Moser Column: McGregor Boulevard may become bike-friendly yet

This week's Moser column updates readers on  positive developments on McGregor Blvd. since his last column, and reports on the successful Streets Alive event. 

Florida Weekly, Outdoors Section, Nov. 12, 2014

Dan Moser

There’s potentially good news for those who’d like to travel on McGregor Boulevard by bicycle (the road, not the sidewalk): The suggestions put forth in this column and at public meetings to add sharrows on this historic public roadway’s two-lane sections and a reconfiguring of the four-lane segment to include bike lanes are being considered.

The city of Fort Myers indicated it would have a report completed on the segment from downtown to Colonial Boulevard in six months and the Florida Department of Transportation expressed interest in the ideas on its segments as well (Colonial Boulevard to Iona Road). Ideally, the city and FDOT will work together to maximize resources and potentially create a plan with as much continuity as there can be for a roadway having a number of different configurations. If Lee County DOT would take a hard look at how its segments could be similarly improved (Gladiolus Drive to the end of Summerlin Road) and the last stretch from near Shell Point Boulevard to the Sanibel Causeway) and work with the other two entities, the entire roadway could live up to its reputation as one the county’s signature public assets.

Getting ready for kick-off parade at 2014 Streets Alive!

Perhaps even better news is that by agreeing to formally consider the recommendations put forth, FDOT is, in me my opinion, demonstrating its commitment to reducing bike/ped crashes and to adequately accommodate non-motorists in its public rights of way. In fact, FDOT recently adopted a Complete Streets policy agency-wide, yet another affirmation of the positive direction the department has been heading since Billy Hattaway has come on board and put together a team that has the monumental task of improving bike/ped safety throughout Florida as its number-one priority. Indeed, changing the culture of an agency that has historically been primarily concerned with moving motor vehicles as efficiently as possible to one that will instead focus on providing safe mobility options to all the people it serves is perhaps an even more daunting undertaking. A number of reforms and significant changes in policies and procedures have already taken place since FDOT Secretary Ananth Prasad hired Mr. Hattaway to be both District One secretary and take on statewide leadership in reducing bike/ped crashes, injuries and fatalities. For many of us who walk, run and bike on our roads, it’s sometimes difficult to see any real progress being made. But, from my perspective, FDOT’s commitment appears sincere and all the right people are currently in place to see it through. FDOT’s Complete Streets policy can be found at BikeWalkLee’s Sept. 20 blog post at bikewalkleeblogspot.com.

Streets Alive! update

Just a few days prior to the second undertaking of Streets Alive! organizers and others had the opportunity to learn about Cyclovias’ history and worldwide effects from one of the key people involved with them from the start. Gil Penalosa was the keynote presenter at Florida Public Transit Association annual conference luncheon in Naples where he tied together all the aspects of a vibrant, livable community with events like Streets Alive! being part of many of the world’s most thriving places. Mr Penalosa hails from Bogota, Colombia, arguably the birthplace of Cyclovias. Hearing from one of the pioneers and seeing his outstanding presentation with all the benefits quantified was very energizing for all in attendance but especially for anyone about to stage an Open Streets event in their community.

That being said, Street’s Alive! was even more successful than the first go around a year earlier. Although the morning started out a bit cool, the sunlit sky warmed things to a perfect temperature for taking part in the many activities offered that day. Much to organizers’ pleasant surprise, even with Taste of Lee County having taken place in the same place the day before and Taste of the Town happening at JetBlue Park that same day, the healthy food vendors and local source producers were extremely popular. Hopefully, local restaurants that were part of the route did as well. The kick-off parade was another hit, with many early attendees joining in the fun. Throughout the day there was a steady flow of people stopping by BikeWalkLee’s interactive display where they could provide input to volunteers as well as representatives from a number of transportation agencies. Elected officials also mingled with visitors, listening to their ideas and making suggestions as to how they might become reality.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

— 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.

Moser Column: Key cycling rule of the road: Go with the flow

Florida Weekly:  2014-10-22 / Outdoors

This week's Dan Moser column sets the record straight on wrong-way riding, an update on requested McGregor Blvd. improvements, and the Nov. 2nd Streets Alive, including its bike safety rodeo for kids.

Dan Moser

Being election season, we’re all too familiar with statements put forth as fact that are really distortions of the truth, half-truths, or sometimes outright lies. How we allow this to be acceptable and without consequences to those who make claims they know aren’t accurate or ethical is hard to understand, although it is clearly the case in our country. 

Even commercial advertisers have some degree of truthfulness to uphold lest they must deal with regulators or the civil legal system. Unfortunately, those who spout opinion as fact regarding subjects they know little about or merely want others to see things their way, regardless of established truth, sometimes fall into the same category as political candidates. That is, they are not held responsible for the outcome of their misinformation.

In the advocacy world, whether it be workers’ rights, animal abuse, improving conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, or any other cause people get involved in, there’s bound to be many examples of statements made that are sometimes totally wrong. Often it’s due to a lack of adequate knowledge of the subject, but that’s not always the case. One such non-fact that frequently rears its head in the bike/ped realm is that bicyclists who ride with the flow of traffic are senseless or suicidal. For those of us who are out in the community and classroom making the case for adherence to traffic laws and safety rules for all road users, having to deal with this dangerous and outdated position is frustrating and creates unnecessary confusion. It’s one thing if a person wants to break the law and operate in a dangerous fashion individually, but another if that person deems the law is wrong and insists others should operate in a way that puts them at risk – and that’s at odds with factual data.

Enhanced “Share The Road” Sign in NaplesBottom line: All credible professional organizations and programs, from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ite.org) to the American Bicyclist Education Association (abea.bike), to name just two, confirm that bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles when using the roadway. One of the basic premises of being a legitimate part of vehicular traffic means riding with the flow as dictated by design. It also means not being relegated to the gutter merely because of size and speed.

It would be nice to put this matter to rest once and for all so advocates don’t have to spend time on something that’s clearly settled and instead concentrate on other aspects of making our roads and pathways safer and more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. But until those who can’t be bothered with fact and data decide to espouse their opinion in public forums, we’ll have to continue rebutting their misguided message.

Advocacy update — McGregor, Part 2:

Following up on ways to improve McGregor Blvd., the segment south of Colonial and north of College is a two-lane road that has similar features as the city’s portion, except that there is less opportunity for motorists to pass by using a middle turn lane and the speed limit is above 35 mph. The speed limit means sharrows aren’t an option unless Florida Department of Transportation were to reduce it by 5-10 mph. Alternatively, “Share the Road” signs with the three-foot passing law attached could be posted. On the four-lane segments south of College Parkway to Iona, there’s room to reconfigure the space to add bike lanes, something FDOT verbally agreed to years ago. Currently, the inside lane is 12 feet and outside “shared-use lane” is 14 feet; upon resurfacing they would create two 11-foot lanes and add a 4-foot bike lane in the same space. If these options are something you’d like to see, please let FDOT know by contacting Debbie Tower at FDOT’s Southwest Area Office (debbie.tower@dot. state.fl.us or 225-1900). And, as usual, you can learn more about this and other Complete Streets matters at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

Streets Alive! update

Plan to spend a couple of hours or the whole day sampling the many activities when Streets Alive! returns to Fort Myers River District from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, (streetsalivelee.org). Among the fun activities for kids will be a bike clinic/rodeo being conducted by the school district, using the bikes, helmets, and other equipment they use in schools. So, even if you don’t come by bike, the kids will be able to learn bike riding skills and have a blast doing so. FDOT will be working with them and will provide reflective items and other useful articles for both kids and adults. Streets Alive! is a free event.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

— 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.

Dan Moser Column: Streets Alive! returns to River District

Dan's column highlights the Nov. 2nd Streets Alive event coming to downtown Fort Myers, along with the Oct. 18th golf outing in support of the event.  Mark your calendars now!  On advocacy, if you support putting sharrows on McGregor, let the City Manager know.

 Florida Week, Outdoors 

Oct. 1, 2014

bikepedmoser@gmail.com

As the Fort Myers River District thrives, the city, business community and engaged citizens continue to work on improving its micro-economy and the many benefits a vibrant downtown offers to residents and visitors. An event that fits perfectly with this ongoing effort is about to take place again.

Streets Alive! returns from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. Our “Cyclovia” or “Open Streets” event was born of a group of citizens who believe some of our most important and popular streets should be used for more than simply moving motor vehicle traffic. After all, streets are public spaces intended for travel, commerce and socialization. To that end, those who attend this free event will be able to experience all three, as well as engage in a number of physical activities and have fun doing so. The inaugural Streets Alive! had an estimated 5,000 participants, a number that organizers anticipate may double this time around.

Sharrows on Stringfellow Road in St. James City.Well over a mile of streets along the river and in the core business district will be closed to motor vehicle traffic and open to everything else. Come to bike, skate/ skateboard, run or walk. Sample various dance styles. Engage in Zumba, Jazzercise, yoga and agility exercises. Try your hand at disc golf, traditional golf and tennis. Or let the kids navigate mazes and obstacle courses, create sidewalk chalk art and join in many other child-friendly activities. Besides the numerous physical activities, healthy foods will be abundant, with many samples being served up free of charge, along with cooking and food preparation demonstrations.

Over the past decade or so, cities throughout the U.S. and the world have made Cyclovias regular events, which is the ultimate goal of our Streets Alive!. Along with the physical benefits these events provide to individuals, the economics are just as impressive. Local businesses gain new customers, or at the very least, become aware of their existence so they may return at another time. The city-center also gets great exposure as participants enjoy the streets without having to deal with motor traffic. And those who take part in any way get in some exercise while socializing and having fun. What's not to like about Streets Alive!?

Because this event raises no revenue from participants or those providing services and products, sponsorship and fundraising are necessary. A golf outing to benefit Streets Alive! is taking place on Saturday, Oct. 18, at River Hall Country Club. To take part or to become a Streets Alive! sponsor, contact Tom Timmons at cttstreetsalive@gmail.com.

Advocacy update

In previous columns I’ve written about McGregor Boulevard being a “street of shame” because most cyclists dare not use the travel lanes due to a very bad design. Instead, they’re relegated to sidewalks that aren’t intended for both pedestrians and cyclists. But an opportunity to change this dynamic immediately on at least one segment of McGregor Boulevard will hopefully be seized upon by the city of Fort Myers.

Sharrows, or shared lane markings, could make a world of difference on the city’s most famous street from Colonial Boulevard to U.S. 41. Adding these markings — a bicycle and two chevrons — on the pavement in the travel lane wherever cyclists can be expected to be riding near or in the center of the lane reinforces the fact that cyclists do indeed have the right to be there. It also serves as a traffic calmer, meaning speeding will be reduced. This very simple and inexpensive treatment is really the only option to improving McGregor Boulevard since bike lanes will never be added, nor is there room to widen the sidepaths. Getting more bikes off the sidewalk also greatly enhances safety for pedestrians who must deal with bikes and cyclists who are put at risk by motorists exiting and entering side streets and driveways.

The Lee County Department of Transportation has sharrows in place on Gladiolus Drive in Harlem Heights and on Stringfellow Road in St. James City. They are common treatments in other jurisdictions around Florida and throughout the U.S.

If you’d like to be able to ride on McGregor Boulevard with the knowledge that motorists should expect you there, contact the Fort Myers city manager’s office at citymanager@cityftmyers.com or 321-7022. As usual, you can learn more about this and other complete streets matters at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and pathways.

— Dan Moser is a long- time bicycle/ pedestrian advocate. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com or 334- 6417.

Dan Moser's Column: Prime time for running and cycling

Dan Moser's Nov. 13, 2013 Florida Weekly Column
This week's Moser column highlights the upcoming runs and rides around the county; while his advocacy corner focuses on another "street of shame"--Luckett Road.

Dan Moser

Get a (turkey) leg up and preemptively burn off some of the excess calories that will undoubtedly be consumed on Thanksgiving Day by running in the wildly popular Turkey Trot 5K from Cape Coral Hospital before the day’s overindulgence begins. After the damage is done, ride the 100 mile Turkey Leg Century with the Caloosa Riders on Friday, Nov. 29. Visit www.caloosariders.org.

Then, about a week later, on Saturday, Dec. 7, cross the Caloosahatchee River twice on two different bridges by participating in the 35th annual City of Palms River Run 10K, a race that also serves as a Florida Senior Games State Qualifier 10K. This is one of our community’s most established races, having been first run in 1978. The ambiance at the staging area in Centennial Park is as good as it gets, as is the satisfaction of completing this classic run. For those a bit less ambitious, there’s a 2-mile walk as well.

  The very next Saturday, Dec. 14, the Rotary 5K takes place in Cape Coral’s Rotary Park. This one serves as both Florida’s Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games State Championship for this distance. Details and registration for all three running events can be found at www.ftmyerstrackclub.com.

Slipped into the middle of all these is an event that’s becoming a classic of another kind: Everyone Rides /Everyone Runs being staged at JetBlue Park. Beginning on Saturday, Dec. 7, VIPs who donate or raise additional funds for Boys and Girls Club can accompany the professional cyclists who make this one-of-a-kind in Southwest Florida. On Sunday, the masses join those same pros for rides ranging from 15 miles to a full century. A half marathon and 5K run are also part of the activities, which include an expo at the park that goes all day. For more info, visit www.everyonerides.org.

A “gutter bunny” riding on Luckett Road, a residential street that was turned into an I-75 / industrial park approach.

Street of Shame
How would you like to live on a two-lane residential street in a middle-income suburban neighborhood that gets transformed into an interstate interchange that also includes an industrial park and truck stop? That’s exactly what happened to residents of Luckett Road, located in Tice between Palm Beach Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

In the early ’80s, when I-75 was extended south from Tampa to Naples, eventually connecting to Miami, most roads that became interchange connectors were slated to be our major roads, even if they weren’t at that stage just yet. But Luckett Road was different and doesn’t fit the description of a Bayshore Road, Colonial Boulevard or Daniels Parkway.

So how did it become an interstate access road? One could speculate that because property owners who were holding large parcels of land that were going to be adjacent to I-75 but inaccessible to it convinced the powers that be to add an interchange that would otherwise never exist (there was/is no need otherwise), thereby making that property much more valuable. Whatever the reason(s), many lives were impacted in a very negative way, making those who had previously been able to use their street as intended virtual prisoners in their own yards.

What’s most disturbing is that the transformation from neighborhood street to interstate highway / industrial park access road did not include sidewalks, and each attempt by residents to have this very basic feature added after the fact was shot down. Currently, after almost three decades since the neighborhood destruction occurred, parcels on one side of the street have been purchased and those homes razed so Luckett Road can be widened.

By now it’s little consolation to those who remain that there will finally be sidewalks since it’ll be turned into a multi-lane speedway to the interstate that’ll remain bicycle/pedestrian unfriendly. I wonder if those who were bought out were given fair market value that included compensation for having to live in fear that walking or cycling on their own street could easily result if tragedy (not to mention backing out of their driveways)? And what of those who are stuck with the homes that are left? I’m guessing that no one but the landowners and developers who gained access to the interstate made out on this deal.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and trails.

— Dan Moser is CyclingSavvy instructor/ trainer and program director for Florida Bicycle Association who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334- 6417.