Thursday, September 27, 2018

Let’s get ready to run!


BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, 9/27/2018
by Ken Gooderham

If you’re a competitive runner, your season is right around the corner.

Starting this weekend with the Walk Like MADD 5K Dash at JetBlue Park, you can find at least a 5K race almost every weekend through Dec. 1. And if 5K isn’t enough, there are some 10Ks, 10 milers, half-marathons and even an 80-mile relay on the menu.

Why the glut of good races after a summer of scarcity? Heat and humidity, of course… or, in this case, the relative lack of it as the calendar moves into October and November. The gradual return of snowbird runners doesn’t hurt either, since a bigger pool of potential entrants ensure more successful events.

Why the plethora of 5Ks? They are an easy race to run, and an easy race to organize – and, thus, an easy place for both runners and run organizers to try out an event.

Most runners can handle a 5K without much training, so that distance can draw a lot more entrants than, say, a half-marathon… where adding 10 miles to the 5k’s 3.1 miles makes it a lot more daunting.

Longer run courses mean more work for organizers and more time for racers to be on the course – both a complicating factor when you’re sharing the roadway with vehicles, which means more public safety concerns, more volunteers, more logistics to deal with, etc.

If you already run, skip the next part. If you don’t run but would like to try, read on.

Want to do a 5K? Great! Don’t know how to begin? There are plenty of people ready to help.

  • Go online. There are thousands of websites and blogs ready to walk you through preparing for a 5K (or more)… all with some variation on the “check with your doctor, pick a race, buy some running gear and start moving” theme. Find the one(s) that sound best to you and begin… and, in particular, get yourself ready for the race itself, which is a different experience that just running on your own.
  • Go to a run store. That’s where the experts are, and they are happy to help create new runners (meaning customers) as well as to help build the strength of the sport (since they’re probably runners themselves). They can also get you started on the right foot (literally) with gear (particularly shoes) and advice.
  • Go talk to other runners. They can tell you which are the good races (vs. the ones that don’t always have their act together), offer sage counsel and even become someone that can help you get started in your quest to become a runner – or can hook you up with other beginners to give you a training group to work with.

What if you want to start running but don’t really want to race? Also great! Running is a sport that can be whatever you want it to be, both in terms of exertion and sociability.

Want to run races? Plenty to choose from. Want to run in a group? Our area has a number of options, from the very organized Fort Myers Track Club or Gulf Coast Runners to MeetUp groups such as Running Friends. Prefer to run alone? Grab those headphones (or not) and head out the door.

For some people, races are a motivator, a reason to lace up the shoes and put in those miles. For others, races are irrelevant… it’s just running that matters.

So if it takes a race to get you moving, good. Don’t need one to get you going? Also good. The point is to get fit and have fun… how you get there is up to you.

Ready to ride or run? 

 

Run?  On Friday, there’s the Bocca Lupo Howl at the Moon 5K at Charlotte Sports Park 7:30 p.m. (runsignup.com). Saturday morning is the Walk Like MADD 5K Dash at JetBlue Park, Fort Myers (walklikemadd.org/southwestfl). Oct. 4 brings the GCR Corporate Run at 6 p.m. at the Gordon River Greenway, Naples (gcrunner.org). Oct. 6 is the Busey Bank Run for Prevention 5K at Centennial Park, Fort Myers, 5-8 p.m. (3dracinginc.com). And Oct. 13 brings the popular Cops & Joggers 5K in downtown Fort Myers at 7:45 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com).

Ride? Critical Mass rides abound: Cape Coral is Friday night, followed by the Saturday morning Slow Roll in downtown Fort Myers, then the original SW Florida downtown night ride on Oct. 5. Lights required for night rides, helmets recommended for all; details at http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/.

Those looking for a longer ride can consider the Gran Fondo Sarasota on Oct. 7, with four distances from 8 miles to 100 miles (caloosariders.org). You can also join the no-drop Wakey, Wakey! Sunday morning ride leaving from Fort Myers Trek. The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.

Both? Upcoming events include:
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Longboat Key Triathlon & Duathlon, sprint and Olympic-distance tris, plus a sprint and Olympic duathlon. Longboat Key Club & Resort (longboatkeytriathlon.com)
  • Sunday, Dec. 16: Christmas Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon, Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org)
  • Jan. 6, 2019: HITS Triathlon Series, with sprint, Olympic and half-Ironman distances. Nathan Benderson Park, Sarasota (hitstriathlonseries.com)
  • Willing to drive? Check trifind.com or active.com for tris around 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. 


 

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

National Alliance on Mental Illness to hold first 5K walk in SW Florida this Saturday









National Alliance on Mental Illness, Lee, Charlotte and Hendry Counties will host NAMIWalks Southwest Florida — its inaugural 5K walk — on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The event is designed to raise awareness and funds for NAMI organizations across the United States. Founded in 1979, NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI is an association of hundreds of local affiliates, state organizations and volunteers who work in communities across the nation.

The walk will begin at 7 p.m. at the City of Fort Myers Pier. Check-in will begin promptly at 6 p.m., and various activities for all ages will take place throughout the day, including activities for those who wish to participate but not walk. Fundraising teams are also welcome.

More at fortmyers.floridaweekly.com


This Saturday: Bike Your Park Day

Caloosahatchee Regional Park / leegov.com/parks
Join thousands of others around the world on September 29, 2018 to explore your parks and public lands by bicycle. Ride any distance on roads or trails and make a day of it: stop to enjoy a picnic, pause by a river to cool your toes, or take a break at a visitors center to learn something new. What better way to spend a fall day celebrating our public lands?

More information here: www.adventurecycling.org/resources/bike-your-park-day/


Local road-running and walking season begins

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 9/26/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com


It’s not exactly the crisp and cool autumn of up north but the fact is that fall began Sept. 21 everywhere in the northern hemisphere, climate regions notwithstanding. The local running and walking season has officially begun as well. Not that our summer was devoid of organized events — each year more and more take place during a time of year that used to be almost barren of anything other than a few 2-mile fun runs. But anyone who runs or walks on a regular basis can attest to the unmistakable difference once the heat and humidity get back to something less than sauna-like.

Many events for the upcoming season are confirmed, including some as far out as next spring. A few are part of larger happenings so you can make a day or night of it. Some of the events are:

Saturday, Sept. 29: Walk Like MADD and 5K DASH, JetBlue Park, Fort Myers, 8:30 a.m. start time. Family activities to follow run/walk. www.endurancesportstiming.com

Saturday, Oct. 6: Busey Bank Run for Prevention 5K, Centennial Park, Fort Myers, 6 p.m. start time. www.3dracinginc.com

Saturday, Oct. 6: Walk for Wishes, Florida Gulf Coast University, 8:30 a.m. start time. Family Fun Day begins at 9:30 a.m. www.endurancesportstiming.com

Saturday, Oct. 13: Cops & Joggers 5K Run/Walk, Edwards & Hendry, Downtown Fort Myers, 7:45 p.m. start time. www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Saturday, Oct. 20: St. Andrew Catholic School Run for the Stars 5K, 7:30 a.m. start time, Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral. www.3dracinginc.com

Saturday, Oct. 27: Race 4 F.I.S.H. 10K, 7:30 a.m. start time, Sanibel Community House, Sanibel. www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Saturday, Oct. 27: Walk to End Alzheimer’s (2 miles), 9 a.m. start time, Centennial Park, Fort Myers. www.alz.org/walk

Saturday, Oct. 27: Babcock Ranch Trick or Trot 5K, 8 a.m. start time, Babcock Ranch. www.3dracinginc.com

Saturday, Nov. 10: Achieva Credit Union’s Coconut Run 5K, 7:30 a.m. start time, Sun Splash Waterpark, Cape Coral. www.3dracinginc.com

Saturday, Nov. 10: Midpoint Madness 5K, 7 p.m. start time, Royal Palm Square, Fort Myers. www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Thursday, Nov. 22: Turkey Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m. start time, Cape Coral Hospital, Cape Coral. www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day 5K Walk/Run, 7 a.m. start time, Hertz Arena, Estero. www.eliteevents.org ¦

- 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.




Monday, September 24, 2018

September 24: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

  • Thursday, Oct. 4: GCR Corporate Run. Come participate in Naples only Corporate Run/Walk! Open to all employees and family of local corporations, businesses, government offices, and institutions.  6 p.m., Gordon River Greenway, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 6: Busey Bank Run for Prevention 5K. This Run and Walk, which crosses the Edison Bridge, is great for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and perfect for families and teams. The course is stroller and pet friendly. Centennial Park, Fort Myers, 5-8 p.m. (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: Cops & Joggers 5K, downtown Fort Myers. 7:45 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: Gulf to Gulf 80 Relay, 80-mile relay race starting and ending at Cambier park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: St Andrew Catholic School Run for the Stars 5K, 7:30 a.m., Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
  • Sunday, Oct. 21: Rocktoberfest 10 Miler and Relay, North collier Regional Park, 7 a.m. (eliteevents.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: F.I.S.H. 10K, Sanibel Community House, 7:30 a.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween Monster 5K, Fleischmann Park, Naples 7:30 a.m. (gcrunner.org
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: Babcock Ranch Trick or Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Babcock Ranch (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Nov. 10: Olde Naples 10K run/2K walk, 7:30 a.m.(gcrunner.org)
  • Sunday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, Midpoint Bridge (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Naples Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: 39th annual Turkey Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Wellness Center, Cape Coral (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, 7 a.m., Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: GCR Thanksgiving 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

  • Friday, Sept. 28: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. NOTE: changed starting location due to downtown construction. Gather at 7:30 p.m. at SW FL Military Museum Parking Lot, 4820 Leonard St, for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Saturday, Sept. 29: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 30: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Monday, Oct. 7: Gran Fondo Sarasota, Nathan Benderson Park, four courses/distances (caloosariders.org
  • Sunday, Oct 7: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.  (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Oct. 12: 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)
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: 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)
  • Sunday, Oct. 14: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.  (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Sunday, Oct. 29: 9th annual Tour de North Port, 15-, 35- and 65-mile rides, 7:30 a.m., Imagine School, Upper Campus, 2757 Sycamore Street, North Port (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:
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Longboat Key Triathlon & Duathlon, sprint and Olympic tris, sprint and Olympic duathlon. Longboat Key Club & Resort (longboatkeytriathlon.com)
  • Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Save the date! Stakeholder meeting SUN trail Cape Coral

You are invited to the stakeholder meeting/presentation on September 25th, beginning at 5PM for the Florida Shared-Use Non-Motorized (SUN) Trail Van Buren Pkwy/El Dorado Blvd/Kismet Pkwy Burnt Store Rd to Del Prado Blvd in Cape Coral.

The Stakeholders Meeting is essentially a meeting for the internal/external stakeholders. At this meeting, we will discuss the scope of the project and 30% plans developed with the local governments, utility companies, affected agencies, and key external stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting is to solicit information from these stakeholders.

The meeting will be held at the City of Cape Coral Public Works Large Conference Room A200 (Green Room) located at 815 Nicholas Parkway East, Cape Coral. 

 

September 17: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

  • Thursday, Oct. 4: GCR Corporate Run, 6 p.m., Gordon River Greenway, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 6: Busey Bank Run for Prevention 5K, Centennial Park, Fort Myers, 5-8 p.m. (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: Cops & Joggers 5K, downtown Fort Myers. 7:45 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: Gulf to Gulf 80 Relay, 80-mile relay race starting and ending at Cambier park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: St Andrew Catholic School Run for the Stars 5K, 7:30 a.m., Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
  • Sunday, Oct. 21: Rocktoberfest 10 Miler and Relay, North collier Regional Park, 7 a.m. (eliteevents.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: F.I.S.H. 10K, Sanibel Community House, 7:30 a.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween Monster 5K, Fleischmann Park, Naples 7:30 a.m. (gcrunner.org
  •  Saturday, Oct. 27: Babcock Ranch Trick or Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Babcock Ranch (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Nov. 10: Olde Naples 10K run/2K walk, 7:30 a.m.(gcrunner.org)
  • Sunday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, Midpoint Bridge (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Naples Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: 39th annual Turkey Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Wellness Center, Cape Coral (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, 7 a.m., Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: GCR Thanksgiving 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

  • Sunday, Sept. 23: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Sept. 28: 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)
  • Saturday, Sept. 29: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 30: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Monday, Oct. 7: Gran Fondo Sarasota, Nathan Benderson Park, four courses/distances (caloosariders.org
  • Sunday, Oct 7: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.  (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Oct. 12: 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)
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: 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)
  • Sunday, Oct. 14: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.  (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Sunday, Oct. 29: 9th annual Tour de North Port, 15-, 35- and 65-mile rides, 7:30 a.m., Imagine School, Upper Campus, 2757 Sycamore Street, North Port (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:
  • Saturday, Sept. 22: (“The Original”) Siesta Key Sprint Triathlon, Siesta Key (trifind.com
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Longboat Key Triathlon & Duathlon, sprint and Olympic tris, sprint and Olympic duathlon. Longboat Key Club & Resort (longboatkeytriathlon.com)
  • Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Can biking bring them back?


BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, 9/13/2018
by Ken Gooderham

When your biggest industry relies on clean water and sparkling beaches, a double dose of sea life-killing attacks is a real hit in the pocketbook.

That is painfully clear when the nearshore waters are not, as has been the case this summer after the one-two punch of blue-green algae and a robust red tide bloom put our local economy back on its heels. Visitors and residents alike were driven from our beaches and shorelines by the dangerous outbreaks, the vile smell and the tons of dead fish washing or floating ashore.

What’s the long-term impact? Hopefully, not much – IF the waters start to clear and stay that way, and IF steps are taken to prevent such outbreaks from recurring in the near future, and IF the visitors and part-time residents repelled by the wretched water can be convinced to give our region one more try.

Unfortunately, after a number of algae outbreaks back to back, some former visitors may decide to turn their back on our coasts and waterways – and that’s not good for business and, eventually, all of us.

So, besides redoubling our commitment to clean up this mess – which is still going to take years, even if every plan in the works was fully funded tomorrow – we may need to look at other ways to bring visitors back to Southwest Florida.

We’ve already spent a lot on baseball, both spring training and amateur events. But people drawn to the diamonds need something to do when the games aren’t playing. If they are afraid to go to the beach or to fish local waters, what else is there?

Why not cycling?

Look around the state. A lot of other areas have plunged into the pedaling market, not just building bike lanes and shared-use paths to get from here to there but also putting together trails where bicycling becomes the main attraction and not just a convenience. They’ve invested in trails where cyclists can ride all day – or over many days – to see the wonders of our state up close and personal from the saddle of their bike.

But when you look over the state’s trail network, Southwest Florida is noticeably absent. Sure, we have Sanibel, which earns its due as a cycling destination with an island-wide network. Soon, one expects, Cape Coral will join that list as its bike infrastructure grows. And, slowly, there are individual trails being put in place around the region that expand the cycling options in that area.

There has even been talk about a more concerted effort to string together existing piecemeal trails into a more substantial route – either stretching along the coast or further inland. That talk is appreciated, but action would be appreciated even more.

Other areas have figured out that bike tourism brings in business, that people will pay to stay, eat, drink and more as they ride along a formally designated route. They’ve seen that connecting places for biking makes a connection with visitors who want to have a safe and interesting place to ride.

Why haven’t we?

We have the perfect climate (at least for half to two-thirds of the year) and the perfect albeit boring terrain (flat). And we have a lot of places that could easily be connected for biking by using existing roads or rights-of-way.

Imagine a trail that could take riders from Sanibel’s island network to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Or one that tied together our coastal cities from Naples northward to Sarasota. Even a cross-state trail that could do for South Florida what the Coast-to-Coast Trail is striving for in the middle of the state.

I’d even settle for a trail that took cyclists from one part of Lee County to the other safely, building off our existing network to extend the cycling reach a little farther. Include in that a recommitment to making more of our roadways “complete” – with space for all the users to safely travel – and we might have something to talk about, something that adds to our potential allure to tourists who’ve seen too many images of dying waters and dead sea life lately.

Is that going to bring the wary visitor back? We don’t know for sure.

But if this area doesn’t continue to diversify its tourism offerings as well as clean up its messes, our economy will still be held hostage any time something goes wrong with our bread-and-butter attractions of sand, surf and sunshine.

Cycling is working in other areas. Maybe we should try it – and try harder – here.

Ready to ride or run?

Run?  Not much on the calendar until October, so this is a good time to fine-tune your training to be ready when the rash of 5K and other runs finally arrive.

Ride? Due to a quirk of the calendar, the only Critical Mass ride in sight is the NE Lee event on Friday night. Lights required for night rides, helmets recommended for all; details at http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/. You can also join the no-drop Wakey, Wakey! Sunday morning ride leaving from Fort Myers Trek. The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.

Both? Upcoming events include:
  • Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 15-16: Galloway Captiva Tri, with the kids’ events (three age groups) Saturday and the sprint tri Sunday. (captivatri.org)
  • Saturday, Sept. 22: (“The Original”) Siesta Key Sprint Triathlon, Siesta Key (trifind.com
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Longboat Key Triathlon & Duathlon, sprint and Olympic tris, sprint and Olympic duathlon. Longboat Key Club & Resort (longboatkeytriathlon.com)

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. 


 

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Advocacy groups are raising awareness for pedestrians, cyclists

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 9/12/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com


Hanson Street, above, in Fort Myers is an example of an incomplete street.
North Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, right, is a complete street.
DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY
As much as I find lacking in our area in terms of the precarious environment for people on foot and bicycles, the dedication among individuals, groups and formal organizations working to affect change isn’t one of our weak points.

My Aug. 1 column delved into some of the projects coming online that should improve things and I briefly touched on folks who are organized in one way or another in order to affect change for the better. This time I’d like to expand on a few of those positive efforts taking place.

Southwest Florida Critical Mass just marked its fifth anniversary. This loose-knit group of people that meets up each month at four or five different locations around Lee County to enjoy parade-like rides is going strong. While having fun is the primary purpose, members also raise awareness about traffic safety and the many benefits of cycling, on their brightly lit-up, oftentimes tricked-out bikes. In some parts of the country the term “critical mass” is associated with bike advocacy that involves civil disobedience. The Lee County group is just the opposite as it represents fun and positive advocacy.

Streets Alive of Southwest Florida, originally created in 2012 as a Healthy Lee coalition effort to plan and facilitate our area’s first two Cyclovias, has expanded its focus beyond event management. It is now engaging directly with the community by undertaking bike/ped-related projects and efforts, primarily in at-risk and underserved neighborhoods. It is also conducting symposiums for government, private sector developers and individuals who are concerned about how growth affects our quality of life. Their achievements include needed improvements being made to the pedestrian infrastructure in and around Franklin Park Elementary School in Dunbar. Thanks to formal walking audits they undertook with residents, nearby nonprofits, and the school’s students and personnel, Streets Alive was able to document the need to add bike/ped facilities on school property and surrounding streets. It also secured grants to purchase bikes, safety equipment and to develop a curriculum specific to their needs to teach bike/ped safety. Many Streets Alive members have received formal training from the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Program so are certified community instructors who can conduct bike safety, clinics and assist schools, recreation programs, and others with hands-on bike/ ped safety education. It also planned and facilitated two exemplary conferences to educate professional community and transportation planners, elected officials, developers and concerned citizens about the benefits of sustainable development and Complete Streets.

BikeWalkLee continues to work behind the scenes to promote, monitor and inform the public related to Complete

Streets policies and practices in our area. This coalition, which came together in 2008 as a result of outrage over transportation policies and practices that focused almost exclusively on moving cars and that put pedestrians and cyclists at risk when using our public roads, has been instrumental in convincing local governments and even Florida Department of Transportation to embrace Complete Streets as official policy. The challenge now facing BikeWalkLee is ensuring the various governments follow through with their policies and not backslide by giving in to certain developers and others who would rather go back to accommodating cars over people. This is no easy task as our economy thrives and we again experience breakneck growth.

To sum up, along with other group efforts, such as Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, Healthy Lee, Community Traffic Safety Team and supportive governmental agencies like the Metropolitan Planning Organization, there should be success in getting Lee County off the top of the list of most dangerous places for pedestrians and move us toward being truly bike/ped-friendly.

For more information on these projects and efforts, see bikewalklee.blogspot.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 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.




Monday, September 10, 2018

September 10: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:

  • Thursday, Oct. 4: GCR Corporate Run, 6 p.m., Gordon River Greenway, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 6: Busey Bank Run for Prevention 5K, Centennial Park, Fort Myers, 5-8 p.m. (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: Cops & Joggers 5K, downtown Fort Myers. 7:45 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: Gulf to Gulf 80 Relay, 80-mile relay race starting and ending at Cambier park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: St Andrew Catholic School Run for the Stars 5K, 7:30 a.m., Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
  • Sunday, Oct. 21: Rocktoberfest 10 Miler and Relay, North collier Regional Park, 7 a.m. (eliteevents.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: F.I.S.H. 10K, Sanibel Community House, 7:30 a.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween Monster 5K, Fleischmann Park, Naples 7:30 a.m. (gcrunner.org
  •  Saturday, Oct. 27: Babcock Ranch Trick or Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Babcock Ranch (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Nov. 10: Olde Naples 10K run/2K walk, 7:30 a.m.(gcrunner.org)
  • Sunday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, Midpoint Bridge (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Naples Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: 39th annual Turkey Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Wellness Center, Cape Coral (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, 7 a.m., Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
  • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

  • Friday, Sept. 14: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 16: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Sunday, Sept. 23: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Sept. 28: 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)
  • Saturday, Sept. 29: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 30: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Monday, Oct. 7: Gran Fondo Sarasota, Nathan Benderson Park, four courses/distances (caloosariders.org
  • Sunday, Oct. 29: 9th annual Tour de North Port, 15-, 35- and 65-mile rides, 7:30 a.m., Imagine School, Upper Campus, 2757 Sycamore Street, North Port (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:
  • Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 15-16: Galloway Captiva Tri. Kids’ events Saturday morning (three age groups), sprint tri Sunday morning (captivatri.org
  • Saturday, Sept. 22: (“The Original”) Siesta Key Sprint Triathlon, Siesta Key (trifind.com)
  • Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

September 3: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:
  • Monday, Sept. 3: Labor Day 5K, 7 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Thursday, Oct. 4: GCR Corporate Run, 6 p.m., Gordon River Greenway, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 6: Busey Bank Run for Prevention 5K, Centennial Park, Fort Myers, 5-8 p.m. (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 13: Cops & Joggers 5K, downtown Fort Myers. 7:45 p.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: Gulf to Gulf 80 Relay, 80-mile relay race starting and ending at Cambier park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 20: St Andrew Catholic School Run for the Stars 5K, 7:30 a.m., Jim Jeffers Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
  • Sunday, Oct. 21: Rocktoberfest 10 Miler and Relay, North collier Regional Park, 7 a.m. (eliteevents.org)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: F.I.S.H. 10K, Sanibel Community House, 7:30 a.m. (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, Oct. 27: Halloween Monster 5K, Fleischmann Park, Naples 7:30 a.m. (gcrunner.org
  •  Saturday, Oct. 27: Babcock Ranch Trick or Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Babcock Ranch (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, Nov. 10: Olde Naples 10K run/2K walk, 7:30 a.m.(gcrunner.org)
  • Sunday, Nov. 11: Midpoint Madness 5K, Midpoint Bridge (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Sunday, Nov. 18: Naples Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sugden Regional Park, Naples (eliteevents.org
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: 39th annual Turkey Trot 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Wellness Center, Cape Coral (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Thursday, Nov. 22: Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk, 7 a.m., Germain Arena, Estero (eliteevents.org)
  • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

  • Saturday-Monday, Sept. 1-3: Tour de Sebring, three days of riding in and around Sebring. Ride of varying lengths and skills (caloosariders.org
  • Sunday, Sept 2: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group.  (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Sept 7: 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)
  • Saturday, Sept. 8: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 9: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Sept. 14: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 16: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Sunday, Sept. 23: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, Sept. 28: 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)
  • Saturday, Sept. 29: 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)
  • Sunday, Sept. 30: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. All levels, all bikes, leaves from Fort Myers Trek store at 7:30 a.m. on a different route each week (mostly on bike paths). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, so helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Monday, Oct. 7: Gran Fondo Sarasota, Nathan Benderson Park, four courses/distances (caloosariders.org
  • Sunday, Oct. 29: 9th annual Tour de North Port, 15-, 35- and 65-mile rides, 7:30 a.m., Imagine School, Upper Campus, 2757 Sycamore Street, North Port (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:
  • Saturday, Sept. 8: Venice Sprint Triathlon, Sharkey’s on the Pier, Venice
  • Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 15-16: Galloway Captiva Tri. Kids’ events Saturday morning (three age groups), sprint tri Sunday morning (captivatri.org
  • Saturday, Sept. 22: (“The Original”) Siesta Key Sprint Triathlon, Siesta Key (trifind.com)
  • Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.