Thursday, February 28, 2019

Two halfs don’t make a whole (lot of sense)


BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, Febuary 28, 2019
by Ken Gooderham

Does Lee County have a big enough running base to support two half marathons? Probably.

On the same weekend? Probably not.

You may have noticed that next weekend features back-to-back halfs, with Saturday’s City of Palms half (and 5K) followed by Sunday’s Lazy Flamingo half (and relay).

How did this happen? Is this one of those “everyone reads the same marketing stats” that seems to guarantee there’s, say, a Walgreens right across the street from a CVS?

Not exactly. It’s more about nature (or race organizers) abhorring a void.

For a decade, the first weekend in March was host to the Hooters Half Marathon, a beloved race that raised a ton of money for local children’s charities and gave thousands the opportunity to run the streets of Fort Myers from Hooters out Colonial Blvd. toward the river, then down McGregor Blvd. to downtown, then back down U.S. 41 to Hooters.

However, Hurricane Irma and road construction along McGregor doomed the 2018 race. Another company tried to put on a half marathon – a couple of times, actually, eventually moving to the early March slot – but left a trail of unhappy runners behind in a wake of cancellations. Hooters eventually switched its sponsorship over to the River Roots and Ruts 10-mile trail run at Caloosahatchee Regional Park… and the March half-marathon void yawned ever wider.

Two different groups jumped in to fill that gap:
  • Elite Events, a local event organizer that already offers a range of races in Southwest and South Florida, teed up the City of Palms Half, which starts and finishes on the FGCU campus and runs along Ben Hill Griffin Parkway to the Gulf Coast Town Center Saturday morning.
  • Meanwhile, the Lazy Flamingo restaurant teamed with the nonprofit Fort Myers Track Club (who ran the original Hooters Half and hosts a full schedule of road races each year as the pre-eminent local running club) for the Lazy Flamingo Half on Sunday. It starts and finishes at the restaurant on McGregor, running through the Whiskey Creek community and along McGregor Blvd. almost to downtown before doubling back to return to the start.

Both are credible and experienced race organizers offering interesting (and time-limited) 13.1-mile courses. But can both events survive on a back-to-back schedule? Not likely.

Other Southwest Florida communities host multiple half marathons, Naples and Sarasota being the obvious examples. But not on the same weekend, competing for the same runners – even in the larger Lee County market.

One hopes both events are successful for their inaugural run… successful enough to keep both events coming back for 2020, but giving organizers an incentive to figure out how to separate them on the schedule so that both can thrive and prosper in their own niche. Runners (both locals and those seeking a destination event) would support both races, and having both halfs at different times would help the local racing schedule continue to evolve in terms of both types and distances of events available.

Lee County is ready for more longer running races, even with the challenging logistics of putting runners on overcrowded tourist-season roadways for longer periods of time than the typical 5K requires… and holding more challenging races during times when the temperatures are still tolerable.

Just not on the same weekend.

NOTE: If you’re driving in the vicinity of either half marathon this weekend, have some flexibility in your routes as both events will be using parts of the various public roads for the runners. That’s why both races have time limits… to limit the amount of time the roads are tied up.

Ready to ride or run?

Run? As already mentioned, this weekend features two half marathons (both with shorter options), and there’s still time to sign up if you’re up for the distance; go to eliteevents.org or ftmyerstrackclub.com. After that, the schedule returns to the regular 5K lengths, starting with the Yo Taco Beach Shrimp Run March 9 (active.com).

Ride? Critical Mass ahead… the original downtown night ride is Friday night, with the Sanibel night ride March 9. Lights required, helmets recommended, details at meetup.com. Want more? The renowned Royal Palm Challenge returns March 9-10, with a new Saturday ride option of 32 or 42 miles, added to the traditional Sunday rides of 15, 40, 62 and 80 miles. Details and registration at caloosariders.org.

Both? Upcoming events include:
  • Saturday, May 11: Cape Coral Sprint Tri (trifind.com)
  • Saturday, May 18: Life’s a Beach Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 2: 33rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Naples (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 9: Heartland Sprint and Olympic Tri, Sebring (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 23: Sirens Sprint Tri, Sarasota (trifind.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, February 27, 2019

Running, cycling and stair climbing season in full gear


Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, February 27, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Firefighters gear up for last year’s Fort Myers Fight for Air Stair Climb. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Just as our area’s high-season for visitors is upon us so, too, is it the peak of organized running and cycling events. For those who don’t run, be assured that most running events also welcome walkers. And don’t forget that it’s not too late to join in Healthy Lee’s Million Mile Movement, our community’s effort to collectively rack up the equivalent of 1 million miles via any and all physical activities. Also, be sure to sign up for the annual Fight for Air Stair Climb Challenge that will take place as the season wraps up on April 27.

Running and walking events
Sunday, March 3: Lazy Flamingo Half- Marathon, 6:30 a.m. start time, Fort Myers, (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com). Lazy Flamingo is using the former Hooters Half date and distance from its south McGregor Boulevard location. There’s a two-person relay option and one-mile fun run/walk as well.

Saturday, March 9: Annual Shrimp Fest 5K, pre-parade start time, Fort Myers Beach (www.3dracinginc.com).

Saturday, March 16: Lee County Medical Society Foundation 5K & 2-Mile Walk, Lakes Park, Fort Myers (www.3dracinginc.com)

Saturday, March 23: Scope for Hope 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk, CenturyLink Stadium, Fort Myers (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com).

Saturday, April 6: Run 4 the Cause 5K, Living Waters Church, Estero (www.endurancesportstiming.com).

Saturday, April 27: Fight for Air Stair Climb, various assigned morning start times, Oasis Tower, Fort Myers (www.ClimbFortMyers.org).

Cycling events

Sunday, March 3: Bike Brunch, Fleischmann Park, Naples. Rides from 5 miles to 100 miles (www.naplespathways.org).

Saturday & Sunday, March 9-10: Caloosa Riders’ Royal Palm Challenge. Two days of rides for the price of one: Saturday rides of 32 or 42 miles, as well as the main event on Sunday, with rides of 15, 40, 62 or 80 miles. Saturday rides will feature different routes than Sunday, with all rides starting and ending at Fort Myers Brewing Company in Gateway. Registration fee includes pre- and post-event activities, entertainment, lunch, full rest stops and SAG support on course (www.royalpalmchallenge.com).

Saturday, March 16, through Wednesday, March 20: 8th Annual Key West Bike Ride. Beginning in Fort Myers this 300-mile ride crosses the Everglades and down the length of the Florida Keys. The route is mostly flat, with the exception of 47 bridges, one of which is 7 miles long. Return transportation provided. (www.EndsCycling.com).

Friday & Saturday, March 22-23: Pedal & Play in Paradise, Punta Gorda. On Friday evening join the Punta Gorda city manager for a tour of the city’s extensive pathway network. On Saturday, rides of 15, 30 and 62 miles (metric century) are options, as is a Mystery Tour ride (www.pedalandplayinparadise.com).

Friday, March 29, through Wednesday, April 3: Bike Florida Spring Tour. This is the 25th anniversary of Bike Florida’s Spring Tour, Florida’s premier tour that changes routes each year. This time it’s the Nature Coast on Florida’s west coast north of Tampa, taking riders from Brooksville to Inverness (www.bikeflorida.org).

Sunday, April 7: Cycling for Fallen Heroes. The 8th annual fundraiser for the Brotherhood Ride, a non-profit organization entirely comprised of volunteer firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel who complete bicycle tours around America to honor emergency first responders who have died in the line of duty. Rides start at Trek of Estero at Coconut Point.(www.brotherhoodride.com).

Finally, although not an event, this item is intimately related to running, walking, and cycling: Streets Alive of Southwest Florida (www.streetsaliveswfl.org) has produced a video that says it all when it comes to how to treat each other in shared spaces. As usual, to learn more about this and similar matters visit Bike- WalkLee’s blog at 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, February 25, 2019

February 25: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:
  • Saturday, March 2: City of Palms half marathon & 5K. The inaugural City of Palms Half Marathon and 5K at FGCU will take you on a tour of the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast University campus and surrounding areas. 6:00 a.m., Fort Myers (eliteevents.org/cityofpalmshalf.com
  • Sunday, March 3: Lazy Flamingo half marathon and relay. This 13.1 mile course starts at the Lazy Flamingo on McGregor Blvd, winds th rough the beautiful neighborhoods of Whiskey Creek and Old McGregor before returning along the same route to the Lazy Flamingo and the best post race party in Lee County. Proceeds to benefit patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and local initiatives to open facilities for short & long term treatment of individuals seeking treatment for mental health and drug addition. 6.30 a.m, 12951 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, March 9: The Yo Taco Shrimp Run 5K, Fort Myers Beach (active.com)
  • Saturday, March 16: Scope for Hope 5K run and 2-mile walk. 8 a.m., CenturyLink Sports Complex, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, March 16: Lee County Medical Society Foundation 2019 Fun Run, 5K run, 2K walk, Lakes Park, Fort Myers. (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, March 23: The Inaugural Marlins 5K run or walk, begins and ends at Marlins Brewhouse on Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers (3dracinginc.com
  • Saturday, March 23: Baker Park 5K, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:

  • Friday, March 1: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers gathering at 7:14 p.m. and starting at 8 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)
  • Sunday, March 3: 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)
  • Saturday, March 9: 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)
  • Sunday, March 10: 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)
  • March 9-10: Royal Palm Challenge, 32- or 42-mile bonus ride Saturday (new), with the traditional RPC rides Sunday of 15, 40, 62 and 80 miles. Full support, swag and more. (calusariders.org)
  • March 22-23: Pedal & Play in Paradise, 15-, 30- and 62-mile routes plus a Mystery Tour Sunday, plus a City Manager’s Tour Saturday (pedalandplayinparadise.com/)
  • 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, May 11: Cape Coral Sprint Tri. The race features a 1/4 mile swim from the Yacht Club Beach, 11 mile bike ride and a 5k run through the beautiful, historic area of Southeast Cape Coral. (trifind.com)
  • Saturday, May 18: Life’s a Beach Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 2: 33rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Naples (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 9: Heartland Sprint and Olympic Tri, Sebring (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 23: Sirens Sprint Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com
  • Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.









Saturday, February 23, 2019

“Florida Driving While Distracted” bill begins Journey through Florida Legislature

Good News! The 2019 legislative session is underway in Tallahassee and the first step has been an encouraging one.

The Florida Legislature is once again considering whether to enact legislation to strengthen Florida’s woefully weak “texting while driving” statute, which only addresses texting and only makes a violation a secondary offense.  This year’s proposed bills are stronger than the ones considered in the past, starting with a Hands-Free free bill, restricting the use of cellphones while driving to only hand-free uses and making violations a primary offense. 
 
Senate action to date:
The first step in the process this year was the Feb. 19th Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee consideration of Senator Simpson's bill, SB 76.    BikeWalkLee issued an action alert urging advocates to write the Committee in support of the bill.  And BikeWalkLee sent its letter on Feb. 14th.

At the Feb. 19th Senate Committee hearing, the Committee presented a substitute bill which further strengthened SB 76, to cover all forms of distracted driving, not just cellphone use. Yes, use of hand-held cellphone and other distracted driving will be primary offense with penalties. This bill is the strongest yet to be proposed and supported by a key committee.

There were dozens of people representing a wide range of supporter organizations at the hearing to speak in support of this bill.  The Committee unanimously voted in support of SB 76 as amended. SB 76 is now known as the "Florida Driving While Distracted Law".

Link to status of bill and next steps

The next step in the Senate is for Senate Innovation, Industry, and Technology Committee to consider the bill. 
House action needed:
 To date, no action has been taken in the House. It’s important that the House take up this bill (HB 107), and to date, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee has not scheduled a hearing.  Click here for BikeWalkLee's Feb. 24th letter to the House Transportation Committee.
It is important for advocates to write the House Transportation Committee urging them to schedule consideration of this important legislation.  Click here to see the members of this subcommittee and how to contact them.
As the most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians and one of the highest ranking states for traffic fatalities (based on population), 2019 must be the year that Florida begins to address the growing epidemic of distracted driving that is killing and injuring so many Floridians.

Monday, February 18, 2019

February 18: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Running/walking:
  • Saturday, Feb. 23: Swamp Stomp 5K run/walk. The beautiful 5K course takes runners and walkers through a lovely area of LaBelle with glimpses of the Caloosahatchee River. The race will Start & Finish at Grandeur Oaks Plaza. All of the proceeds for the Swamp Stomp 5K Run/Walk go towards the care of the homeless pets that temporarily reside at Caloosa Humane Society. We are a no-kill shelter and care for approximately 1,000 animals each year. 6:30 a.m, Grandeur Oaks Town Center, 850 W. Hickpochee Ave, Labelle (caloosahumanesociety.org) (ftmyerstrackclub.com) 
  • Saturday, Feb. 23:Naples High School Golden Eagle Run. 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. 6:15 a.m, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • Saturday, Feb. 23: Run the Lakes for Cypress Lake Middle 5K. Cypress Lake Middle School is hosting a 5K Run/Walk at beautiful Lakes Park. We are raising funds to be able to continue to support our students as they strive for success in academics, arts and athletics at Cypress Lake Middle School. Lakes Park is a popular 5K course winding through one of our beautiful Regional Parks! 9:00 a.m, 7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers (runsignup.com) 
  • Saturday, March 2: City of Palms half marathon & 5K. The inaugural City of Palms Half Marathon and 5K at FGCU will take you on a tour of the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast University campus and surrounding areas. 6:00 a.m., Fort Myers (eliteevents.org/cityofpalmshalf.com
  • Sunday, March 3: Lazy Flamingo half marathon and relay, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, March 9: The Yo Taco Shrimp Run 5K, Fort Myers Beach (active.com)
  • Saturday, March 16: Scope for Hope 5K run and 2-mile walk. 8 a.m., CenturyLink Sports Complex, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
  • Saturday, March 16: Lee County Medical Society Foundation 2019 Fun Run, 5K run, 2K walk, Lakes Park, Fort Myers. (3dracinginc.com)
  • Saturday, March 23: The Inaugural Marlins 5K run or walk, begins and ends at Marlins Brewhouse on Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers (3dracinginc.com
  • Saturday, March 23: Baker Park 5K, Naples (gcrunner.org)
  • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; and 3dracinginc.com

Cycling:
  • Friday, Feb. 22: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7 p.m., start at 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. (meetup.com)
  • Saturday, Feb. 23: 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)
  • Sunday, Feb. 24: Tour de Marco, 5-, 15- and 30-mile routes (active.com)
  • Sunday, Feb. 24: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)
  • Sunday, Feb. 24: Dirty Hamster Hundred, off-road ride at Babcock/Cecil Webb Wildlife Management Area, Punta Gorda. 25-mile loop, 10- mile loop, 10-mile paved route, no registration and no SAG (caloosariders.org)
  • Friday, March 1: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers gathering at 7:14 p.m. and starting at 8 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)
  • Sunday, March 3: 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)
  • Saturday, March 9: 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)
  • Sunday, March 10: 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)
  • March 9-10: Royal Palm Challenge, 32- or 42-mile bonus ride Saturday (new), with the traditional RPC rides Sunday of 15, 40, 62 and 80 miles. Full support, swag and more. (calusariders.org)
  • March 22-23: Pedal & Play in Paradise, 15-, 30- and 62-mile routes plus a Mystery Tour Sunday, plus a City Manager’s Tour Saturday (pedalandplayinparadise.com/)
  • 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, May 11: Cape Coral Sprint Tri. The race features a 1/4 mile swim from the Yacht Club Beach, 11 mile bike ride and a 5k run through the beautiful, historic area of Southeast Cape Coral. (trifind.com)
  • Saturday, May 18: Life’s a Beach Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 2: 33rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Naples (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 9: Heartland Sprint and Olympic Tri, Sebring (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 23: Sirens Sprint Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com
  • Check trifind.com to find regional and state tris.









Sunday, February 17, 2019

News-Press Op Ed: Lee County is growing so fast, we are losing the quality of life

BikeWalkLee's mission is to promote complete streets and livable communities.  Today's commentary in News-Press focuses on what it means for our communities to be walkable, bikeable, and livable.  This is key to the quality of life for our citizens.  "This is not a partisan issue...We all seek a good and healthful way of life no matter how we vote."  Kudos to Charlotte Newton for her thoughtful commentary.  What has been happening to the quality of life in your community? Is your area safer or more dangerous than it used to be for walking and biking? Let your elected officials know you care about having walkable, bikeable, and livable communities.

News-Press Opinion
Feb. 17, 2019
Lee County is growing so fast, and we are losing the quality of life
By Charlotte Newton, Guest contributor 
Do you enjoy living in Lee County?  I do – but will admit to worrying about its future.
Rampant development is increasing traffic and impacting our schools.  Lee Health tries, but can’t seem to keep up with our growing population, resources for early childhood learning are limited, and there is minimal funding for mental health treatment.  Clean water appears to be a thing of the past.  Increasingly, Lee County is becoming unlivable.

So how do you define livability?  According to AARP, “a livable community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services.”   When you bike on our roads, do you feel safe?  Can you walk to your local Publix without having to dodge cars?  When you take your child to the school bus stop, are there sidewalks, lighting?  How long do you have to wait to see a doctor, either at the local emergency room or at a medical office?  And how long does it take you to travel the Cape Coral Bridge to get home after a tiring workday?

More: We need to expand roadways in Lee County to offset population growth: your say
The fact is that Lee is growing so fast, we are losing the quality of life we have enjoyed and until we get the situation under control, it is not going to get any better. 

This is not a partisan issue; it doesn’t matter one’s political party.  We all seek a good and healthful way of life no matter how we vote.

Nobody is calling for a halt to development, which is an important part of our economy.  But unfortunately, development is the tail wagging the dog and negatively impacting our quality of life in so many ways.  For example, in Lee, we have a plan called Density Reduction/Groundwater Resource (DR/GR) which originally was aimed at controlling overdevelopment in southeast Lee County due to the potential for wetlands destruction and the demands on our water resources from increased housing density.  Time and again, the DR/GR plan is either simply ignored or cast aside by those charged with county zoning.

Building more roads just invites more cars.  Our population is aging and our roads are jammed to capacity. We need a viable bus network that covers the entire county and offers those who cannot or do not want to drive alternatives to getting around. 

We also can no longer wait for our county leaders to act on the blue-green algae in our waterways.  It’s still there – we just can’t see it. The governor’s water quality proposals are welcomed; however, they will take years to implement. 

Our county leaders are turning a blind eye to taking action here, now.  The economy is one reason to act, but let’s also prioritize the health and recreational effects on our year-round residents.
Third, a livable community is one that invites its citizens out – out biking, out walking and hiking, out enjoying public gatherings.  With so many gated communities, it’s a difficult challenge but one from which we should not shy away.  Cape Coral has built a network of bike paths and is developing a system of parks. 

The rest of Lee County should follow suit by requiring developers to build these amenities for all our citizens, not just those who buy houses inside their gates. 

Our concerns are not new and have been voiced by others over the years.  But no matter how many speak up, nothing seems to change – or slow down.  Perhaps the answer is to remind our county officials that listening to those they represent – rather than those who donate to their campaigns – is critical to staying in office. 

Charlotte Newton is a citizen member of The News-Press Editorial Board.

Thursday, February 14, 2019

It’s a great time to get outside!



BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, Febuary 14, 2019
by Ken Gooderham

It’s gorgeous outside! What are you doing sitting here reading a newspaper?

Yes, if you like to ride, run or walk, it’s a great time of year weather-wise to be outdoors. Moderate temperatures and low chances for rain (mostly)… what’s not to love?

The only real obstacles you might face are wind and traffic – and both can be made more bearable with a few simple hacks.

Windy days are more frequent during the SW Florida winter, especially as cool fronts approach or pass through. We’ve had a few days this year where it was wiser to stay home than to brave the 25+ mph winds, but that’s rare. Otherwise, here’s some idea on how to cope:

    • Pick your route to lessen your time riding into a headwind, or tackle that stretch of the ride first, when your legs are fresher. If you’re going out and back, that means either going into the wind first and last or adjusting your route to avoid heading directly into the breeze.

    • Make yourself a smaller target, at least when it gets gusty. When riding into the wind, get as aerodynamic as you can so the wind has less of you to push against. Bend over your handlebars even if you don’t have a road bike (and use the drop handlebars if you do. Similarly, when the wind is at your back make yourself as big a target as possible to let nature give you a boost.

    • Drop down a gear (if you have that option) when headed into the wind, to give your legs a break and keep your pedaling cadence closer to normal. It will also keep you steadier on the bike, which is handy if the winds are pushing you around.

    • Dress appropriately. Think layers (to add or subtract depending on the direction) and fabrics (something more wind/water resistant on the outside to help you keep body heat, something wicking closer to your skin to keep moisture under control.

    • Know your limits. Wind is the closest things we have to hills here, in terms of making you work to make headway... which means if your legs aren’t used to extra resistance, you may want to work up to a long windy-day ride.

As far as traffic, it’s that time of year for both roadways and pathways. A lot of users, many of whom aren’t familiar with where they are or where they’re going, and a range of skill sets to boot.

That means the smartest thing you can do as a rider, runner or walker is be aware, be patient and be in control.

    • Be aware: On the pathways, know what’s going on around you and watch out for other creatures (human and otherwise) who may not know what to do as you approach. On roadways, paying attention is even more crucial in case other vehicle drivers are not watching out for you. Use all your senses (especially hearing, so lose the earphones so you can hear vehicles approach), ride bright (colors and lights) and smart (obey the rules, painful as that can be, when there are other vehicles around).

    • Be patient. If there’s a bottleneck on the bike path or construction on the roadway, don’t barrel through and hope for the best but back off and let things sort themselves out. You’re never in such a rush that putting yourself at risk is a smart idea.

    • Be in control. If there are dangers on the path ahead – be it inattentive children, wandering dogs or debris on the path – take charge of the situation and take whatever steps necessary to keep you and everyone else safe. That could mean warning people you’re coming through (always a good idea in a crowd, as well as required by law), even dismounting to walk past the problem (or move the problem out of the way if necessary).

On the road with other vehicles? Know your rights and know the rules – but also know that, in an argument between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, the little guy never wins. So if you have to yield even though you have the right-of-way, or if you run into a motorist who’s not altogether happy about sharing the road, you need to do whatever is necessary to keep yourself safe first, not count on everyone else to do the right thing (or anything at all).

Remember, wind and traffic are temporary inconveniences, and a small price to pay for getting to ride, run and walk in paradise.

So put down this newspaper and get outside!


Ready to ride or run?

Run?  A big running weekend, with the Edison 5K (featuring a new route with a start/finish downtown) Saturday and the Paradise Coast half (and 5K) in Naples Sunday. Back to the 5Ks the next weekend, with Feb. 23 events in Labelle, Naples and Fort Myers. Details at ftmyerstrackclub.com, gcrunner.org, 3dracinginc.com, and runsignup.com.

Ride? Critical Mass ahead… tomorrow in NE Lee, Feb. 22 in Cape Coral and Feb. 23 in downtown Fort Myers for a slow roll. ON Feb. 24, two options: The Tour de Marco with 5-, 51- and 30-mile routes on the island’s roads and lanes, or the Dirty Hamster Hundred in the Babcock/Webb wildlife preserve south of Punta Gorda, with a 10- and 25-mile off-road loop and a 10-mile paved loop where you can ride till you drop, if that’s your thing. (meetup.com)

Both? Upcoming events include:
  • Saturday, May 11: Cape Coral Sprint Tri (trifind.com)
  • Saturday, May 18: Life’s a Beach Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 2: 33rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Naples (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 9: Heartland Sprint and Olympic Tri, Sebring (trifind.com)
  • Sunday, June 23: Sirens Sprint Tri, Sarasota (trifind.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. 


 

Action Alert: Feb. 19th Senate Committee considers SB 76," Hands-Free Florida Law"

The Florida Legislature is in session and this year's "Hands-Free Florida Law" bills are beginning through the legislative process.  The first action is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19th, when the Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee considers Senator Simpson's bill, SB 76, "Use of Wireless Communications Devices While Driving". 

Below is the letter that BikeWalkLee sent to the Committee today, urging them to support SB 76 on Tuesday. At the end of this blog, there are also links to other related documents, including the action alert by the FL DNT TXTNDRV Coalition.

It is important for citizens to contact (phone or email) members of the Senate Committee prior to their Tuesday Feb. 19th 4:30 p.m. meeting.  See the list of members and links to how to contact them. 
Best way to contact them is to CALL:
 
Chair:  Senator Tom Lee (R) 850-487-5020
Vice-Chair: Senator Keith Perry (R) 850-487-5008
Senator Aaron Bean (R) 850-487-5004
Senator Janet Cruz (D) 850-487-5018
Senator Ed Hooper (R) 850-487-5016
Senator Travis Hutson (R) 850-487-5007
Senator Linda Stewart (D) 850-487-5013
Senator Annette Taddeo (D) 850-487-5040
February 14, 2019
 
 
 Members the Senate Infrastructure and Security Committee:
 
BikeWalkLee, a coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County, has long urged the Legislature to improve the safety of all road users in Florida.  In particular, our top legislative priority for the past six years has been passing a bill to strengthen Florida's laws dealing with distracted driving, in particular the weak “texting while driving” law. 
 
As the Committee considers SB 76 “Use of Wireless Communications Devices While Driving” on Feb. 19th,  we urge you to support this bill that would make texting or talking on a hand-held cell phone a “primary” offense.  It is critical that Florida, one of the most dangerous states in the country for all road users (drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists), strengthen roadway safety laws to address the growing dangers of distracted driving.
 
Across the nation, overall traffic fatalities have surged in the past four years.  In Florida, traffic fatalities climbed by 25% between 2014 and 2017.  In Lee County, fatal traffic crashes increased much faster –40% between 2014 to 2017. According to the Florida Dept. of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were almost 50,000 crashes involving distracted driving in Florida in 2016, and these crashes accounted for more than 3,500 serious injuries and 233 deaths.
 
Most experts agree that the primary cause of the surge in traffic fatalities is distracted driving, increasingly caused by the use of smart phones and internet apps. The National Safety Council reports that the risk of a crash is four times greater when a cell phone is in use. According to the national “Safe Driving Report: 2016-2017” (issued by the insurance firm EverQuote Inc.), Florida ranked the second-worst state for distracted driving.
 
Recent studies show there is a relationship between individual state roadway safety rankings and that state’s driver safety laws and enforcement of those laws. While Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the country for road users, it ranks as the seventh worst state for driver safety laws (2016 study by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety). Florida is one of only four states that doesn't make texting while driving a primary offense—which allows police to pull over motorists for offenses. Clearly, one of the reasons Florida's traffic fatalities are among the highest in the nation is that it has very weak driver safety laws in place. 
 
Florida's alarming increase in traffic fatalities is not only a concern for driver safety, it is of particular concern for vulnerable road users -- pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists -- who are at the greatest risk when drivers take their eyes off the road.  The national 2019 “Dangerous by Design” report ranked Florida as the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrians, and eight of the most dangerous metro areas in the U.S. are in Florida. This is a crisis that can no longer be ignored by the Florida Legislature.
 
It is time to address the larger problem of use of cell phones while driving, not just texting.  Not only is the current Florida texting law weak, it is difficult to enforce.  Laws prohibiting all motor vehicle drivers from using hand-held electronic communication devices while driving can be more effectively enforced. 
 
We know that stronger laws will reduce Florida’s roadway fatalities.  Of the 15 states and the District of Columbia that have enacted “hands-free” laws, 13 saw an average 17.5% decrease in traffic fatalities within two years after passing and enforcing their new laws.  Applying these findings to Florida, if HR 45/SB 76 were enacted an estimated 545 lives could be saved each year.
 
In each of the past six years, the Florida Legislature failed to take any action to strengthen its weak anti-texting law, and took no action to address the broader causes of distracted driving.  It is critically important that the Legislature take action this year to address the growing dangers presented by the use of electronic devices while driving.
 
We urge the Committee to support SB 76 and work to ensure that it becomes law this year.
 
Thank you for your support. 
 
Darla Letourneau
on behalf of BikeWalkLee
  
Related Links:
 
 
FL DNT TXTNDRV Coalition 1/28/19 handout re: SB 76 and HB 107:
 
Senate Bill #76

Florida Senate Bill Tracking for SB 76

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Share your comments on Sanibel’s Shared Use Path at Feb. 19th Open House, Interactive Comment Map, and Online Survey


If you live, work, or play on Sanibel, please take advantage of one or all of the channels and opportunities for participating in the update of the City’s Shared Use Path Master Plan.  www.sanibelbikeped.com Public input is important for developing a visionary plan (with a 10-20 year time horizon) for one of the community’s crown jewels—its shared use path system.  Be sure to check out the cool Interactive Comment Map online, which is easy to use (see step by step instructions below) http://www.sanibelbikeped.com/interactive-comment-map/


Background
The City of Sanibel’s Shared Use Master Plan was adopted in 2009 and has guided the implementation of updates to our shared use path system over the past decade. The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is currently updating the Sanibel Shared Use Master Plan. The Master Plan Update is being conducted to recognize the improvements completed over the past decade and will guide the long-term vision for the Shared Use Path system. During this process the City and MPO will solicit and receive public comment through a variety of channels including Open Houses, surveys and emails. A webpage has been created just for the Update of the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan project now underway. www.sanibelbikeped.com

How to Participate:
There are three ways you can provide your input to Sanibel's Update of its Shared Use Path Master Plan, which is now underway:
1. On Tuesday, February 19, 2019 the community is invited to drop-in any time between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide your input directly to the team preparing the Shared Use Master Plan Update. The Open House is being held at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.
2. You can respond to an online survey with the click of your mouse.
3.  Input comments about specific locations on Sanibel where you have comments, concerns, or suggestions by using the Interactive Comment Map.
4. The project website www.sanibelbikeped.com also has links to the Project Calendar, Resources (which includes previous studies and source documents related to the Master Plan), and a “Contact Us” button to allow you to communicate with the project management team.


INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INTERACTIVE COMMENT MAP
This is an excellent online tool for using the map of Sanibel to indicate specifically where you have concerns, comments, and ideas.  You can also see everyone else’s comments and can comment on their comments.  It is easy to use, once you have a few instructions:
1. The link to the website is: www.sanibelbikeped.com. This site includes links at the top (orange icons) to the following components:
2. Click on orange icon, "Interactive Comment Map". http://www.sanibelbikeped.com/interactive-comment-map/
3. Then move to the Green heading below and click on the tab "About and Help".
4. A drop down menu will appear. Click on "Instructions" tab.
 
5. Instructions for using the Map:
  • To begin the comment process; please zoom to your location of interest.
  • Once you have identified the location, click on the “Issues and Concerns” tab in the header.
  • Click on the map at the location that you wish to identify as an issue or concern – a comment box will appear for you to describe the specific issue or concern.
  • Once you are done entering your comments, please click on “Submit.”
  • If someone has already identified a similar issue at the same location, you can click on the icon to view the respective comment.
  • If you wish to Agree or Disagree with the comment or want to add an additional comment, please click the Show Comments/Surveys button to provide your input.
  • Click “Add Comment” once you have completed your entry.

Sidewalks are not shared use paths


Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, February 13, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

This FDOT side path on Cleveland Avenue is clearly a sidewalk intended for pedestrians. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Just when it appeared that the Florida Department of Transportation had transformed itself from the auto-centric roadbuilding agency of the past to one that had finally embraced Complete Streets, it backslid in a big way. Although it’s been under the radar for much of the general public and the media, a decision made in Tallahassee last year has drastically changed the policy related to side-paths construction and maintenance.

The new policy requires local governments to fully maintain any side path on FDOT roads that are meant for more than just pedestrians, meaning shared use paths over 8 feet wide and constructed of asphalt will no longer be built on state roads unless locals take over all aspects of maintenance (storm water management, surface repair and replacement, and other elements like railings and fences), an expense most governments will not agree to absorb.

Worse yet, FDOT made this major decision without any input from the many jurisdictions throughout the state that the policy has already begun to impact, which is totally contrary to a key principles of Complete Streets.

Like many states’ transportation departments, FDOT’s old motto was “we build them to ’em and through ’em,” referring to the way they operated without taking into consideration how roads would change communities or what local governments’ wishes were. The scars of this mindset are obvious when visiting just about any town in Florida where “main street” is or was the state highway ripping through its central business district, meaning there’s little chance of it being pedestrian-friendly unless locals forced it to be rerouted or redesigned.

Fort Myers is one such community that was able to convince FDOT to change the nature of SR 80 (Palm Beach Boulevard and Second Street) and SR 82 (Martin Luther King Boulevard). To FDOT’s credit, it recently put into place its own Complete Streets policy which includes much more bike/ped-friendly designs on surface roads (i.e., non-interstates and turnpike). Cleveland Avenue, from Winkler Avenue to downtown Fort Myers, should be a good example of this change of approach once work is completed.

However, this latest side path policy change will have many consequences that are clearly not complying with its own Complete Streets policy, a policy that first and foremost includes input from as many sources as possible, but especially those being directly impacted.

The effects of FDOT’s regression are significant. Even when buffered bike lanes are provided, narrow, concrete sidewalks rather than wider asphalt paths will reduce the number of folks who would use their bikes for transportation or to recreate, meaning more motor vehicles on the roads (motor vehicle travel lanes are much more expensive to build and maintain than SUPs). It will also severely impact the statewide trail system by creating many gaps because most jurisdictions simply will not take on maintenance of another jurisdiction’s right-of-way. Narrow concrete sidewalks do not meet the standards for the statewide trail network. And many funding sources specific to the statewide system or trails in general will be off the table due to adjacent segments on state roads not meeting standards, thus there would be no continuity. Already affected locally are SR 80 east of I-75, SR 78 (Bayshore Road) from just west of I-75 to SR 31, and SR 31 (the road to Babcock, which will have its own trail network open to the public).

At this point there seems to be little willingness by FDOT to reconsider its unilateral decision. For those local governments that have SUPs included on bike/ ped master plans or otherwise expected SUPs have two bad choices: let FDOT reduce them to sidewalks (as Lee County has already done) or agree to an unexpected, unknown, and unfair burden by taking on all maintenance expenses. These choices would never be required for elements of FDOT’s network that serve motor vehicles. To learn more about this and similar matters visit 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.