Join a Ride of Silence event on May 15th

May has arrived and time to firm up your plans to join one of the two local Ride of Silence events (Cape Coral and Sanibel) on Wed. evening May 15th to honor fallen cyclists and promote road safety. Note that the annual Caloosa Rider-sponsored ride is in Cape Coral this year, not Fort Myers.

What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding.

The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event, with almost all USA States participating, along with 22 other countries. The many hundreds of events share the same goals: "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."

Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest fatality rate for ten years in a row. In 2018, 3 cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes, while 4 cyclists have been killed in 2019 in just the first 4 months. In 2017, 4 cyclists were killed, while 2016 set a record, with 9 fatalities.

Past CRBC Ride of Silence in Fort Myers

 The Ride of Silence, in memorializing riders injured and killed, seeks to draw motorist's attention to cyclist's legal rights to full use of the roadways, to inform motorists that we are here, to watch for us--as if our lives depended on it. Please come out to show your support and send the message that we deserve our right to operate on our own roads. We are not just bike riders, but friends and neighbors and we must all Share the Road.

Locally there are TWO Rides of Silence planned—Cape Coral and Sanibel.

1. The Ride and Walk of Silence 2019 (in Cape Coral)Co-hosted by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club and Streets Alive of Southwest Florida

 

Come join the local Ride and Walk of Silence, co-hosted by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club and Streets Alive of Southwest Florida with a City of Cape Coral Police Department escort, through downtown Cape Coral on May 15, 2019 at 7 p.m. The Ride of Silence will depart from the SWFL Military Museum, 4820 Leonard Street, Cape Coral, Florida on a 7-mile slow ride for adults and youth alike with a speed no greater than 12 miles per hour.

The Ride of Silence, in its 17th year throughout the country, is important here in SW Florida. From 2012-2017 there have been over 2655 injuries and 144 deaths related to cyclists and pedestrians on Lee County roadways. Link to map and stats: https://arcg.is/1qTKD0. Recent local tragedies in which a cyclist and a pedestrian were killed on March 25th and April 8th point to the need for the community to come together and participate in this Ride of Silence.

Simultaneously the inaugural Walk of Silence, in partnership with Streets Alive of SW Florida, will take place from the same location to bring further awareness to the lack of safe designs in general within SW Florida for walkers, handicapped including those in wheelchairs, skaters and bicyclists. This inaugural walk specially honors 2 children from our community who have lost their lives on our roads in 2019, Alana Marie Tamplin and Layla Aiken. Streets Alive of SWFL will have a select amount of reflective wristbands and lights for walkers in need. Walkers are encouraged to wear white or neon color shirts, bring a flashlight if possible and wear comfortable/walking shoes. The walk will be 1 mile at a slow pace.

A brief ceremony remembering family and loved-ones who lost their lives while walking or cycling will be held starting at 6:45 p.m., followed by ride protocol and safety instructions, before riders depart promptly at 7:00 p.m. Cyclists are asked to wear a helmet and have front and rear lights on their bike.

Come join us on this important Ride and Walk of Silence on May 15, 2019 through the City of Cape Coral which is working diligently to make our Bicycle Friendly Community safer. 

 For more information, contact the ride organizer, Megan, at mfasig@embarqmail.com.

 2. Sanibel Ride of Silence
 Hosted by the Sanibel Bicycle Club in partnership with Matzaluna Restaurant and Billy's Bikes



Gathering at Matzaluna's for past Sanibel Ride of Silence

The Sanibel Bicycle Club has organized an annual Ride of Silence since 2009. This year’s ride is hosted by the Club, Billy’s Bikes, and Matzaluna Restaurant. Riders are encouraged to arrive for waiver signing and equipment check by 6:45 p.m. at Matzaluna Restaurant (1200 Periwinkle Way).

At 7:00 p.m. promptly the ride will leave Matzaluna's, down Periwinkle Way to the Sanibel Causeway. The ride will cross over the first 2 bridges of the causeway, do the turnaround under the main span, and return to Matzaluna (approximately 7 miles round trip).

Helmets required for all riders and front and tail lights are required if you plan to ride your bike home after dinner.

· Matzaluna will provide discounted food and drink for all riders.

· For further details, contact Salli Kirkland (Billy’s Bikes): salli@sanibelbike.com.

Ride of Silence on May 16th--Fort Myers and Sanibel

May is right around the corner and time to make plans to join one of the two local Ride of Silence events (Fort Myers and Sanibel) on Wed. evening May 16th to honor fallen cyclists and promote road safety.

Previous Ride of Silence, Fort Myers

What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding.

The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event, with almost all USA States participating, along with 22 other countries.

The many hundreds of events share the same goals: "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."

Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest fatality rate for ten years in a row.

In 2017, 4 cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes, in 2016, 9 cyclists were killed, and 1 cyclist has been killed in 2018 to date.

The Ride of Silence, in memorializing riders injured and killed, seeks to draw motorist's attention to cyclist's legal rights to full use of the roadways, to inform motorists that we are here, to watch for us--as if our lives depended on it. Please come out to show your support and send the message that we deserve our right to operate on our own roads. We are not just bike riders, but friends and neighbors and we must all Share the Road.

Locally there are TWO Rides of Silence planned--downtown Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Fort Myers Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club
Arrive by 6:45, ride begins promptly at 7:00 PM

Centennial Park 2000 W First St, Fort Myers (Under the Bridge at Heitman and Bay Streets)

Cyclists will ride in a silent, funeral-style procession at 10-12 mph for 8 miles to honor those who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

Riders are requested to wear black arm bands or red if they have personally been injured in a cycling versus motor vehicle accident.
· Everyone welcome, free of charge. No registration necessary.
· Helmets are required, no headphones please.
· For further details email: ros@caloosariders.org or check CRCBC website.

Sanibel Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Sanibel Bicycle Club in partnership with Matzaluna Restaurant and Billy's Bikes.

Gathering for Sanibel ride at Matzaluna's

• Riders are encouraged to arrive at 6:15 p.m. at Matzaluna Restaurant (1200 Periwinkle Way) for a short educational program.
  
  · At 7:00 p.m. promptly the ride will leave Matzaluna's, down Periwinkle Way to the Sanibel Causeway. The ride will cross over the first 2 bridges of the causeway, do the turnaround under the main span, and return to Matzaluna (approximately 7 miles round trip).
  
  · Helmets required for all riders and front and tail lights are required if you plan to ride your bike home after dinner.
  
  · Matzaluna will provide discounted food and drink for all riders.
  
  · For further details, contact Salli Kirkland 239-472-3620.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Ride of Silence on May 17th--Fort Myers and Sanibel

It's May and time to make plans to join one of the two local Ride of Silence events (Fort Myers and Sanibel) on Wed. evening May 17th to honor fallen cyclists and promote road safety.

Previous Ride of Silence, Fort Myers

What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding. The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event, with almost all USA States participating, along with 22 other countries.

The many hundreds of events share the same goals: "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."

Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest fatality rate for ten years in a row.

 In 2016, 9 cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes, in 2015, 4 cyclists were killed, and in 2017 to date, there has been one.

The Ride of Silence, in memorializing riders injured and killed, seeks to draw motorist's attention to cyclist's legal rights to full use of the roadways, to inform motorists that we are here, to watch for us--as if our lives depended on it. Please come out to show your support and send the message that we deserve our right to operate on our own roads. We are not just bike riders, but friends and neighbors and we must all Share the Road.

Ghost bike on Sanibel Causeway

Locally there are TWO Rides of Silence planned--downtown Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Fort Myers Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club

• Arrive by 6:45, ride begins promptly at 7:00 PM

• Centennial Park 2000 W First St, Fort Myers (Under the Bridge at Heitman and Bay Streets)

• Cyclists will ride in a silent, funeral-style procession at 10-12 mph for 8 miles to honor those who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways.

• Riders are requested to wear black arm bands or red if they have personally been injured in a cycling versus motor vehicle accident.

• Everyone welcome, free of charge. No registration necessary.

• Helmets are required, no headphones please.

• For further details email: ros@caloosariders.org

Sanibel Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Sanibel Bicycle Club in partnership with Matzaluna Restaurant and Billy's Bikes.

Gathering for Sanibel ride at Matzaluna's

• Riders are encouraged to arrive at 6:15 p.m. at Matzaluna Restaurant (1200 Periwinkle Way) for a short educational program. 

• At 7:00 p.m. promptly the ride will leave Matzaluna's, down Periwinkle Way to the Sanibel Causeway. The ride will cross over the first 2 bridges of the causeway, do the turnaround under the main span, and return to Matzaluna (approximately 7 miles round trip).

• Helmets required for all riders and front and tail lights are required if you plan to ride your bike home after dinner.

• Matzaluna will provide discounted food and drink for all riders.

• For further details, contact Salli Kirkland 239-472-3620.

Dan Moser Column: Bicycling appears to be on the upswing in Southwest Florida

Dan's column this week highlights the increases in people riding bikes in SWFL, thanks to the combined efforts of many.

Florida Weekly Outdoors section: Dan Moser's column June 15, 2016

It may be just my imagination or wishful thinking, but there seems to be a major increase in the number of people riding bikes on the streets and pathways of Southwest Florida.

Along with the many walkers and runners out, there it seems as if there’s a real movement among all ages to be active on a regular and sustainable basis. Besides those using human power for recreation and exercise there also appears to be an uptick of commuters and functional cyclists and walkers.

Could it be possible that the efforts and messages coming from so many sources to include physical activity in our lives are having the intended effect?

One way to say for sure is to have bike/ped counts to confirm this speculation. Unfortunately, this is one area in which we’re very far behind the curve. We’ve been counting motor vehicles on a routine basis for many decades now, yet we still have no technology in place to do the same for nonmotor modes. Occasional observational counts at specific locations and one antiquated mobile camera system are the only methods I’m aware of being used, neither on a regular basis. So we’re left to speculate and guess, meaning it’s hard to argue for money to fund improvements or mitigate high bike/ped crash locations.

The Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club Ride of Silence, honoring those injured or killed in cycling on public roadways, drew a variety of riders in Fort Myers in May.

As for the apparent increased participation, persistent efforts by local groups like BikeWalkLee, Healthy Lee, American Heart Association, Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, American Lung Association and the Lee County School District, along with national promotions from organizations such as Centers for Disease Control, have undoubtedly been vital.

But let’s not forget about the “fun factor” that come from events like our Streets Alive Critical Mass outings and weekly “newbie” rides. In my opinion, those are having as much impact as any formal health promotion campaigns or advocacy that’s taking place.

Many of our local bike shops and bike clubs such as Caloosa Riders are very active in organizing and hosting group rides, including offering first-timers or those otherwise less experienced a “no rider left behind” option.

This is very important in helping to build confidence for those who may be intimidated by the “serious cyclists” they see on our roads. And being able to fix a flat tire in the field is often perceived by inexperienced riders as one of the most daunting tasks, if for no other reason than the thought of being left behind as the group moves on.

An added benefit of these newcomer rides is an opportunity to raise awareness of the work groups like BikeWalkLee do, and to encourage them to get civically involved, whether as part of that coalition or in other ways.

Participants are also offered a “rules of the roads and pathways” briefing, arming them with vital information that can literally be lifesaving. For many this may be the first and only time they learn about laws specific to cyclists and how behaving badly can have both immediate and far-reaching impacts.

Likewise, Critical Mass rides include a briefing about the need to operate safely and with courtesy while still having fun using the public streets. But in contrast to the other group rides these are almost parade-like and usually include many more participants, sometimes into the hundreds. This makes a big difference in the dynamics taking place on the streets and among participants. But there’s strength and safety in numbers so “the more the merrier” definitely applies to Critical Mass rides.

You can learn more about these events at meetup.com/Biking-SWFL.

This year’s Ride of Silence is an example of rides that attract a wide variety of cyclists. ¦

— Dan Moser is a long- time bicycle/ pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com or 334- 6417.

Participate in annual Ride of Silence May 20th

Plan to join one of the two local Ride of Silence events on Wed. evening May 20th to honor fallen cyclists and promote road safety.

2014 Ride of Silence, Fort Myers

 

 What began in 2003 in Dallas as a spontaneous outpouring of grief for a friend and fellow rider, struck and killed by the mirror of a passing vehicle, has rolled across the globe to become an international annual event memorializing and honoring cyclists who have been injured and killed while riding. The Ride of Silence is a worldwide event. In 2014 315 events were held in 49 states, 22 countries, and 7 continents.

The many hundreds of events share the same goals:  "To honor fallen cyclists, to promote road safety, and to make a difference."

Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety with the highest fatality rate for ten years in a row.  In 2014, eight cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes, and one fatality in 2015 to date.

The Ride of Silence, in memorializing riders injured and killed, seeks to draw motorist's attention to cyclist's legal rights to full use of the roadways, to inform motorists that we are here, to watch for us--as if our lives depended on it.  Please come out to show your support and send the message that we deserve our right to operate on our own roads.  We are not just bike riders, but friends and neighbors and we must all Share the Road.

Locally there are TWO Rides of Silence planned--downtown Fort Myers and Sanibel.

Fort Myers Ride of Silence:  Sponsored by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club

• Arrive by 6:45, ride begins  promptly at 7:00 PM 
• Centennial Park 2000 W First St, Fort Myers (Under the Bridge at Heitman and Bay Streets)
• Cyclists will ride in a silent, funeral-style procession at 10-12 mph for 8 miles to honor those who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. 
• Riders are requested to wear black arm bands or red if they have personally been injured in a cycling versus motor vehicle accident. 
• Everyone welcome, free of charge. No registration necessary. 
• Helmets are required, no headphones please. 
• For further details email: ros@caloosariders.org

 Sanibel Ride of Silence: Sponsored by the Sanibel Bicycle Club in partnership with Matzaluna Restaurant and Billy's Bikes.

•   Riders are encouraged to arrive at 6:15 p.m. at Matzaluna Restaurant (1200 Periwinkle Way) for a short educational program. 
•  At 7:00 p.m. promptly the ride will leave Matzaluna's, down Periwinkle Way to the Sanibel Causeway.  The ride will cross over the first 2 bridges of the causeway, do the turnaround under the main span, and return to Matzaluna (approximately 7 miles round trip).
• Helmets required for all riders and front and tail lights are required if you plan to ride your bike home after dinner. 
•    Matzaluna will provide discounted food and drink for all riders. 
•    For further details, contact Patti Sousa: 395-1695.

Groups seek bike safety solutions at Caloosa Riders event

Cindy Banyai with daughter in "Mama Chari"

Join the Royal Palm Classic ride on Sunday, be part of the fun, the comraderie, and the discussion of bike safety solutions and action.  Hope to see you there!

 

News-Press 3/18/15: Groups seek bike safety solutions at Caloosa Riders event

by JANINE ZEITLIN,

The News-Press and BikeWalkLee will seek solutions to make roads safer for bicyclists at Sunday's Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club ride.

Caloosa Riders hosts Sunday morning rides that range from 15 to 62 miles for its 17^th annual Royal Palm Classic. For information and to register, visit www.caloosariders.org and go to special events pages. 

The News-Press, as part of its Share the Road Florida campaign, will host a solutions booth after the rides, where attendees can offer input on paper and video. Journalists will use this feedback to inform continuing coverage.

Cindy Banyai, of BikeWalkLee, will be introducing a "6ft Flag" safety movement, which was inspired by Sarah Owen's guest column in The News-Press as part of its package on bike crashes and fatalities. The aim is to raise money to buy and distribute 2,000 bike lights to workers, groups, neighborhoods and schools.

"When all the newspaper articles and Sarah's column came out, I said, 'Hey let's turn this viral,'" Banyai said. "Let's start our own movement."

The News-Press found darkness and the lack of lighting was a factor in some of the 12 bicyclist deaths in Southwest Florida in the past year or so. The law requires bicyclists use rear and front lights in the dark. A Florida Highway Patrol spokesman has said the lack of lighting on bikes and roads contribute to many bike crashes.

Banyai, a mother of two young children, became involved with BikeWalkLee a few years after moving from Japan in 2009. She brought a bicycle used by mothers in Japan with the hope that she could use the bike with her kids in Southwest Florida.

"I had these dreams of coming and being able to ride around and it became very clear to me that it was not a safe place for me to ride around with my child," she said. "I'm not confident on the road with the other drivers."

She hopes the campaign will motivate regular people to become involved in roadway safety. It could also show policy-makers there's a broad base of concern for making the roads safer for bicyclists and walkers, one that extends beyond advocates.

Banyai has started GoFundMe and PicBadges pages for the "6ft Flag" movement.

 

The Caloosa Riders first ride leaves at 8 a.m. from Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 27-28, in Fort Myers. Lunch and a beer glass are included in the $38 registration. It costs $42 to register on March 21 and March 22. On-site registration starts at 7 a.m. Credit cards cannot be accepted the day of the event. All riders must wear approved helmets. Headphones are prohibited.

Related BikeWalkLee Blog Posts:

March 16, 2015: Starting our own "6ft Flag" Safety Movement - Bike Lights Campaign 

March 8, 2015:Overview of News-Press March 8th feature coverage on biking safety and a call to action

 

Successful Bike Safety Rodeo at Cape Coral's Christa McAuliffe and Oasis Elementary Schools

 Thanks to everyone who helped put on this 4th annual bike safety rodeo, and to the 100 students who participated.  Wouldn't it be great if more schools throughout Lee County put on these bike safety rodeos?  If you have kids in school, get involved and help make this happen!

On Saturday Feb 7^th families and students from Christa McAuliffe and Oasis Elementary Schools participated in their fourth annual Bike Rodeo, promoting safe bicycle operation and proper rules of the road.  With the help of many sponsors including Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, Golisano’s Children Hospital, and Hollywood Bicycle Inc., and BikeWalkLee, roughly 100 students were properly fit for helmets, had their bikes professionally tuned, and rode through an eight station safety course organized and operated by BikeWalkLee's Steve Chupack and Dan Moser.   

Of the event Chupack said, “No other elementary schools in Cape Coral have a four year track record of being committed to this kind of bicycle safety "clinic" approach that takes place during the Rodeo.” 

 Also, with thanks to each school’s PTO, Zivkovic Family Medicine, TowBoat US, Northwestern Mutual Insurance, and Zivkovic and Associated Real Estate Services, eight children’s bikes were raffled off to participants.