Monday, March 30, 2020

March 30: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Coronavirus update

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, all of the listed events are still postponed or cancelled at this time. This is the case for all races and rides of Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

Protect yourself and others by avoiding gatherings and close proximity to other people. You may still enjoy the outdoors to exercise alone or with a partner. Just remember to practice social distancing to keep yourself and others safe. Check the relevant websites before going to any event. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov and cdc.gov for more information.


Running/walking:

Cycling:
  • Monday, March 30: Monday Minions Ride. This is a weekly ride that rolls in the 13-15 mph range. Total distance around 15 miles. After the ride most go over to Square 1 restaurant for the $5 burger and fries deal. If you are looking to get into cycling beyond the casual roll, this is an ideal ride for you. 6 p.m., Fort Myers Cyclery, 3630 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) 
  • Tuesday, March 31: Taco Tuesday Ride. Every Tuesday night, We Ride For Tacos! After a 21 mile ride on Treeline/Old Airport/Daniels/6 Mile Cypress roads and paths, we'll finish at Tijuana Flats for Taco Tuesday. B RIDERS: 16 to 18 mph for the basic group. A RIDERS: The faster group rides at 20mph plus. We finish well after dark, so Front And Rear Lights are Required. 6:30 p.m., Trek Bicycle Store of Fort Myers, 8291 Dani Drive, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Sunday, April 5: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. This is a weekly ride for riders of most skill levels and most types of bicycles (hybrids, fitness, and road). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, thus helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. 7.30 a.m., location varies, visit meetup.com/Biking-SWFL for details.
  • Sunday, April 5: Tour de Femme Florida, rides of 14, 35 and 63 miles, starting from the Venice train station in Venice (caloosariders.org)
  • Wednesday, May 20: Ride of Silence, to honor those injured or killed while cycling. Leaves at 7 p.m. from Southwest Florida Military Museum, Cape Coral.
  • 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). On Sanibel, you’ll find the Sanibel Bicycle club at http://sbcsite.altervista.org. For Collier cycling, visit naplesvelo.com; for Charlotte biking, see peacerivrridersbicycleclub.com.

Triathlons:
  • Sunday, April 26: St. Anthony’s Triathlon, sprint and Olympic distances, St. Petersburg (satriathlon.com)
  • Saturday, May 30: Sarasota Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Siesta Key (trisarasota.com).
  • Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge reverse triathlon, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
  • Saturday, June 13: Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic triathlon, duathlon and Aqua Bike, Sebring (runsignup.com)
  • Check trifind.com and active.com to find more regional and state tris.





  
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Thursday, March 26, 2020

BikeWalkLee: A really good time to run or ride

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, March 26, 2020
by Ken Gooderham

Is this a good time to go for a walk, run or ride? Actually, it’s probably one of the best times to do that.

Just don’t do it with a group, or at least a group of more than 10 people… CDC’s orders!

COVID-19 is nothing to take lightly, and the social distancing and closures of both places and activities are reasonable responses to a worsening situation. But the dual specters of viral contagion and financial collapse have ratcheted up the stress for almost everyone with enough sense to realize just how bad it could get.

So, when you need some stress relief, exercise is a great outlet (and it’s good for your immune system, too). But the parks and pools, beaches and gyms have also been shuttered.

So it’s a good time to go for a walk, a run or a ride.

If you’ve been out since the social distancing began, you probably have noticed more people walking, running and riding – even with the early departure of some winter residents. I’ve also noticed more families walking or riding together, which is both understandable and gratifying.

Why does taking to the streets, sidewalks and pike paths make more sense right now?

It’s safe, with appropriate actions of course. Keep numbers down and keep your distance, but keep up the conversation and camaraderie… it’s a good way to be social and socially distant at the same time.

It takes very little in equipment to be ready to go, probably things you already have – which is a plus in these economically uncertain times (and when shopping is discouraged).

It’s de-stressing, at a time when we need all the stress relief we can find. It’s a way to be more engaged with your neighbors and community, without engaging in potentially unhealthy behavior.

And it’s something you can do when everything else is closed, on your own schedule and with family – particularly family who’ve been cooped up together much more than they are used to being.

In fact, in these times of disrupted schedules, it’s a good time to establish a few new habits… like going for a walk, run or ride during the time you used to drive to work or drive the kids to school. Given the way things are shaping up, start today and you’ll have enough time to build a new habit – a little silver lining in a world full of clouds.

From viral to virtual


If you’re a fan of organized events, this is not a happy time for you. Thanks to COVID-19, the local running and riding calendar has been wiped clean for the next few weeks (at least), as race organizers abide by the government requests to eliminate group activity.

If you already signed up for a cancelled race, check with the organizers on your options to defer, donate or refund your fees. Since a lot of these events may be fund-raisers for local charities, if you can afford to donate please do – because the fund-raising prospects for local nonprofits is otherwise pretty bleak right now.

And if you really need a race to motivate you, maybe it’s time to go virtual.

What’s that? You do the distance and get the bling… but no crowds, no parking problems and no lines at the Porta-Potties (and no Porta-Potties!).

It’s easy: Google your way to a virtual race that looks interesting, sign up for the distance you want, pay your entry fee, run (or walk) your race and submit your results.

You can still race to benefit charities and to earn some fancy medals. But mostly it’s a way for runners who need a goal to put a virtual finish line out there to get them moving.

It may not be for everyone, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Ready to ride or run?


Sorry, you’re on your own at least through mid-April. Every local race or ride organizer has put events on hold pending the next phase of the coronavirus calamity. Check back with the various websites (or this space in two weeks) to see if anything changes.


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. 


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Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Landscaping transforms Alliance for the Arts

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, March 25, 2020
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com


Looking south toward Royal Palm Square Boulevard at the Alliance for the Arts.


What was always an active and aesthetically appealing corner property but lacking an important feature is finally becoming the complete package. Appropriately located along McGregor Boulevard at Alliance for the Arts, a sidewalk and landscaping project is transforming what would otherwise be common 5-feet wide ribbons of concrete into a functional and beautiful piece of outdoor art.

While this project may not be the only example of infrastructure as public art — nearby and adjacent to the Midpoint Bridge overpass is a military display built into the infrastructure that’s also quite inviting — it has special significance for me. The reason I’m so pleased to see the Alliance project is as much about the basic sidewalk as the creativity that makes it special.

From the beginning of my involvement in bike/pedestrian advocacy many decades ago, the two missing pieces of infrastructure that were most important to me were Gladiolus Drive around Lakes Park, and McGregor Boulevard. Gladiolus has had a pathway on one side between Summerlin and U.S. 41 since it was widened well over a decade ago but there remained this one last section of McGregor lacking a sidepath in front of the Alliance until very recently.


The view looking north along McGregor at the Alliance for the Arts.


I used to live on the corner of Gladiolus and what was then the southern terminus of Summerlin. My concern began as self-serving because I had just jumped headfirst into the running craze and was looking for places to run, especially from my front door. Summerlin had a pathway but there was no shade (which is still the case). The newly opened Lakes Park was a perfect place and less than a mile away but getting to the entrance was almost impossible because the only (official) access point at that time was on Gladiolus. It was then a treacherous two-lane road with no side path, or even shoulders, and a killer curve to boot. That particular situation led me into the local bike/pedestrian advocacy world. Eventually the county widened all of Gladiolus and included bike/ped accommodations. Lakes Park added what was intended to be a temporary non-motorized access along Summerlin while road construction was taking place but that has since become a very popular permanent access for pedestrians and cyclists. No such luck in getting the sidepath on McGregor at the corner of Colonial, even as roadway improvements took place more than once around Alliance for the Arts.

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 239-334-6417.
The Alliance property was previously the Schultz Farm and the area was originally known as Toad Town. The Schultz farmhouse and property was donated to Lee County in 1976 for use as a cultural center. Over the years the open space on the corner of McGregor and Royal Palm Square has been the site of many field sports, concerts, festivals, summer camps and other activities. A permanent open air stage gets regular use and the very property is home to the weekly GreenMarket. A couple of large sculptures have graced the area for some time and they are now integrated into the landscape project.



To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦


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.

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Monday, March 23, 2020

March 23: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Coronavirus update

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, all of the listed events are postponed or cancelled. This is the case for all races and rides of Fort Myers Track Club (ftmyerstrackclub.com), Gulf Coast Runners (gcrunner.org), Caloosa Riders (caloosariders.org), and South West Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL).

In accordance with the guidelines of Florida Department of Health, avoid large gatherings and close proximity to other people to help prevent spread of the virus. You may still enjoy the outdoors to exercise alone or with a partner. Just remember to practice social distancing to keep yourself and others safe. Check the relevant websites before going to any event. Visit floridahealthcovid19.gov for more information.


Running/walking:

Cycling:
  • Monday, March 23: Monday Minions Ride. This is a weekly ride that rolls in the 13-15 mph range. Total distance around 15 miles. After the ride most go over to Square 1 restaurant for the $5 burger and fries deal. If you are looking to get into cycling beyond the casual roll, this is an ideal ride for you. 6 p.m., Fort Myers Cyclery, 3630 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) 
  • Tuesday, March 24: Taco Tuesday Ride. Every Tuesday night, We Ride For Tacos! After a 21 mile ride on Treeline/Old Airport/Daniels/6 Mile Cypress roads and paths, we'll finish at Tijuana Flats for Taco Tuesday. B RIDERS: 16 to 18 mph for the basic group. A RIDERS: The faster group rides at 20mph plus. We finish well after dark, so Front And Rear Lights are Required. 6:30 p.m., Trek Bicycle Store of Fort Myers, 8291 Dani Drive, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, March 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Saturday, March 28: Pan Florida Challenge, distances of 10, 30, 62, 100 and 200 miles (this one is a two-day ride). All start and end at Florida Gulf Coast University. (panfloridachallenge.org)
  • Saturday, March 28: Saturday Morning Slow Roll, meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Sunday, March 29: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. This is a weekly ride for riders of most skill levels and most types of bicycles (hybrids, fitness, and road). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, thus helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. 7.30 a.m., location varies, visit meetup.com/Biking-SWFL for details.
  • Friday, April 3: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Sunday, April 5: Tour de Femme Florida, rides of 14, 35 and 63 miles, starting from the Venice train station in Venice (caloosariders.org)
  • Wednesday, May 20: Ride of Silence, to honor those injured or killed while cycling. Leaves at 7 p.m. from Southwest Florida Military Museum, Cape Coral.
  • 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). On Sanibel, you’ll find the Sanibel Bicycle club at http://sbcsite.altervista.org. For Collier cycling, visit naplesvelo.com; for Charlotte biking, see peacerivrridersbicycleclub.com.

Triathlons:
  • Saturday, March 28: Escape from Fort Desoto Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, plus Aqua Bike (thunderboltmultisport.com)
  • Sunday, April 26: St. Anthony’s Triathlon, sprint and Olympic distances, St. Petersburg (satriathlon.com)
  • Saturday, May 30: Sarasota Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Siesta Key (trisarasota.com).
  • Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge reverse triathlon, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
  • Saturday, June 13: Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic triathlon, duathlon and Aqua Bike, Sebring (runsignup.com)
  • Check trifind.com and active.com to find more regional and state tris.





  
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Monday, March 16, 2020

March 16: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

Upcoming events

Please Note: due to the Coronavirus outbreak events may be cancelled or postponed. Check the respective websites before going.

Running/walking:

Cycling:
  • Monday, March 16: Monday Minions Ride. This is a weekly ride that rolls in the 13-15 mph range. Total distance around 15 miles. After the ride most go over to Square 1 restaurant for the $5 burger and fries deal. If you are looking to get into cycling beyond the casual roll, this is an ideal ride for you. 6 p.m., Fort Myers Cyclery, 3630 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) 
  • Tuesday, March 17: Taco Tuesday Ride. Every Tuesday night, We Ride For Tacos! After a 21 mile ride on Treeline/Old Airport/Daniels/6 Mile Cypress roads and paths, we'll finish at Tijuana Flats for Taco Tuesday. B RIDERS: 16 to 18 mph for the basic group. A RIDERS: The faster group rides at 20mph plus. We finish well after dark, so Front And Rear Lights are Required. 6:30 p.m., Trek Bicycle Store of Fort Myers, 8291 Dani Drive, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
  • Friday, March 20: NE-Lee Critical Mass night ride, gathers at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Sunday, March 22: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. This is a weekly ride for riders of most skill levels and most types of bicycles (hybrids, fitness, and road). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, thus helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. 7.30 a.m., location varies, visit meetup.com/Biking-SWFL for details.
  • Friday, March 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Saturday, March 28: Pan Florida Challenge, distances of 10, 30, 62, 100 and 200 miles (this one is a two-day ride). All start and end at Florida Gulf Coast University. (panfloridachallenge.org)
  • Saturday, March 28: Saturday Morning Slow Roll, meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Friday, April 3: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
  • Sunday, April 5: Tour de Femme Florida, rides of 14, 35 and 63 miles, starting from the Venice train station in Venice (caloosariders.org)
  • Wednesday, May 20: Ride of Silence, to honor those injured or killed while cycling. Leaves at 7 p.m. from Southwest Florida Military Museum, Cape Coral.
  • 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). On Sanibel, you’ll find the Sanibel Bicycle club at http://sbcsite.altervista.org. For Collier cycling, visit naplesvelo.com; for Charlotte biking, see peacerivrridersbicycleclub.com.

Triathlons:
  • Saturday, March 28: Escape from Fort Desoto Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, plus Aqua Bike (thunderboltmultisport.com)
  • Sunday, April 26: St. Anthony’s Triathlon, sprint and Olympic distances, St. Petersburg (satriathlon.com)
  • Saturday, May 30: Sarasota Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Siesta Key (trisarasota.com).
  • Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge reverse triathlon, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
  • Saturday, June 13: Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic triathlon, duathlon and Aqua Bike, Sebring (runsignup.com)
  • Check trifind.com and active.com to find more regional and state tris.





  
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Thursday, March 12, 2020

BikeWalkLee: Why we walk

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, March 12, 2020
by Ken Gooderham

I was looking for inspiration on what to write about this week… so I decided to go for a walk.

It’s a common occurrence for many, a chance to get away from the computer screen, clear your head, move around a little and see if it dislodges any ideas.

So I put on a decent pair of shoes, added an extra layer of attire (since it was one of those cool and breezy days we get this time of year), put my phone in a pocket (because you never know), and headed out the door.

Right off, I ran into one of the neighborhood dog walkers. We exchanged greetings and gossip – this is a neighborhood where if you want to know what’s actually going on, you talk to someone who’s out walking their dog. It’s rarely an aerobic activity thanks to a dog’s curious nature, but it is a great source for on-the-ground information – literally.

After we parted ways, I hit the main road through the subdivision. It has a driving lane and a shared-use lane on each side of a divided road, so the walkers and cyclists (and, occasionally, a golf cart or two) cohabitate the narrower lane while keeping an eye out both for each other and for the errant motor vehicle that decides to inch out of its space and into ours.

The shared use lane gets a lot of use, with people out walking and riding all through the day and into the evening. This being a more temperate day than usual weather-wise, people were able to enjoy a walk or ride at will, rather than being driven to early mornings or after dusk sojourns thanks to the heat and humidity.

So there were a wealth of walkers, ranging from the ambler to the ambitious and from the overdressed native (hey, a windy 60 degrees is cold) to the underdressed snowbird (who’s happy the temps and humidity went down a little). Pedestrian traffic was broken up by the occasional cyclist, a couple of serious riders coming home from their morning tour and a father and (young) son duo where dad kept the cars away while the young rider wobbled and wandered and worked on getting his bike balance better.

Pedestrians passed by, cyclists cycled through and the motor vehicles came and went at their Sunday speeds, lighter and less harried than the workday traffic. All this provided a pleasant white noise that, combined with the restive process of putting one foot in front of the other, let my mind start to meander.

That’s one of the less-cited benefits of walking, but one that’s worth a lot in the right circumstances. Yes, walking is a good, accessible mode of exercise, a path to fitness that most people can undertake and one that fits most lifestyles and schedules. It can lower stress and elevate moods even as it moves you around and burns calories.

But it’s also a great time to think – not in a focused and frenetic fashion, but more in letting your mind wander to work on things in the background while you amble along on your merry way. That’s one of the reason I bring along a phone – not to make calls or read texts (no twalking for me!), but to jot down ideas or thoughts as a note or email to work on later. (It also can serve as a source of entertainment if you’re in need of more distraction to make the walk work for you… but that wasn’t the goal here.)

Another less-known benefit of walking is the ability to notice things – really notice them, at a pace where you can take it all in. It’s also a great way to introduce yourself to new places, and some of my best time traveling have been walking around a place I have never been before and seeing the sights, smelling the smells and hearing the sounds that are unique to where you are right now.

That’s another good reason not to block off your senses with, say, loud music or headphones that cancel any outside noise. First, if you’re walking in the vicinity of other traffic (pedestrian, bicycle or motor), you need to be able to hear what’s approaching in order to be prepared to do something if necessary. But even more valuable can be the opportunity to hear what’s going on around you – the sounds of other people living their lives, enjoying one another or simply just being.

Meanwhile, time clearly has passed… and the vibrating reminder on my wrist tells me I hit some movement milestone for the day. That’s also a good reminder it’s time to loop back to the beginning and head back to the office, where the computer waits for no one.

So, did the walk do its inspirational magic? You can be the judge of that.

Ready to ride or run?


Run?  A collection of 5Ks upcoming: The Shrimp Run on Fort Myers Beach Saturday, while both the Cape Coral Animal Shelter (Cape Coral) and the Homeless Hustle (Lakes Park) 5Ks are March 21. You can Run 4 the Cause in an Estero 5K on Friday, March 27, or run for the Lee County Medical Society Foundation at Jaycee Park on March 28. Details at 3dracinginc.com,  runsignup.com and active.com or christyscause.com.

Ride?  Besides the Royal Palm Challenge on March 8, Critical Mass has these regularly scheduled rides on tap:

  • Saturday, March 14: Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. 
  • Friday, March 20: NE-Lee Critical Mass night ride, gathers at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. 
  • Friday, March 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape.
    Lights required for night rides, helmets recommended for all, details and start times at meetup.com.

    If you’re looking for a good ride and some cycling camaraderie, look no further than the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club. Check out their ride calendar and you see a ride for almost every day of the week (never on a Friday, but even more on weekends), all mapped and planned for your enjoyment. The Riders even tell you how fast (or not) you’ll need to be to keep up… click on the ride of your choice for all the details and even a map. All at caloosariders.org.

    Both?  If you’re planning your tri schedule, here’s what is on tap in the next few months:

    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. 


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    Wednesday, March 11, 2020

    A signature link

    Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, March 11, 2020
    danMOSER
    bikepedmoser@gmail.com

    Carolyn Conant has a plan to fulfill a long-overdue need to provide appropriate access across the Caloosahatchee River for non-motorists.

    Southwest Florida draws people from many parts of the country and world, including quite a few who decide to make it their home. Among those who end up here are those who can be considered visionaries, bringing ideas from their own imagination or from what they’ve experienced in the places they’ve lived or visited. Carolyn Conant is one of our visionaries whose dreams have a very good chance of becoming reality.

    Those of us in the world of bike/ped advocacy know Carolyn for being the driving force behind Cape Coral becoming a Bike Friendly Community. Although she’s only an occasional bike rider, Carolyn’s background as a budget manager for a major national construction firm, along with her urban studies and social services education, gives her the tools she used to make that happen.

    A while back Carolyn spearheaded the public-private effort to get almost 100 miles of bike route designed and marked in that city, the trigger that moved Cape Coral to its BFC. Now she wants to take it to the next level by making Cape Coral a destination for those who want to have a top-notch bicycling and pedestrian experience. Her idea would also fulfill a long-overdue need to provide appropriate access across the river for non-motorists. The lack of access between Cape Coral and Fort Myers is a major shortcoming the League of American Bicyclists noted in its review of the Cape’s Bike Friendly Community application.

    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 239-334-6417.
    As I point out any chance I get, the only pedestrian access across our major bridges is a narrow sidewalk on one span of the state-owned Edison Bridge between downtown Fort Myers and North Fort Myers. It’s not safe or legal to cross the Midpoint Bridge, Cape Coral Bridge or the Sanibel Causeway, all bridges designed, constructed and managed by Lee County government. Accommodation for those operating bicycles is only by default on those bridges, thanks to breakdown lanes (although the old westbound span of the Cape Coral Bridge lacks even them). There are no bike lanes or safe approaches to or exits from some of the bridge structures. Carolyn has a vision that would drastically change these conditions on at least one river crossing.

    The westbound span of the Cape Coral Bridge was opened in the early 1960s and is due to be replaced before the end of this decade. Carolyn seized on this fact by introducing her vision to go well beyond constructing a spartan structure with a signature bridge that would attract visitors, vastly improve safety and access for all users, create economic development and enhance quality of life for residents on both sides of the river. It’s early in the process and Carolyn has brought her vision to any and all government and non-government bodies that would listen, from civic and business organizations to government councils and advisory committees. She has been well received.

    Just like any transportation project that’s designed beyond the basics there’s a higher cost. But the additional resources expended will pay off in benefits over time. In this case the vision is for a bridge, or multiple bridge structures, that provides access for all users along with upgrades such as pedestrian-friendly underpasses with artistic lighting, sound features, art installations and the possibility of keeping one of the old spans and turning it into a dedicated bike/ped linear park that will connect to other parks and business districts on both sides of the river.

    When looking at the current configuration on the Fort Myers side, the design is about as bad as it gets for all those who must traverse it. It’s confusing for drivers, unattractive for those on bicycles, and downright hostile for pedestrians who can’t use the bridge but also can’t get to the neighborhoods leading to it. The Cape side isn’t nearly as confusing, but because of its wide-open nature, speeding is a problem. Any new design should address all the approach issues while also adequately accommodating every user. In fact, if the right design is chosen, it’ll do much more than that.

    Of course, there are many hurdles to jump, the primary one being whether Lee County and the city of Cape Coral have the political will to expend more money than what a usual spartan structure would cost. But based on Carolyn’s track record of convincing folks that matter, getting a final product that’s the destination signature bridge she envisions is a very real possibility. And we’d all benefit from it.

    To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦


    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.

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    Monday, March 9, 2020

    March 9: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

    Upcoming events

    Running/walking:
    • Saturday, March 14: The Shrimp Run 5K. The Shrimp Run has historically been one of the most popular races in Southwest Florida. The festive 5k course takes you over the Matanzas Bridge twice while thousands of onlookers cheer runners on. Fort Myers Beach (3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, March 21: Cape Coral Animal Shelter Rescue Run 5K, 325 SW 2nd Avenue, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, March 21: Homeless Hustle 5K run/walk, Lakes Park, Fort Myers (runsignup.com)
    • Saturday, March 28: Lee Count Medical Society Foundation Wellness 5K, Jaycee Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, April 4: The Fast and the Furriest 5K run/1 mile walk, JetBlue Park, Fort Myers ((3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, April 4: Run for Music 10K or 1-Mile Walk, Artis-Naples (gcrunner.org)
    • Saturday, April 11: Wellfit Girls Hop to the Top, 5K run and 1-mile run/walk, North Collier Regional Park (gcrunner.org)
    • Saturday, May 9: Tropicool 5K, Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
    • Monday, May 27: Snip Collier 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
    • Saturday, June 13: Sugden Stride 5K, Sugden Regional Park, Naples (runeliteevents.com)
    • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; runeliteevents.com and 3dracinginc.com

    Cycling:
    • Monday, March 9: Monday Minions Ride. This is a weekly ride that rolls in the 13-15 mph range. Total distance around 15 miles. After the ride most go over to Square 1 restaurant for the $5 burger and fries deal. If you are looking to get into cycling beyond the casual roll, this is an ideal ride for you. 6 p.m., Fort Myers Cyclery, 3630 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) 
    • Tuesday, March 10: Taco Tuesday Ride. Every Tuesday night, We Ride For Tacos! After a 21 mile ride on Treeline/Old Airport/Daniels/6 Mile Cypress roads and paths, we'll finish at Tijuana Flats for Taco Tuesday. B RIDERS: 16 to 18 mph for the basic group. A RIDERS: The faster group rides at 20mph plus. We finish well after dark, so Front And Rear Lights are Required. 6:30 p.m., Trek Bicycle Store of Fort Myers, 8291 Dani Drive, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
    • Saturday, March 14: Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL
    • Sunday, March 15: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. This is a weekly ride for riders of most skill levels and most types of bicycles (hybrids, fitness, and road). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, thus helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. 7.30 a.m., location varies, visit meetup.com/Biking-SWFL for details.
    • Friday, March 20: NE-Lee Critical Mass night ride, gathers at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
    • Saturday, March 28: Pan Florida Challenge, distances of 10, 30, 62, 100 and 200 miles (this one is a two-day ride). All start and end at Florida Gulf Coast University. (panfloridachallenge.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). On Sanibel, you’ll find the Sanibel Bicycle club at http://sbcsite.altervista.org. For Collier cycling, visit naplesvelo.com; for Charlotte biking, see peacerivrridersbicycleclub.com.

    Triathlons:
    • Saturday, March 28: Escape from Fort Desoto Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, plus Aqua Bike (thunderboltmultisport.com)
    • Sunday, April 26: St. Anthony’s Triathlon, sprint and Olympic distances, St. Petersburg (satriathlon.com)
    • Saturday, May 30: Sarasota Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Siesta Key (trisarasota.com).
    • Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge reverse triathlon, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
    • Saturday, June 13: Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic triathlon, duathlon and Aqua Bike, Sebring (runsignup.com)
    • Check trifind.com and active.com to find more regional and state tris.





      
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    Monday, March 2, 2020

    March 2: Upcoming running/walking/bicycling/tri events

    Upcoming events

    Running/walking:
    • Saturday, March 7: Scope for Hope 5K run, 2-mile walk and fun run. Century Link Sports Complex, Fort Myers (21stcenturycare.org)
    • Saturday, March 7: Baker Park 5K, Naples (gcrunner.org). 
    • Saturday, March 14: The Shrimp Run 5K, Fort Myers Beach (3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, March 21: Cape Coral Animal Shelter Rescue Run 5K, 325 SW 2nd Avenue, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, March 21: Homeless Hustle 5K run/walk, Lakes Park, Fort Myers (runsignup.com)
    • Saturday, March 28: Lee Count Medical Society Foundation Wellness 5K, Jaycee Park, Cape Coral (3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, April 4: The Fast and the Furriest 5K run/1 mile walk, JetBlue Park, Fort Myers ((3dracinginc.com)
    • Saturday, April 4: Run for Music 10K or 1-Mile Walk, Artis-Naples (gcrunner.org)
    • Saturday, April 11: Wellfit Girls Hop to the Top, 5K run and 1-mile run/walk, North Collier Regional Park (gcrunner.org)
    • Saturday, May 9: Tropicool 5K, Olde Naples (gcrunner.org)
    • Monday, May 27: Snip Collier 5K, Cambier Park, Naples (gcrunner.org)
    • Saturday, June 13: Sugden Stride 5K, Sugden Regional Park, Naples (runeliteevents.com)
    • For more running events visit gcrunner.org/calendar.html; ftmyerstrackclub.com/race-calendar; runeliteevents.com and 3dracinginc.com

    Cycling:
    • Monday, March 2: Monday Minions Ride. This is a weekly ride that rolls in the 13-15 mph range. Total distance around 15 miles. After the ride most go over to Square 1 restaurant for the $5 burger and fries deal. If you are looking to get into cycling beyond the casual roll, this is an ideal ride for you. 6 p.m., Fort Myers Cyclery, 3630 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL) 
    • Tuesday, March 3: Taco Tuesday Ride. Every Tuesday night, We Ride For Tacos! After a 21 mile ride on Treeline/Old Airport/Daniels/6 Mile Cypress roads and paths, we'll finish at Tijuana Flats for Taco Tuesday. B RIDERS: 16 to 18 mph for the basic group. A RIDERS: The faster group rides at 20mph plus. We finish well after dark, so Front And Rear Lights are Required. 6:30 p.m., Trek Bicycle Store of Fort Myers, 8291 Dani Drive, Fort Myers (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL)
    • Friday, March 6: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. We'll first meet up at the Publix side lot at 2160 McGregor Blvd, then ride through Artwalk in town, then through all the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the Edison home. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
    • Sunday, March 8: Wakey, Wakey! Weekly Sunday Morning Ride. This is a weekly ride for riders of most skill levels and most types of bicycles (hybrids, fitness, and road). The ride is sanctioned by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, thus helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group. 7.30 a.m., location varies, visit meetup.com/Biking-SWFL for details.
    • Sunday, March 8: 22nd annual Royal Palm Challenge. The Caloosa Riders offer a fun-filled day – and rides for everyone, at 15, 40 and 62 miles. Starts and ends downtown at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation Collaboratory, so make a day of it! Online at www.caloosariders.org.
    • Saturday, March 14: Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL
    • Friday, March 20: NE-Lee Critical Mass night ride, gathers at the Winn-Dixie, 14600 Palm Beach Blvd. Lights required, helmets recommended. Details and start times at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.
    • Saturday, March 28: Pan Florida Challenge, distances of 10, 30, 62, 100 and 200 miles (this one is a two-day ride). All start and end at Florida Gulf Coast University. (panfloridachallenge.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). On Sanibel, you’ll find the Sanibel Bicycle club at http://sbcsite.altervista.org. For Collier cycling, visit naplesvelo.com; for Charlotte biking, see peacerivrridersbicycleclub.com.

    Triathlons:
    • Saturday, March 28: Escape from Fort Desoto Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, plus Aqua Bike (thunderboltmultisport.com)
    • Sunday, April 26: St. Anthony’s Triathlon, sprint and Olympic distances, St. Petersburg (satriathlon.com)
    • Saturday, May 30: Sarasota Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Siesta Key (trisarasota.com).
    • Sunday, June 7: Naples Fitness Challenge reverse triathlon, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
    • Saturday, June 13: Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic triathlon, duathlon and Aqua Bike, Sebring (runsignup.com)
    • Check trifind.com and active.com to find more regional and state tris.





      
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