ks are up this weekend – Strides for Education at Florida SouthWestern and the Medical Society Foundation 5K at Lakes Park. The following weekend brings the Cape Rotary 5K on Feb. 10 and the Edison Festival of Light Junior Fun Run on Feb. 11 – which of course means the Edison 5K is the following weekend (make your downtown plans accordingly). Details at ftmyerstrackclub.com and 3dracinginc.com.

Ride? This Friday’s Critical Mass downtown ride coincides with the opening of the weekend Art Fest, so expect even more crowded downtown streets. Next weekend brings the NE Lee ride on Friday night and the Sanibel ride Saturday night. Lights required and helmets recommended for all, with details at  meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events.

Both?  Nothing nearby in the near term, check out trifind.com or active.com for events in the state.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, 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.