Dan Moser shares thoughts on Fort Myers Beach bicycle lanes

Image: refreshfmbeach.com

Image: refreshfmbeach.com

Avid bicyclist Dan Moser, a founding member of BikeWalkLee and current chair of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinating Committee, shared his thoughts on the Fort Myers Beach bicycle lanes to date, along with bicycle safety 'Do’s & Don’ts'.

“Remember when you drive a car, you are a threat to take someone’s life. If a car going 30 miles-per-hour hits a bicyclist, the biker only has a 50/50 chance of survival; at 40 mph, that drops to roughly 15% and those who live will most likely endure a life-long, life-changing physical condition, so please keep that in mind, especially on Fort Myers Beach where cars, bicycles and pedestrians are so close together in large numbers and tight conditions."

Read the entire interview at fortmyersbeach.news.

Dan Moser

Can you hear me now?

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 7/18/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Free T-shirts from past races were part of the perks at the 2018 FMTC Membership Run.
DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Walkers and runners can be spotted everywhere at almost any time of the day. These two activities are very popular because they’re such an easy and cheap way to get fit, to socialize, and for practical reasons, such as getting to work and taking care of errands. Whether solo or in a group, organized or not, more of us than ever are regularly taking to the pathways and roads on foot. Organized running events are fewer this time of year than during the cooler months but still taking place because demand is there.

And on any given weekend morning I’m among the many who pound the pavement as if the heat and humidity wasn’t even a factor. But one disturbing trend I’ve noticed becoming even more common is the use of earbuds, headphones and other listening devices by runners and walkers.

While not illegal for pedestrians to use them (it is for cyclists and motorists per Florida Statute 316.304) it’s clear they create problems for a number of obvious reasons. Other than when on a treadmill we runners and walkers are mixing with traffic, no matter how much of a “protected” environment we may believe we’re using. That traffic includes other pedestrians (which include users of wheelchairs and power chairs, skaters and skateboarders), cyclists, low-powered electric vehicles and motorists. Intentionally reducing or fully eliminating our ability to hear what’s going on around us while in that situation isn’t too smart, to put it bluntly. Besides the safety aspect there’s the social element: it’s pretty rude to ignore your walking or running buddies by shutting them down. This goes for organized events where many participants are sharing space, even when the course (theoretically) is free of cars.

I witness the problems created by these devices at races when taking on the duty of ensuring the front runners stay on course and run interference for them by leading them out on bike. This task is becoming more difficult not by drivers who sometimes venture onto closed race courses or onlookers crossing or standing in the middle of the road but instead by the race participants themselves. In almost all cases the reason some runners create a problem is because they’re wearing earbuds and unable to hear me telling them to move to one side, so the leaders can pass or provide other instructions. This sometimes happens when coming head-on toward them because some folks run or walk with their head down so they neither hear nor see me trying to get their attention.

Most recently I rode the lead bike for the Fort Myers Track Club’s annual Membership 5K Run. This year’s course was fully contained within the Lee County Sports Complex on its driveways, parking areas and paved paths. This compact course included numerous conflict points as runners and walkers encountered each other, sometimes from the opposite direction and other times in the same direction. Adding to the course challenges was a baseball tournament taking place that morning so vehicular traffic was unexpectedly thrown into the mix.

As it turned out the biggest problem was not 3,000-pound vehicles seeking to encroach onto the race course as drivers tried to determine where their field was and where to park — race volunteers managed them well — but rather from the runners and walkers who were unable to hear me as I attempted to get the leaders past them. So as not to run over some of the clueless runners and walkers I enlisted the help of those who could hear me to make physical contact with the unhearing to get their attention. By my estimation one-third to one-half the participants were among the clueless.

Even after participants were reminded in no uncertain terms when registering and at the start line that any type of listening devices is prohibited — as is the case for all running/ walking events sanctioned and insured by Road Runners Club of America (rrca.org) — many decided to ignore the common sense rule. If this were a triathlon, even a short sprint distance that attracts many firsttimers and casual athletes, anyone failing to heed the rule would have been disqualified. I can only hope that close calls — not serious injuries or worse — will convince my fellow runners and walkers to forego the earbuds and keep the vital sense of hearing in full use when out there mixing in traffic, no matter what the traffic entails. ¦


- 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.

In case you missed Dan Moser on Gulf Coast Live

In case you missed Dan Moser's interview on Monday's Gulf Coast Live re: Lee County's ranking as most dangerous place in the country for pedestrians, click here to listen and/or read. Thanks, Dan.

Cape Coral-Fort Myers Area 'Most Dangerous' For Pedestrians In U.S.

By Jessica Meszaros • Jan 11, 2017

Pixabay/Public Domain

A recent national study rates the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area the most dangerous in the country for pedestrians. And Florida was labeled the worst state, overall.

The nonprofit group Smart Growth America said pedestrians in Cape Coral and Fort Myers are at most risk based on the number of people struck and killed by cars between 2005 and 2014.

Dan Moser is with the local advocacy coalition Bike, Walk, Lee. He’s not surprised with the latest report. Moser said Lee County’s roads are designed like highways, which he said induces speed. Plus, he said there’s a lack of sidewalks and amenities for walkers and cyclists.

"But even where they do exist, and they're up against a highway, you gotta cross a 6, 8,12-lane intersection that's not very friendly to you-- doesn’t matter how many sidewalks you have or crosswalks. It's just not conducive to people wanting to use them," said Moser.

But the study’s data stops at 2014, and Moser said a lot of improvements have been made by the county in the last couple years.

Donald Scott, with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, said they’ve adopted a master plan looking into pedestrian and cyclist needs. In 2015, they got $40 million from state and federal funds, alone, to make Lee County streets pedestrian-friendly. But Scott said it’s not just about infrastructure.

"One of the things we'd like to see also from the education side of it is more attentive driving, avoid distraction" said Scott. "Quite a few of these fatalities happen at night-- about 40 percent. And wearing bright clothing and flashlights and reflective clothing would help."

Scott hopes to see some more changes within the next five years. But Lee County is not the only one with the problem. Eight out of the top 10 worst metro areas in the country were in Florida, placing the state as the most hazardous for pedestrians.

More than 5,000 people died walking on Florida roads between 2005 and 2014. Alex Dodd is with the group that released the report. She said overall, people of color in low income communities and older adults were most affected.

"For people of color and low income communities, we know those populations walk more. So the more that you walk, as a pedestrian, the greater your exposure is to being struck and killed or just being struck and injured," she said. "For older adults... they move more slowly, have lower eyesight and sometimes pedestrian infrastructure is just not built to accommodate those types of impairments."

Dodd said she hopes the Florida Department of Transportation uses this study to improve the state’s roads for walkers, especially those at higher risk of being hit by a car.

This story answers a Curious Gulf Coast question from Dan Moser asking, "What are the reasons for our area being deemed the most dangerous place in the US to be a pedestrian (cyclists don't fare well, either?"


Article link: http://wgcu.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/post/cape-coral-fort-myers-area-most-dangerous-pedestrians-us

BWL's Dan Moser on WGCU's ‘Gulf Coast Live’ this Monday

BWL's Dan Moser will be on WGCU's Gulf Coast Live call-in show on Monday, 11/13, at approx. 1:30 p.m. to discuss the League of American Bicyclist's report card on our bicycling environment. The report featured in this week's Dan Moser column. Florida State Senator Kathleen Passidomo, a supporter of our cause and a sponsor of vulnerable road user bills, will also be a guest.

Blame it on Irma

Dan Moser
BWL Guest Column - 10/25/2017

For all of us who’ve been attempting to get around outdoors since early September on foot, by wheelchair (manual or motorized), or by bike it’s still hit-and-miss as to whether the way is clear. Because this unfortunate condition continues I’m compelled to speak up about it.

Well over a month after the major storm event debris remains on vital infrastructure, some being on pathways along major roads too busy for pedestrians or even most cyclists to “share” with cars and trucks. What could be considered an inconvenience for some of us is much more serious for others. At the risk of sounding like a broken record and labeled a whiner I’m none the less going to make the case that our community priorities need to change when it comes to non-motorized elements of our transportation network.

At a community event I attended recently to promote and encourage bike and pedestrian safety I spoke to a woman who uses a motorized wheelchair. She told me of having to summon law enforcement to help get untangled from debris on the Summerlin Rd pathway. Over a month after Irma deposited large tree limbs and palm fronds from the Whiskey Creek neighborhood most remain on that pathway, continuing to hinder many non-motorists.

There were at least six more of these obstructions on a one-mile segment of Summerlin Road
well over a month after Irma.

These obstacles are quite obvious to anyone driving along that segment of Summerlin so it’s hard to imagine why no one in a position to take action to have the debris removed ever did, or, apparently, even reported it.

I’ve personally made a number of requests since the storm in an attempt to prod our local governments to ensure safe access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic on our main roads, with a clear understanding that it would be impossible for every sidewalk and pathway to be made a priority. Just a short time after clean-up began very few, if any, motor vehicle travel lanes remained impassible, but pedestrians and cyclists haven’t received anywhere near the same level of service as the motoring public. At a certain point in time, even after a major storm event such as this one, that’s no longer justifiable, especially when access for people with disabilities remains hindered and when it puts anyone needing to use the facilities at risk.

The crews doing the heavy lifting are to be commended. I have no beef with their efforts – they’re simply doing what they’re tasked to do, sun-up to sundown in many cases. Where I believe change needs to occur is among those making the vital decisions about what tasks take precedence.

Any post-disaster recovery effort requires a plan that should be in place well before it’s needed, something I assume is the case for each of our local governments in this event. If the plan does not have pedestrian access and ADA compliance on the same level as that for motor vehicles the plan needs to be changed to make it so. Especially on major and busy roads and in areas where car ownership levels are lower than average, being able to walk and bicycle safely isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Along with public safety it’s also about social equity.

This is a common scene in Pine Manor where most sidewalks and bike lanes remain
impassible over a month after Irma.

 One glaring example of the inequity is in Pine Manor where more than one month after Irma’s devastation it appears no debris whatsoever was picked-up, meaning most sidewalks and paved shoulders remain impassible. This is a neighborhood with lower than average car ownership levels and many children and folks with disabilities needing a safe place to travel.

As we move forward and get beyond the first stages of recovery it’s looking like Irma’s going to take the blame for many programmed and funded projects that would improve safety and access for non-motorists to be pushed back indefinitely or even cancelled. While some delays are to be expected and justified I fear Irma will be used as an excuse rather than legitimate reason for delaying or killing some improvements already in the queue, especially by local governments. “Blame it on Irma” may well become the buzz-term for foot-dragging on moving towards creating a network of Complete Streets and working to remove the stigma that Lee County and all its towns and cities have earned by being tagged as the most dangerous place in the USA for pedestrians. I hope I’m wrong.

- 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. 

BikeWalkLee, tax collector to host cycling seminars

Save the date: March 21 (Fort Myers) and March 23 (Cape Coral) 

 

The Lee County Tax Collector Office, in partnership with BikeWalkLee, will host a pair of cycling safety and information seminars this week.

Dan Moser, of BikeWalkLee (bikewalklee.blogspot.org), will be available to answer questions and provide information on bike maps and safety, as well as talk on the basics of safe bike riding routes, sharing the road and the importance of always having the proper visible safety equipment.

The sessions are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at the Fort Myers branch of the tax collector office, 2480 Thompson St., and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 23 at the Cape Coral branch, 1039 SE 9th Ave.

Moser, long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional, will conduct the events at the entrance of each of the locations.

“Most bicycling accidents involving kids can be avoided by following simple road rules and having visible safety equipment,” says Cape Coral Police Department  PAO Phil Mullen, who recently partnered with LCTC and FDOT at Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School in Cape Coral for a bicycle safety presentation to third, fourth and fifth graders.

Visit the Tax Collector locations, or SafeKids.org for tips to avoid bicycle related injury or death.

The Bike Ministry Program helps needy get on the road with bicycles

Ken Nies is a true hero in the BWL world, running a Bike Ministry Program providing bikes to the homeless and other needy adults in Lee County who need a bike for transportation, while teaching the homeless how to repair bikes, and asking recipients to put in 8 hours of service with a nonprofit. A true win-win-win formula.

 Thanks to News-Press reporter Craig Handel for highlighting this unsung hero in our community.  

  

 Here's how to help:

Be part of Ken's movement...donate bikes, bike parts--drop them off at City Gate Ministries in downtown Fort Myers.  Details below.  If you live (or work or play) on Sanibel, you're in luck!  Just bring your donations of bikes and bike parts to Billy's Bike Shop, 1509 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and he'll have a special spot designated for the program and will then deliver them to Ken.  Thank you Billy and Sally Kirkland!!  If you have any questions, call Billy's Bike Shop on 239-472-3620.  If you'd like to donate money, just send check to the 

 City Gate Ministries, with address below.

 

 

News-Press 3/13/17 article by Craig Handel

Fort Myers ministry bike program promotes pride, accountability--Ministry gives bikes to needy who earn it

Photo by Andrew West/news-press.com

Mary and Ken Nies

When Ken Nies retired as a principal in Buffalo 16 years ago, the last thing he wanted to deal with was people.

But the kids and homeless sucked him back in – especially those who needed a bicycle.

In the past 10 years, Working Hands Ministry – started by Nies and wife Mary – has distributed more than 2,700 bikes to the needy in Lee County. They also provide them with meals, clothing, showers, laundry education and referrals to social agencies on particular days.

“There was a bike void for a long time,” said Dan Moser, a traffic safety and bike/pedestrian educator. “A lot of adults use the bikes for their primary transportation. The fire department used to put bikes together for Christmas. It’s a tough operation. They need a lot of space and there’s no payback. You need someone to support it and Ken’s real hands on.”

After volunteering at Lee Memorial and representing kids in court through Guardian Ad Litem, Mary and Ken started a soup kitchen, something Mary still continues. She’s helped hand out 37,000 meals.

“She’s my rock,” Nies said.

From that experience, the couple learned about the need for bicycles and how much homeless adults need them.

Ken Nies gets emotional when he talks of why this endeavor resonates for him.

“I didn’t grow up with a lot of money, but I always had something to eat,” he said. “We’ve been blessed and we’re paying it forward.

“It just happened. It’s the last thing in the world I thought I’d do in 2001. I don’t own a bike. I refuse to ride down here. But we saw so many people with backpacks walking to work.”

The operation
It’s a Wednesday morning at CityGate Ministries and half a dozen men are fixing bikes in their shop, converted from a school. They include son Jeff, Ron Ellis, Rick Krakow, Vincent Hauser and Robert McCloud, 59, who has worked with Nies since he started the program.

In one room are extra pedals, grips, shifters, chains, kick stands, handlebars and brakes around the walls, while four stands anchor the middle to mount and replace the bikes.

“I love it,” said McCloud, who has been fascinated about the two-wheelers since he took apart, then put together, his first bike when he was 6. “Watching the kids and adults leave with a smile on their faces and knowing they’re leaving with a halfway decent bike makes me feel good.”

Bikes are donated by the city police and Lee County Sheriff’s Department as well as Billy’s in Sanibel, Trek, Schwinn and private companies. They also receive donations.

Upstairs, repaired bikes are in rooms, waiting to be delivered. Recently, Franklin Park Elementary, Hope Clubhouse, Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Rescue Mission, Grace Methodist Church, Community Cooperative Incorporated, Broadway Community Church and Abundant Grace Fellowship received bikes from the ministry.

Adults who want a bike have to work for it. They must put in eight hours of service with a nonprofit organization.

Fort Myers couple turn tragedy into action
“Members come to Hope Clubhouse to better their mental health and engage in recovery through work,” said Hillary Carney, a rehabilitation specialist. Hope Clubhouse has received approximately 15 bikes from Working Hands Ministry. “We all need to work, right? It gives people incentive.

“One of my favorite stories is of a young man who needed a bike who was living in a pretty remote area in North Fort Myers. He had relied on family members for transportation. He started to come here, received a bike and now he has the confidence to come here on his own.”

Nies brings out a huge binder listing letters from various nonprofit organizations verifying who donated their time. He then takes a picture of people with their bikes, their bike is identified and they receive a registration card to show police if they’re stopped.

“I give them the bike, a lock, a chain, a headlight and tail light,” Nies said. “It’s a $250 fine without a headlight and tail light.

“When they leave, I give them a hug. I may never see them again.”

At Franklin Park Elementary, Nies said there’s the chance of starting a program of teaching youths bike repair. Approximately 30 bikes have been donated to the school. A family of four boys received bikes around the holidays. The boy in fourth grade found out as bikes were trying to be secretly put in the family car.

“He said, ‘I can’t believe you bought all of us bikes for Christmas,’" said Francine Lutman, an intervention specialist for Franklin Park. “I said, ‘I believe it came from Santa.

“But it’s Ken. He’s always Santa.”

Related BikeWalkLee blog posts:  

12/31/10:  Bicycle Ministry in Fort Myers provides bikes to SWFAS women  (Island Reporter)

4/29/10: Fort Myers ministry gives bicycles to homeless (News-Press article)

Bike safety on the right path

The News-Press, September 5, 2016
By Craig Handel


Federal program helps keep youth cyclists safe


Bike Expert, Dan Moser, talks about the state of cycling in Lee County. Andrew West/news-press.com

With school back in session, the images of children biking and walking to their classes in the morning are common.

And if you’ve noticed those kids with helmets on, riding in the right lanes or giving proper hand signals, there’s a good chance they’ve taken part in a program called Safe Routes to School.

The Federal program gives money to states and officials decide how to distribute that locally. When Lee County School officials applied for a grant, they received a trailer with 30 free bicycles for students to learn with.

The trailer is portable so it can be taken from school to school where a community educator works with physical education teachers to teach the program. In Lee County that is Mitch Marinack and Debra McBride and in Collier County, that’s Jodi Walburn.

Marinack said last year, he taught at 35 elementary and middle schools. This year the goal is 40. In Lee County, there are 44 elementary and 16 middle schools. He said school officials who email him usually get served first.

“There’s always new information while we also like to make this a refresher course,” Marinack said. “This program is important because this area ranks high in the number of pedestrian and bicycling accidents.”

For this reason, Alexandria Whalen, a professional development leadership specialist in health and physical education in the Lee County School District, said it’s important to educate all students about safety.

"They can use it throughout their lives because we also want to encourage students to be active,” Whalen said. “The kids have a bike rodeo where we set up an obstacle course and they stop and give hand signals.”

“We received one full-time and a part-time person working in the schools because we’ve been recognized in the state as a leader in bike and pedestrian safety.”

Whalen has worked with Dan Moser of BikeWalkLee, who also is a pedestrian and traffic safety consultant. Physical education teachers who want to use the trailer and teach kids have taken an eight-hour course to get certified.

Florida has benchmarks and standards here to ensure youths are receiving various training, depending on their age, according to Whalen.

“I like to train people who’ll work with these kids,” Moser said. “There’s a lot of room for improvement for numbers of people working with kids. But in time, it’ll be very helpful to have two folks on hand because the PE teachers are overwhelmed having to work with 90-100 kids.”

Moser added some teaching also is done with the Saturday morning slow rolls in Fort Myers that focus on day-time, family rides.

“We’re trying to catch brand new riders and go over real basic stuff,” Moser said. “If we can catch them early, they’re not picking up bad habits and they understand the implications if they don’t go by the rules of the road.”

Moser is a huge proponent of everyone wearing helmets, no matter how far they ride. He’s heard countless stories of people who severely cracked helmets after falling, but avoided head and brain injuries.

Whalen said thousands of helmets have been provided to youths through Safe Routes to School.

“It’s important students master these safety tips,” she said.

NBC2 News fragment on Complete Streets progress

NBC2 television had a News fragment yesterday featuring the Lee County TIGER grant 'Complete Streets' progress at the FGCU Campus entrance. Watch BWL's Dan Moser being interviewed by NBC2's Joe Roetz.

Watch: Dan Moser on bicycling in Lee County

Interview by Craig Handel and Andrew West for the News-Press 'Cycling Hot Spots' feature.

Dan Moser Letter to Editor: Clarification on Jaywalking

 Thanks to Dan for responding to a recent letter to the editor to clarify a common misconception about "jaywalking".

News-Press, Sunday April 3, 2016

Clarification on jaywalking

I’d like to clarify a common misconception that appeared in a recent letter to the editor (March 23, Jaywalking growing, Olivia Nowak and Paige Schneider). Jaywalking is a slang term coined by the auto industry in its early days as a way to combat the push-back from the general public as noisy, dirty, and dangerous vehicles (and drivers) began changing the long established use of public rights-of-way. In order to make it appear that roads were only meant for motor vehicles, the promoters launched a campaign to equate non-motorists to dumb country folk (i.e. “Jays”). The belittling term has endured, thus the presumption that pedestrians are trespassers on our own streets continues to this day.

A pedestrian may legally cross the road outside of a crosswalk so long as doing so does not impede traffic (FSS 316.130(10)). One exception is when nearby adjacent intersections have pedestrian signals, a rarity here. The reason crosswalks aren’t always used is more about motorists’ noncompliance at those locations and pedestrian self-preservation than anything else.

Finally, crosswalks exist at every intersection even if unmarked (FSS 316.003(6)(a)), a fact universally ignored by drivers and even most law enforcement.

- Dan Moser, Fort Myers

Moser Column: Coach’s death a loss to entire community

Dan focuses on the impact of Coach Jeff Sommer's death on many in our community. He also reports on the Bike to School Day last week, and the upcoming June 5th SWFL Critical Mass Ride.

Florida Weekly May 13, 2015, Dan Moser's Outdoors column

From my perspective, our society puts way too much attention on organized sports and the people who participate as athletes and coaches, sometimes to the point of obsession. All too frequently, those who are revered for their athletic prowess or win-loss record end up disappointing their fans by the things they do in their real lives. When that kind of reality happens, it’s especially tough on kids.

 

On the flip side, there are some cases where there’s good reason to truly admire certain individuals because their positive influence is much bigger than any game or competition. Our community has just lost one of those people.

Jeff Sommer, longtime coach at Estero High School, died suddenly while on the sidelines as his team competed in the State Track and Field Championships in Jacksonville. Losing a coach who had a history of motivating track athletes and cross country runners to be winners in their respective events is tragic in itself. But Jeff’s influence beyond the tracks and race courses will be most missed. He prepared many young people for success in life.
Edsion Park ES Bike Corral on Bike to School Day I know Jeff from our road running world here in SW Florida, one that’s been very active since the late 1970s. His influence was apparent from the early days of his appearance on the scene by virtue of the fact that former athletes he coached formed the 3D Running Club in 1985 as a way to stay connected with running during the off-season. In all the years since they came together I don’t recall a local race that didn’t include runners of all ages wearing 3D colors. To me, this is a testament to Jeff’s positive and far-reaching influence that not many coaches in any sport can claim.

Since Jeff’s passing, there have been many stories told by those he influenced, with almost all of them focusing on the positive things Jeff did that were above and beyond the sport he coached. Based on those accounts and from what I know about Jeff; it’s not only those of us in the running community who will feel the void now that he’s gone.

Bike Month update
The first event of Bike Month, SW Florida Critical Mass Ride on Friday, May 1, brought together 326 people on bikes who rode around Art Walk and the McGregor Boulevard area. The sight of that many bikes all lit up was quite impressive as well as entertaining. By all accounts, this was the most attended ride in the two years it’s been taking place and went off with little trouble or inconvenience to other road users. Rob Siebert, the ride’s organizer, is to be commended for the excellent job he does. If you haven’t been to one yet, you can join in on June 5 for a clown/circus themed ride in memory of John “Sugar” Donaldson, a creative and fun-loving guy who was involved with SWF Critical Mass and who recently passed away. Just show-up at the big empty lot next to Publix on McGregor near downtown Fort Myers at 7:30 p.m.

Last week a number of Lee County schools took part in Bike to School Day. I was at Edison Park Elementary School, where at least 40 student participated — up significantly from the usual halfdozen or so. Many of the kids had their parents in tow as they used their bikes to get to and from school. The trick now is to make it a habit rather than a one-time thing. And from what I observed and from talking to students, parents and personnel at Edison Park, it brought lots of smiles to many faces, so one would hope it does become a habit or at least regular option to kids being chauffeured. One idea that might be considered is to create a “bike train” and “walking school bus,” in which one or more parents ride or walk along with their kids and pick up other kids along the way to school, replicating a school bus route. The school district has a Safe Routes to School expert on staff, Lisa Indovino (who recently won Florida Bicycle Association’s Educator of the Year award), who can assist those wanting to get a bike train or walking school bus up and running. If you’re interested in learning more, you can ask your child’s school administration how to enlist Lisa’s assistance.

Learn more about this and many other important community matters at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.
Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

Upcoming Events
>> Running/Walking:
 Cape Cops 5K, Saturday, May 19, Cape Coral Yacht Club, CC (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
 Run on the Green 5K, Monday, May 25, Eastwood Golf Course, Fort Myers (ftmyerstrackclub.com)
>> Cycling and other events:
 Ride of Silence, Wednesday, May 20, Fort Myers & Sanibel (rideofsilence.org)
 Bike to Work Day, Friday, May 15 (bikeleague.org)
SWFL Critical Mass, Friday, June 5, Downtown Fort Myers (swflcriticalmass.wordpress.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 or 334- 6417.

Fort Myers’ bike-ped safety advocate Dan Moser honored

Congratulations to BikeWalkLee's own Dan Moser who received an award from Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) for his many contributions to making Florida and Lee County a more bike/ped-friendly place.  And thanks to News-Press' Craig Handel for his great feature story about Dan's contributions to our community.  Love the front page highlight!  Below is both the News-Press story and BikeWalkLee's write-up and photos from the award event at Friday's Critical Mass Ride.

News-Press, May 5, 2015,  By CRAIG HANDEL, CHANDEL@NEWS-PRESS.COM 

Depending on one’s point of view, Dan Moser either has been a voice in the wilderness or a PITA — pain in the arse.

 For more than 25 years, the Fort Myers resident has butted heads with local decision-makers over safe pathways for bicyclists and pedestrians. His advocacy got the attention of others who formed groups including BikeWalkLee.

Moser also has instructed, assessed and evaluated walkers, bicyclists and even motorists on rules of the road. Just about anything involving bicycle or pedestrian safety in Lee County, he has his thumb on.

Dan Moser (photo by Amanda Inscore/News-Press)

He’s also involved with EMS, as well as Walk Wisely and the Florida Traffic and Bike Safety Education.

And if you’re a competitive cyclist or runner, there’s a good chance he either competed against you or was along the course as a volunteer for the event.

These years of dedication led the Florida Bicycle Association — another group Moser was involved with — to honor him with special recognition, a lifetime achievement award if you will.

“Dan’s outgoing personality, tireless energy, especially at special events, and overall knowledge of bicycle education are just a few of his strengths,” the award says.

Moser downplayed the honor, calling it a “gold watch sort of thing.”

But long-time friend Jay Anderson said the acknowledgment is earned.

“It’s people like him that make a difference in our community,” Anderson said. “That’s extremely important.”

Darla Letourneau, who works with Moser on BikeWalkLee, said, “He’s the pereminent safety expert. He knows every road in the county and how it got the way it was.”

Glenda Wolnik, Moser’s supervisor while being Nursing Supervisor of the Injury Prevention Program until her retirement in 2007, said Moser mainly managed himself because he had the best interest of the people.

“I used to get some interesting calls from people about Dan and they’d go on and on and I’d say, ‘Who’s gonna do it if Dan doesn’t do it? Who’s gonna take this abuse?’” Wolnick said. “If I have to err, I have to err on the side of good. I love his passion.

“People like that, you either love them or hate them. He’d say, ‘I’m not a politician. I’m a dedicated, bike-pedestrian enthusiast.’ His real skill is love for people of this county. His integrity cannot be questioned. He doesn’t say anything without having proof behind it.”

Moser understands that his vocal opinions and outspokenness have at times made him a polarizing figure.

“I’m sure a lot of people don’t like me,” Moser said. “But I don’t make it personal.”

Moser learned advocacy from Ed Benjamin, a long-time bicycle-business owner, and Mohsen Salehi, a former biker-ped coordinator.

“You lose the pit bull after so many decades,” he said. “It’s not always the best approach. The main thing is to be there and show up and keep track of things and get the information out and check if government is doing or not doing what it should. Persistence.”

A person who practices what he preaches, Moser bikes about 2,500 miles a year. His goal would be to make the roads safe enough that people exercising could do it in their neighborhoods.

“It doesn’t make sense to me for someone to leave their home and drive somewhere to go on a stationary bike,” Moser said. “It would be nice for parents to let their children ride, or bike to work but I look at the conditions now and I can see why.”


BikeWalkLee's report from Friday night's award presentation:

FBA's Earl Lang presents award to Dan Moser, with BWL team members Darla Letourneau, Ann Pierce,Margaret Banyan

On May 1st, FBA Board member Earl Lang, presented Dan with his award before the SWFL Critical Mass May Day ride in downtown Fort Myers on Friday night. A crowd of 326 Dan fans and riders were there to cheer Dan's many contributions to better biking and walking in Lee County. Dan encouraged everyone to get involved--to become advocates, to ask elected officials to make more investments in bike/ped facilities and to make our roadways safer for vulnerable road users.

Dan encourages everyone to get involved in advocacy!

Florida Bicycle Association awards are presented to worthy recipients for their contributions to bicycling. The purpose of the awards is to bring attention to the efforts and achievements of groups, organizations and individuals that help shape our vision for all Florida bicyclists to be safe, respected and encouraged to bicycle for transportation and recreation. Over the past 15 years that FBA has presented these awards, Lee County recipients have frequently been among the awardees. This year, 3 of the 16 award winners are from Lee County. We will be reporting on each of the award winners at the time that FBA makes the award presentations in person, so stay tuned! (link to previous blog to Lisa Indovino's April 16th award presentation).  Click here to read about the FBA award program and the narratives on all the 2014 award winners.

Here's a link to the full photo album from the May 1st award presentation and SWFL Critical Mass Ride.

Below is FBA's award write-up about Dan Moser: Special Recognition: Dan Moser

Dan has worn many hats during his association with FBA that began in 1998 when joined the board of directors. His leadership and expertise helped pave the way for the many successes FBA has achieve over the years. In 2008 he resigned from the board but was quickly put to work on a contractual basis as the conference director for FBA’s 2008 ProBike/ProWalk Florida conference. His duties expanded to the role of program director, a position he held until the fall of 2014. Dan’s outgoing personality, tireless energy, especially at special events, and overall knowledge of bicycle education are just a few of his strengths.

 In addition to Dan’s FBA duties, he consulted with a variety of organizations throughout Southwest Florida to teach injury prevention, driver education and bicycle/pedestrian education. As a regional trainer for the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education program, League Cycling Instructor and CyclingSavvy Instructor, Dan has taught 100’s of students of all ages. Along with Dan’s teaching skills, he is a founding member of BikeWalkLee and serves on its steering group. He has served in leadership positions on the City of Fort Myers Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Board, Lee County BPAC, Lee MPO Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinating Committee, Lee County Injury Prevention Coalition, Healthy Lee Coalition and the Fort Myers Track Club. He also writes a column for The News-Press and is involved with the organization of just about every running, biking, walking or festival throughout Lee and surrounding counties. As a Lee County resident for over 40 years, 25 of which as a devoted advocate for biking and walking, Dan has influenced positive change throughout Southwest Florida.

Bonita Springs’ Scofield also honored 
(from News-Press story re: Dan Moser)

The Florida Bicycle Association also is honoring citizen bike advocate Ryan Scofield of Bonita Springs.

According to FBA, Scofield’s GoPro videos of being pulled over by law enforcement for cycling in the middle of the lane for his legitimate safety or of being harassed by a truck driver have sparked a flurry of discussion. He decided to use GoPro cameras on his bike after having experienced several incidents with aggressive motorists. He also began researching safe cycling on the Internet, in particular, the CyclingSavvy education program.

By positioning himself in certain places, Scofield is able to eliminate right hooks, left hooks, in-lane passing, and most other common crash causes. He prefers to wear a reflective vest, and has two flashing lights for safety, in addition to his helmet, while riding early in the morning to his Crossfit class or work.

To read and see more of Scofield’s experiences, go to:
http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2015/01/07/bonita-springs-cyclist-captures-road-rage-naples/21389015/
http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2015/03/07/gopro-view-swfl-bicyclists-share-rides/24558715/
http://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2015/01/28/cyclist-fights-ticket-using-full-lane-wins/22494755/

Introducing WalkWiseLee

Part of an organization, service club, church, business, or neighborhood association and looking for an informative (and free) presentation to your members? Here's your chance to have Dan Moser come and make a presentation on the new FDOT initiative called WalkWiseLee that provides innovative pedestrian safety education.


Dan Moser (R) gears up for his new role in WalkWiseLee

The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at University of South Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announces a program new to Lee County that you may be interested in taking advantage of for your residents, clients, or organization's members.


WalkWiseLee is an initiative that provides innovative pedestrian safety education to any group at no cost. As you know, traffic safety affects everyone, being that we are all part of it at some point during our day, particularly as pedestrians when we walk for practical purposes, exercise, or recreation. What you may not know is that Lee County is one of ten counties in Florida being targeted due to its poor traffic crash, injury, and fatality record.

The WalkWiseLee campaign provides an informative and interactive 15- to 30-minute presentation with time for discussion for anyone living or working within Lee County. All that's needed is an invitation from you and appropriate place to hold the presentation. Any club, association, business, church, or other group interested can make the request and we'll schedule it to fit your needs.

Please contact at Dan Moser dan@bikepedmatters.com or (239) 334-6417 for more information and to request a presentation.

Correct practices for bicycle users, by Dan Moser

Recently, there have been several letters to the editor that have incorrectly stated the facts about bike/ped rules.  BikeWalkLee's Dan Moser decided that these errors needed to be corrected and penned the below column in today's News-Press Opinion Page.  Thanks to News-Press for giving us the opportunity to respond.

News-Press, Sunday 2/15/15 ("Sound Off" column in Views section of the paper)
By Dan Moser

I'm writing to correct statements in two recent letters to the Mailbag that, if left unaddressed, will serve only to perpetuate the horrible environment we've created here for people on foot and bikes.

In one, the writer opines that "roads are for cars." The public rights-of-way are owned by and intended for people, some who are in motor vehicles, some on foot or wheelchairs, and others on bicycles. Indeed, there are rules for each, but they do not limit non-motorists from being in the road in places other than marked crosswalks and only when no vehicles are moving, as the writer stated.

In the other, the writer states as fact that people on bikes must ride three feet from the curb and no further into the travel lane. This is totally false. The actual language in Florida Statute 316.2065.5, Bicycle Regulations, states:

"Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle use or, if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
•When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
•When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
•When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition or potential conflict, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, turn lane, or substandard-width lane, which makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge or within a bicycle lane. For the purposes of this subsection, a "substandard-width lane" is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane."

The lanes on almost all roads are too narrow to allow safe travel for a car and bike within the same lane, thus a person on a bike may ride as far into the lane as deemed safe.

Finally, it's important that whenever something is stated or published as fact it's actually just that and not simply opinion or wishful thinking.

Dan Moser, a resident of Fort Myers, is a member of BikeWalkLee.

News-Press Letters to Editor, Sunday, 2/15/15

Floating is the new walking

In response to Frank Roth "Walkers, stay out of streets" on Feb. 7. He says "Please don't walk in the street! Cars belong there, not people." Roth has most likely never left Fort Myers.

Living in the southwest Cape the two main roads that go North and South have side walks, most of the streets, place, and courts do not. So does he want us to float down the road? He should explain what he thinks we should do.

Gene Hoffmann, Cape Coral

News-Press Letters to Editor 2/7/15
Below are the two letters to the editor that Dan Moser was responding to:
Cyclists, know the law

Lately there has been a lot of talk about bicycle safety especially with all the recent accidents. People want more bike paths, sidewalks and motor vehicle driver awareness. I agree with all this but why not start with something that is really easy to achieve.

Have the police and sheriff departments started enforcing the law. Everywhere you go in Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres, all you see are young children riding their bikes without helmets which are required up to the age of 16 by Florida law. I’m sure that is going on in our other communities as well.

Why not start officers confiscating the bicycles until the parents show up with helmets and receipts of purchase of helmets. If the bicycles aren’t reclaimed, they can be given out to deserving children next Christmas. By law they should be getting citations, holding the parents responsible, which would help pay for the program.

I know someone will say the police don’t have time for this. Currently, they do go out and spend time doing public awareness checks and education programs handing out information. In Cape Coral, we do have police volunteers driving around which can help in picking up the confiscated bicycles. Also publicize these confiscations through our local media and I’m sure this would have a greater impact on protecting our children and enforcing the law.

Ray Uryga, Cape Coral

Walkers, stay out of streets

Are there any sidewalks north of Florida? There are fine, wide sidewalks in Brandywine and Myerlee communities but many people don’t use them and walk in the street, instead.

Believe me, walking in the street is quite dangerous, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. It is very difficult to see someone with a low sun behind them. At other times some walkers won’t get out of the street when cars are coming both ways and if you blow the horn they look at you like you have just committed a heinous crime.

Please, people, don’t walk in the street! Cars belong there, not people. The only time someone should be in the street is to cross at a designated crosswalk when traffic is at a standstill. Otherwise, after seeing some of the drivers around here, you stands a very good chance of becoming a hood ornament on a Lincoln Town Car.

Frank Roth, Fort Myers