BikeWalkLee: Are pedestrians in peril?

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, October 8, 2020
by Ken Gooderham

Are pedestrians in peril?

A new book asserts our country is in the midst of a pedestrian public health crisis, with the number of pedestrian deaths climbing every year.

So how are we doing locally?

First, a little more about the research. The book -- “Right of Way: Race, Class and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America” by Angie Schmitt – arrives at a time when pedestrians deaths nationwide hit a 30-year high in 2019 of 6,590 (or about 18 deaths a day).

What’s behind this rise? Among the issues Schmitt cites are our roads and our vehicles, driving too fast and driving while distracted.

• Our roads: Inadequate bike/ped facilities and roads built to move traffic faster and faster… and even something as simple as pedestrian crossing lights that don’t give older/slower walkers enough time to safely traverse the traffic.
• Our vehicles: The move to SUVs and pickups puts more pedestrians at risk, with vehicles that are bigger and bulkier more likely to result in a pedestrian’s death if they are hit by one.
• Our speed: In a vehicle-pedestrian collision, the faster the vehicle is moving the more damage it will do to the pedestrian. If a vehicle is moving at less than 20 mph, the fatality rate is 5%... at more than 40 mph, the rate jumps to 65%.
• Our phones: Drivers distracted by their devices have slower reaction times and are more likely to drift and otherwise drive erratically… all of which spells trouble for nearby pedestrians. (To be fair, distracted walking is also a factor in some collisions.)

Schmitt also notes that people of color are more at risk, both because they more often rely on walking in their transportation mix and because they often have to do so in places where the pedestrian infrastructure is inadequate or incomplete (if not missing altogether).

Getting back to our local conditions, are pedestrians at risk here?

Yes, although our local numbers may not be rising as dramatically as the national count. Nonetheless, Fort Myers-Cape Coral was ranked the eighth most dangerous metro area by the 2019 “Dangerous by Design” report from Smart Growth America. That’s a slight improvement in ranking from prior years, -- not because our area is doing better, but because other areas are doing worse.

Florida continues to rank as the most dangerous state for pedestrians by a considerable level – which is what you’d expect when eight of the Top 10 worst metro areas are all in Florida.

Remember as well that these are 2019 statistics – meaning pre-Covid. The pandemic pushed a lot of activity outdoors, increasing the chances for pedestrian peril. The only saving grace may be that, while there may have been more pedestrians, there also were fewer vehicles.

Our areas checks off all the elements Schmitt cites as drivers for the national risk:

Our roads, while improving (particularly in some municipalities), still are incomplete or inadequate when it comes to safe spaces for pedestrians – especially in communities that rely on their feet to get around.

Our vehicles keep getting bigger and bulkier, at least looking around on almost every road.

Our driving speeds seem unencumbered by either enforcement or design… although the rise in riding and walking with the pandemic has made drivers more aware of cyclists and pedestrians, at least from anecdotal experience.

Our distractions are still diverting our attention, although we can hope that the new texting laws that took effect last October will help. Again, with the pandemic, it’s too soon to tell.

So should you be afraid to walk along our roadways? No, but you should be very aware. Follow the rules of the road (such as walking facing traffic), be on the defensive for bad drivers, be visible and predictable… and pay attention!

When you’re not being a pedestrian, you can also help by being a better driver. It not only makes the streets safer, it sets a good example for others… which you’ll appreciate when you’re not on the street surrounded by two tons of metal.

With a little caution, you can be a safe pedestrian… and you can avoid becoming a statistic.

EVENTS: 

Below is what’s scheduled for organized running and biking events locally… but confirm with the organizers and be flexible in case conditions change and large-group activities are limited. Of course, wear a mask and act appropriate to your age, condition and concerns.

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• Cops & Joggers Virtual 5K, July 10-Oct. 10 (virtual)
• Sanibel Island 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H., Aug. 18-Oct. 31 (virtual)
• Cape Coral Turkey Trot 5K, Sept. 17-Nov. 26 (virtual)
• City of Palms River Run 10K, Sept. 17-Dec. 5 (virtual)
• Lazy Flamingo Half Marathon & 2-Person Relay, Sept. 17-Dec. 20 (virtual) 

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• Gulf to Gulf 80 Mile Relay, Saturday, Oct. 17 (in-person)
• Halloween Monster 5K (Naples), Saturday, Oct. 31 (virtual)
• Old Naples 10K, Saturday, Nov. 7 (in-person & virtual)
• GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 26 (in-person & virtual)
• Naples Daily News Half Marathon, Saturday, Jan. 17 (in-person & virtual) 

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• Rocktoberfest 10K and 5K, Naples, Saturday, Oct. 10
• Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, Naples, Saturday, Nov. 21
• Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Walk, Estero, Thursday, Nov. 26
• Naples Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 5
• Naples Distance Classic 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, Sunday, Dec. 6 

OTHER RUNS:

• 2020 LCEC Goblin Gallop 5K, Oct. 31, Jaycee Park, Cape Coral (in-person) (active.com)
• Run for Foster Kids, Oct. 1-31 (virtual) (runsignup.com)

CYCLING:

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides, although the NE Lee ride seems to be lacking a leader and thus is not on the calendar. The options are below, and you can check out their line-up online (http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times.

• SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers. 
• Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Tuesday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
• Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
• Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.

If racing is not your thing but you’d like to support their return nonetheless, consider volunteering to help out at the few in-person offerings ahead. With Covid concerns still corralling some of the club’s usual volunteers, a few new helping hand would certainly be welcomed. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org. 

BikeWalkLee: Cycling with confidence

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, September 26, 2019
by Ken Gooderham


What makes someone good at riding a bicycle? Confidence, and communication.

Not what you were expecting? Then you need to read “How I learned to cycle like a Dutchman,” published recently in The New Yorker magazine. Writer Dan Kois, on a three-month assignment in Delft, decides he and his family will ride like the local do – everywhere, all the time.

The results are enlightening, in more ways than you’d think.

The pedaling proclivity of the Dutch is well known… it’s what you’d expect from a country where there are more bicycles (22 million) than residents (18 million). It’s a practice that carries from birth (child seats galore) almost to the grave (e-bikes for those too pooped to pedal outsell adult standard bikes there).

And the abundance of bike infrastructure – bike lanes abound and roundabouts are often designed so that cyclists will not have to stop to traverse them – is also expected. The surprise? It wasn’t always that way.

The eighteen million residents of Holland own, in total, more than twenty-two million bicycles.
Image: The New Yorker

In the postwar Netherlands, car usage boomed and bike usage plummeted – from 1950 to 1970 the percentage of trips done by bike dropped from 80% to 20%.

As car use spiked, so did road deaths – especially among children. That sparked outrage, followed by protests, followed by action. Road projects (which usually involved razing old historic neighborhoods) were stopped, cycling activists were elected to office and a culture that valued bicycling was reborn.

As more people biked, more drivers became cycling sensitive – because they also rode, a lot. This changes the driving culture in dramatic ways (as chronicled by Kois):

“Most days, (the driver pass you on the bike lane) would be biking next to you, unprotected from cars except by custom, respect, and the forethought that comes from being able to think like a cyclist. In the Netherlands, drivers don’t turn right without checking their blind spots. They don’t park in bike lanes, not even just for a minute, to drop something off. And no Dutch cyclist ever half-waves at a driver for making a required stop—they assume that drivers will see them and obey the law.”

The Dutch also used the law to promote safety. After studies showed that a cyclist hit by a car traveling at a speed greater than 30 kph (that’s 18.64 mph) was unlikely to survive, the speed limit for motor vehicles in every living area of the country was maxed at 30 kph. That’s one reason why even though no one wears bike helmets there, the cyclist fatality rate is six times less than in the U.S.

The revelation Kois and his family came away from this experience with, however, may not be one you’d expect: Confidence and communication are key to safe cycling.

Confidence comes both from knowing that motor vehicle operators are not out to get you, and from knowing that your cycling skills are strong enough to carry you through any circumstance. That’s equally important whether you’re navigating a busy roundabout or getting in the flow of some serious cycling traffic.

Kois recounts the chaos he and his family – showing the shaky cycling skills you’d expect from a suburban U.S. clan – created among the skilled and swift Dutch riders (who clearly expected that if you were on a bike you’d know how to handle it without wobble or weave).

Communication? A Dutch cycling expert put it this way:

“If you are not able to anticipate what other people will do, you will have lots of small accidents, or near accidents,” he said. “You must be communicating with your eyes to the other riders in the street. Your decisions must be based on what is best for the flow of traffic, not what is best for your trip in particular.

‘“Think of it this way. Car drivers behave like a bunch of geese. They have the same distance from each other and fly at the same speed, and move almost in military formation.’ He put down his tea and made a series of regimented gestures with his hands. Then he moved them around together, in an elegant dance. ‘Cyclists move like a swarm of sparrows. There are thousands of them moving in chaos, but there are no collisions. They turn a little bit; they change their speed. You must do the same.’”

The lessons that Kois learned can be a guidepost for your cycling as well – even if the roads of Southwest Florida never reflect the skills and safety of the Netherlands. Working to build your confidence and communications over time will make you a stronger and safer rider, and playing by the rules of the road when you’re sharing the road can inspire drivers to treat you with the confidence you deserve. (This, however, does not eliminate the need to practice defensive cycling on the roadway or path.)

And if a car-crazy Netherlands can learn to embrace the bike… well, maybe, we can too.

Ready to ride or run? 

Run? Fort Myers runners can lace up for the Busey Bank 5K on Oct. 5 or the Cops & Joggers 5K on Oct. 12 (both in downtown Fort Myers). Upcoming Collier events include the non-timed 5K Corporate Run on Oct. 3 and the Rocktoberfest 5K/10K on Oct. 6. Details at 3dracinginc.com, ftmyerstrackclub.com, gcrunner.org and runeliteevents.com, respectively.

Ride? Critical Mass has these regularly scheduled rides on tap:

• Friday, Sept. 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m., start at 8 p.m. at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street.
• Saturday, Sept. 28: Saturday Slow Roll 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.
• Friday, Oct. 4: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers gathering at 7:15 p.m. and starting at 8 p.m. Meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.

Lights required for night rides, helmets recommended for all, details at meetup.com.

Both? The lone local-ish event is the Longboat Key Triathlon/Duathlon, with both Olympic and sprint distances on Nov. 17; details at trifind.com or trisignup.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org. 


 

BikeWalkLee: How to get ready for rain

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, August 15, 2019
by Ken Gooderham

When it’s raining all the time or any time of day, cyclists have two choices: Stay home or get wet.

Nobody wants to do the former, so you should be prepared for the latter.

With the weather patterns lately, cyclists don’t even need to intend to get caught in the rain. Sometime, rain just happens… as in when a partly cloudy morning at 8:30 a.m. suddenly turns stormy by 9 a.m. So you either take shelter (if there’s any to be had) or dance with the raindrops.

When it comes to pedaling in the precipitation, you have two approaches: What to do before it rains, and what to do afterwards.

Beforehand, about all you can do (besides checking your weather app for forecasts and radar) is do your usual pre-ride bike prep (so everything is at least ready to ride dry), throw in a rain jacket (find something that packs into itself for ease of handling), and consider your route (if that’s an option) for places where you could get out of the weather if necessary.

Image: wikimedia.org

What should you do if you get caught in the rain?

• Get out of it if possible, particularly if it’s heavy and there’s lightning involved (particularly if there’s lightning involved). Look for a structure where you can wait it out.
• If it’s bearable to ride, work on being visible (especially if you’re in traffic) and avoid flooded areas (since you don’t know what’s under that water). Similarly, avoid painted areas on the roadway, since rain makes them as slippery as ice.
• If you have a rain jacket, put it on – including the hood (keeps the water from running down your back). If you don’t have a jacket, improvise (think trash bags) or get soaked. Why avoid the saturation? Because wet fabric can get uncomfortable fast.

When the rain stops and you get back home, there’s a few things you should do NOW to make your bike and your next ride better:

• Wipe down and dry off your bike – thoroughly. If you really got soaked, turn your bike upside down to let the frame drain… some people even suggest a leaf blower to remove moisture (assuming you have one and can stand the noise).
• Clean and lube everything you can. Your chain is crucial, so if you can give it a thorough degreasing and lube, great. If not, at least wipe it down to get dry and put something on to re-lubricate it. Also, wipe your frame, wheels, brakes and pedals, and lubricate all the moving parts on them as well. Not only will the process help drive the excess moisture out, but your ride will be ready for the next outing as well.
• Now dry yourself out… clothes, shoes, gloves and helmet. If they’re grimy as well as wet, throw them in the laundry. If it’s just moisture without mud, dry them out and see if they can be used again without washing (at least the stuff that doesn’t directly touch your skin).

If you find yourself getting caught in the rain a lot (hopefully a sign you’re riding a lot), investing in some rain gear might be prudent (or at least more comfortable). Same thing for the tools and chemicals to take care of your bike… particularly smart if you have some serious money invested in your ride. (If it’s really serious money, maybe consider getting a rain bike and leave the good wheels at home.)

You live in the semi-tropics, so cycling in the summer inevitably means getting wet. Be prepared, and you won’t be stuck at home watching your bike slowly rust away. And remember, the rainy season will be over soon.

Ready to ride or run? 

Run? Still slow in organized races, with the Omega Youth Race in Cape Coral this weekend (3dracinginc.com) and the Rampage 5K on Aug. 24 at North Collier Regional Park (runelitevents.com). Once we get to September, your race schedule starts ramping up again – kicking off with a Labor Day 5K in Naples (gcrunner.org).

Ride? You can always count on Critical Mass for rides, even in the midst of summer. You’ll find the NE Lee ride this Friday and the Cape Coral ride Aug. 30. Planning ahead? Plan on the Anniversary Beach Party Aug. 31. Food, fun, costume and bike contest… oh, and a ride as well. Pre-ride fun starts at 5 p.m., ride kicks off at 8 p.m., all from Centennial Park, downtown Fort Myers. All are night rides, so lights required and helmets recommended  (meetup.com).

Both? Upcoming events include:

• Monday, Sept. 2: Venice Sprint Tri, Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice (trifind.com)
• Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8: Galloway Captiva Tri. Sprint on Saturday, kids’ events Sunday (https://www.gearedup.biz/captiva-triathlon)
• Saturday, Sept. 21: The Original Siesta Key Tri, sprint (runsignup.com)
• Willing to drive? Check trifind.com or active.com for tris around the state.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org. 


 

Pedestrians matter

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, May 22, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Shutterstock

“We are all pedestrians sometimes” served as the catch phrase for a local pedestrian safety awareness campaign many years ago. That and similar phrases can be found among many past and current traffic safety campaigns around the state, country and world.

Considering just how accurate and valid that statement is, one would think it would equate to the kind of behavior the campaigns intend: When we are motorists, we should drive carefully around vulnerable road users because, at some point, we’ll be the vulnerable ones. But instead, pedestrians — many who are earnestly trying to get around on foot as a means of transportation or simply trying to enjoy a walk — continue to be mowed down in record numbers, here and pretty much everywhere else. So, what gives?

Everyone has his or her own theory, but there’s a profession dedicated to studying and attempting to understand what’s going on in the minds of road users. These people are considered “traffic psychologists.” Although I have a social sciences degree that included plenty of psychology courses, I am not among these specialists. Rather, my interest and understanding comes from dealing with road use and traffic on an individual level and from working in the injury prevention field for many decades. That being the case, I’d like to take a brief look at our behaviors when we’re part of traffic.

As might be expected, failure to pay attention to one’s task, whether it be driving, walking or operating a bike, is a common factor in crashes or near misses among all of those modes. While there are many studies focusing on distraction/ inattention and its impact on behavior, the actual number of crashes, injuries and fatalities is unknown but likely much higher than statistics suggest, due primarily to incomplete or unreported crash data. Some studies look at distractions coming from a variety of sources and often label them as “inattention” due to “mind wandering” or “perceptual load.” So, it’s not just handheld electronic devices that are the source of distraction; anything that takes one’s mind off the task of driving, walking or operating a bike creates increased risky behavior. This should come as no surprise to anyone who’s paying attention.

Personal experience confirms the problems that result from inattention and distraction. Who hasn’t been behind the driver who speeds up and slows down inappropriately because he’s using a phone? Or the person on a bike who’s riding with no hands, wearing earbuds and looking down to deal with music choices on a device (and usually riding on the wrong side of the road)? That same scenario is all too common among pedestrians crossing the street, whether at a crosswalk or not.

It’s a bad idea to give everyone in those examples the benefit of the doubt that they know what they’re doing. Traffic psychologists (or anyone else, for that matter) don’t seem to be able to get to the root of why those types of potentially self-destructive distractions are so common.

Complex traffic conditions, surrounding environments full of stimuli such as flashing signs or beautiful scenery, or other elements out of one’s control are understandable distractions. But the examples I cited in the prior paragraph confound me and most researchers. Perhaps it’s as simple as the perceived benefits (i.e., yapping with a friend, checking text/email messages, concentrating on media/music choices) being worth the risk, especially among the majority of people who have not yet been the victim of their own or someone else’s distraction. Why those who have been harmed or harmed others by engaging in this behavior yet still choose to continue is even more perplexing.

Pedestrians and people on bikes, being the most vulnerable road users, have the most to lose due to mistakes or poor decisions made by themselves or others. However, since motorists can inflict the most damage, we have the highest level of responsibility when behind the wheel. Disappointingly, law enforcement officials too frequently put the blame on the non-motorist victim when determining who’s at fault in a crash. That equates to the general public — especially those who are less inclined to walk or bicycle regularly — believing it’s just fine to operate a 2-ton vehicle as a secondary task while doing whatever else they’d rather be doing.

I guess besides individually behaving the way we’d like others to behave, all we can do is hope people decide to behave better whenever mixing with traffic. And we can get involved in changing the dynamics of our infrastructure and traffic law enforcement.

As always, to learn about these topics and more visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org (where you’ll find a newly developed map of crashes involving pedestrians and people on bikes).  ¦




 
- 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.

Are pedestrians in peril?

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, January 31, 2019
by Ken Gooderham

So just how dangerous is it to walk in Southwest Florida? It really depends on where and when you walk, with perhaps a little “why” thrown in as well.

The recently released “Dangerous by Design” 2019 report noted a rise in overall pedestrian deaths nationally, with Florida as the most dangerous state for pedestrian fatalities (again) and Lee County remaining in the Top 10 most dangerous metropolitan areas (albeit moving from its No. 1 position in 2016 to No. 8 in this edition) in the country – and eight of the top 10 most dangerous areas are in Florida).

Looking over a broader arc of time, from 2008 to 2017 nationally:
    • Vehicle miles traveled increased by 8.1%,
    • Walking as a share of all trips increase by less than 1%,
    • Traffic deaths among motor vehicle occupants decreased by 6.1%
    • And pedestrian deaths increased by 35.1%.

So we’re not really walking more, and it’s safer to be in a vehicle than it was before – but pedestrian deaths have jumped more than four times the increase in vehicle miles traveled. What gives?

A lot of the problem is being chalked up to street design – specifically, streets designed only to move motor traffic and not foot or bicycle traffic – as well as more distracted drivers… yes, we’re talking about you there texting on your cell phone as you drive to work.

Think about it… streets designed to move only motor vehicles (and move them as quickly as possible) usually leave out safe places for people to walk and bike – places away from fast-moving motor vehicles such as off-road sidewalks and shared use paths and buffered bike lanes – as well as safe places to cross the traffic lanes – crosswalks and other pedestrian crossings that are safe and convenient to use (for the walkers, that is).

Without those safe places, pedestrians and cyclists are either forced to find another route or forced to share the road in a way that’s not really sharing – and not really safe. Then add in the motor vehicle operator who is paying more attention to his or her electronic devices than they are to the demanding work of driving – and a momentary lapse in attention becomes a life-threatening situation for a nearby walker or biker who unfortunately has nowhere else to go but right next to the traffic lanes.

Enticing distractions and bad road designs – a recipe for pedestrian disaster.

But to go back to the initial question: How dangerous is it to walk or ride here? If you have choices – of routes, let’s say, or times of day or any other option that would let you take a safer route – you can probably feel pretty safe. Walk on the sidewalk or shared use path, ride on a bike path or bike lane – and, of course, keep your wits about you while you doing this – and you’ll more often than not return home safe.

But if you don’t have the luxury of making those kind of choices, if you have to walk along a busy road to get to work or school or shopping, and you have to do it during rush hour, before dawn or after dusk – being a pedestrian can be dangerous.

A lot of our major roadways – where jobs and shops and schools tend to be – weren’t design for pedestrian or bicycle traffic. They were designed to move vehicles as quickly as possible from A to B… and even with upgrades to overcome design flaws, they can still be a pretty scary place to walk or bike.

Pedestrians and cyclists can (and should) do whatever they can to be safer, more visible and more aware when they are biking or walking, Bright colors, flashing lights or reflectors and smart walking or biking make a difference.

Of course, we all should encourage our public officials to design and build better roadways (and fix the ones that need to be updated), roads that take into account ALL the users… because well-designed roads make ALL of us safer, whether we’re driving, biking or walking.

Finally, we should all start paying more attention to what we’re doing – whether we’re walking or biking or driving (but especially driving). Put down the phone, turn down the music, take off the headsets – and focus on the most important task at hand, getting yourself safely from one place to another.

Some dangers are done by design, others out of bad habits. Either way, we can and should do something about them.

Ready to ride or run?

Run?  Plenty of 5Ks this weekend and next, where you can run for education, clean water, the arts, scouting and even Rotary.. and there’s even a special Edison Festival race for kids! Details at ftmyerstrackclub.com, gcrunner.org, 3dracinginc.com, runforthearts.com and trifind.com.

Ride? If the weather lets you hit the road, a few rides ahead: Critical Mass amasses for the downtown Fort Myers ride Friday night and the Sanibel ride Feb. 9 (meetup.com) Looking for more? Head to Arcadia Feb. 9 for Ride for Tiny Town and 60-, 30- or 15-mile rides. (caloosariders.org). Not enough? Then throw in the Wakey, Wakey! Sunday morning rides (helmets are required, no ear buds, and no aero bar use while in the group). 

Both? Upcoming events include:

• Sunday, Feb.11: Tri Your Heart Out sprint, Sarasota (trifind.com) 
• Saturday, May 11: Cape Coral Sprint Tri (trifind.com)
• Saturday, May 18: Life’s a Beach Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com)
• Sunday, June 2: 33rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Naples (trifind.com)
• Sunday, June 9: Heartland Sprint and Olympic Tri, Sebring (trifind.com)
• Sunday, June 23: Sirens Sprint Tri, Sarasota (trifind.com)
• Willing to drive? Check trifind.com or active.com for tris around the state.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org. 


 

Lee County shows very slight improvement in safety ranking

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 1/30/2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Unenforced sidewalk parking violations is one reason we have such a poor pedestrian record. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

The 2019 Dangerous by Design report has been released and once again Florida is the most dangerous state in America for pedestrians. Eight of the top 10 worst metro areas are in our state. While the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area — all of Lee County — moved from first to eighth most dangerous, it’s primarily because other communities had a reduction in pedestrians walking to work, and that factors into the index used for the rankings.

So there’s really nothing to celebrate when it comes to Lee County’s improvement. Admittedly, there have been a number of bike/ped infrastructure additions since the last report, but many of our elected representatives and transportation officials’ mindsets remains focused on moving as many motor vehicles as efficiently as possible with the plight of non-motorists being of secondary concern.

In 2018, pedestrians accounted for 23 of the total of 93 overall traffic fatalities in Lee County, meaning approximately one of every four of those killed was a pedestrian — well above the national average — as has been the case for many years. Cyclists fared better, accounting for four of the total fatalities. However, the 473 non-fatal reported crashes among vulnerable road users frequently result in serious and life-changing injuries, keeping in mind that law enforcement agencies frequently fail to report crashes involving non-motorists. So, besides our elected representatives and transportation officials implementing Complete Streets with improvements such as reducing speed limits through redesign and road diets, what else must be done?

One way that communities become bike/ped-friendly is when a critical mass of people on foot, bike and other non-motorized means are part of traffic and become impossible to ignore. When that occurs drivers and non-motorists alike change behavior accordingly. Sanibel Island is probably the only local community that even comes close to reaching a critical mass that has actually created an environment much different than the rest of our county, hence they’ve earned silver-level Bike Friendly Community status.

A few other pockets of critical mass are in some of our cities’ downtown areas and beach communities. However, none of these places can truly be considered bike/ ped-friendly, at least based on the way drivers routinely fail to stop for folks in crosswalks, the fact that many pedestrians aren’t assertive in exercising their right to compel drivers to allow them to cross streets at crosswalks and the tendency of cyclists to ride against traffic and operate on sidewalks rather than roads, even where bike lanes exist.

Enforcement of traffic laws that put non-motorists at risk is another area that should be beefed up. In particular, speeding and failing to stop before making a right turn would be good violations on which to focus. Stopping cyclists who ride against traffic is another common violation that’s never addressed unless a crash has occurred. Also, law enforcement personnel should have a better understanding of laws that pertain to non-motorists because all too often motorists are wrongly let off the hook when they are involved in a crash with pedestrians and cyclists or the non-motorist is incorrectly deemed at fault. When this occurs, motorists continue to drive with the mindset that they rule the road and non-motorists realize they don’t really have the rights our laws provide them.

Of course, individual and societal responsibility are paramount. How often do we see signs posted in residential areas that remind motorists to “Drive Like Your Kids Live Here”? Why is this even necessary? There will always be a small percentage of bad actors but it should be socially unacceptable to operate a weapon (i.e., motor vehicle) that can kill in an instant in any way other than to treat it as such. Far too many of us operate as if we were sitting in our living room, paying little attention to the complex act of driving.

Obviously, it will take everyone to change our traffic environment reality. Let’s hope the latest report that re-confirms our severe problem will be taken seriously by everyone. For much more on this matter, look to bikewalklee.blogspot.com.¦

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

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Roundabouts are here and more are coming

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 1/1/2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

This spot at McGregor Boulevard and Virginia Avenue near the Edison and Ford Estates will become a major intersection once the empty lot is developed.

A significant and welcome change is coming to many of our intersections in the form of roundabouts, a feature that benefits drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike, including those with limited mobility, vision issues and other disabilities. Unfortunately, many older roundabouts (also known as rotaries and traffic circles) throughout the country have design flaws that have left a negative impression on some who’ve used them and even for some who haven’t due to bad press and negative word of mouth. But modern roundabouts — especially those designed in the last decade — are much improved and do indeed make using them safer and more efficient for all users.

Acceptance of roundabouts among governments is now commonplace, with FDOT leading the way, at least in terms of encouraging them via funding that flows through them (they report 20 being on state roads, a relatively low number considering that’s statewide). Slowed speeds, reduced conflict points, and lack of right-angle (T-bone) and head-on collision potential are key factors as to why they are so much safer than traditional intersections. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, studies of intersections in the United States converted from traffic signals or stop signs to roundabouts have resulted in decreases in injury crashes by 72-80 percent, fatal crashes by 90 percent, and reductions in all crashes by 35-47 percent, which includes a 40 percent reduction in pedestrian collisions (no statistics for bicyclists were noted). Those are significant improvements in safety that are hard to dismiss merely because of pushback from some who fear them. At least from my perspective, motorists who truly cannot navigate them after traversing them more than once probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel in the first place. As an aside, AARP fully supports roundabouts.

While reduction in crashes and the injuries or fatalities that result are the primary reason why transportation planners are moving in this direction, cost is also an important consideration. When roundabouts are used instead of traffic signals — which is frequently the case — they save taxpayers a significant amount of money in terms of both upfront and ongoing operating costs. Storage space in the form of additional pavement for turn lanes and additional through lanes are also another cost saving element since roundabouts increase both space and delay efficiency compared to signalized intersections. Less obvious but still significant is reduced fuel consumption and air pollution when idling while waiting for the signal to change as well as less time wasted for the same reason. And lest we forget, another benefit of these type of intersections being low-tech is that when a power outage occurs chaos doesn’t prevail. You’ll recall that being the case for days and even weeks at some intersections after our recent hurricanes.

In Lee County there are 10 roundabouts already in place on public roads, 11 programmed, and 30 more planned; this doesn’t even include the many in gated communities and on other private roads. But even though the city of Fort Myers is a leader in their use there’s currently a battle taking place regarding a roundabout that’s proposed for McGregor Boulevard at Virginia Avenue, a rather benign intersection currently, but one that’s soon to be very busy. The long-empty lot adjacent to that corner will soon become City Walk, a major mixed-use development that will include offices, retail businesses, condos, townhouses and a hotel. Also, Virginia will become a primary route between Cleveland Avenue and McGregor once the realignment of Edison Avenue occurs. Based on detailed analysis that’s been undertaken, that intersection will require traffic management; the analysis indicates a roundabout would clearly be the best option versus traffic signals. But because of resistance based on misperception and fear of change among some residents, there’s enough pushback that it’s yet to be formally approved. Protected royal palms will be removed by either option.

A report on roundabout use in Lee County can be found at Lee MPO (leempo.com). Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (www.pedbikeinfo.org) and USDOT/FHWA (safety.fhwa.dot.gov) have information related to how roundabouts impact non-motorists. And because roundabouts are a vital element of Complete Streets, bikewalklee.blogspot.com has more about their use, locally and elsewhere. ¦

- 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.

Bad environment for cyclists, pedestrians increases danger

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 8/29/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

For anyone who gets around on foot, on bike and behind the wheel it’s quite easy to conclude that we clearly have a one-sided traffic environment geared toward moving drivers as quickly and efficiently as possible.

That means, of course, pedestrians and cyclists are second-class users of our transportation network. This disparity creates a dicey and inefficient situation for non-motorists that has led to our area having some of the worst overall statistics for crashes, injuries and fatalities. It’s also why Lee County is one of the most dangerous places in the country to be a pedestrian. And cyclists aren’t too far behind.

Not only do our dismal traffic crash statistics confirm this but the Dangerous by Design report (www.smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design) further underscores the situation. Now another recent study adds credence to what many of us know: when the overall traffic environment is poor, pedestrians take more chances and use traffic controls and features less often. This isn’t a chicken-or-egg situation but rather confirms exactly what the Dangerous by Design report reveals, as expressed in its name.

The State Smart Transportation Initiative (www.ssti.us) reports that in order to get people on foot to adhere to traffic rules road designers need to consider not only the immediate walking environment (features such as sidewalks and designated crossings) but also the entire traffic safety climate of an area, an aspect where our area completely fails.

According to the abstract of “The Mediating Effect of Traffic Safety Climate Between Pedestrian Inconvenience and Pedestrian Behavior,” researchers conclude: “Pedestrians’ perceived inconvenience is an important factor that affects pedestrian behavior, and the influence of pedestrians’ perceptions of the traffic safety climate cannot be disregarded.” It’s no surprise then that pedestrians tend to break the rules and make bad judgments more often when they perceive overall traffic environment as out of control and blatantly skewed toward drivers. Poorly designed or non-existent sidewalks and motorists’ noncompliance at intersections and marked crosswalks affect people’s overall perception of traffic safety and lead them to decide to break the rules, whether for self-preservation, efficiency or both. Using the Complete Streets model can improve people’s opinions of the transportation environment and perhaps make them more compliant even if, and when, encountering minor inconveniences, not to mention an actual reduction in crashes, injuries and fatalities among all road users.

As for how this also applies to the cycling environment, too many law enforcers and even some of our court officials are still getting wrong what constitutes the safest and legal position for road-using bicyclists. I once wrote about a cyclist who was cited for illegally obstructing traffic by riding away from the right edge of the roadway. Some law enforcement officials - and, unfortunately, even some ill-informed judges - believe those on bikes who aren’t riding in the gutter are illegally impeding traffic and are being arrogant. Those of us who know how to operate safely are well within our rights to take a position as far away from the right edge/curb as necessary to discourage unsafe passing, even if it does indeed obstruct traffic, albeit legally. Yet the bias continues - in this case the judge upheld the citation.

Let me go over it again for the benefit of cyclists, drivers, law enforcers and traffic court officials: While Florida law states that a cyclist must ride “as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway” it also lists a number of exceptions, including “when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.” (FSS 316.2065(5)). Even though the term “practicable” is open to interpretation, the fact is that any lane under 14 feet wide is considered sub-standard in terms of even an average-sized car and bike being able to safely share.

The Florida Department of Transportation states: “With the exception of a few types of high-speed, limited-access roadways (for example an Interstate Highway or the Turnpike), every FDOT travel lane is also a bikeway — no special signs or markings needed. In the state of Florida, the bicycle is considered a legal vehicle and may be operated on the street, unless there is some guidance otherwise, such as marked bicycle lane. Standard travel lanes are 12’ wide and too narrow to share, so you will need to control the lane.” (www.fdot.gov/roadway/BikePed/BikePedBF.shtm)

To further illustrate why it’s both practicable and safe to stay away from the gutter I implore everyone - but especially law enforcers and traffic court officials - to view a short video produced by CyclingSavvy (www.cyclingsavvy.org/cycling-law).

Finally, I’d like to invite readers to take part in a survey about your perception of our local cycling environment (www.peopleforbikes.org/placesforbikes-community-survey-tell-friend).

As always, you can find more about these projects and efforts at bikewalklee.blogspot.com. ¦
- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417. 

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Efforts underway to make cycling, walking better in Lee County

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 8/1/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Turning this unpaved pathway along Cleveland Avenue into a paved trail would connect the two neighborhoods on either side of Fort Myers Country Club. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Depending on many factors, such as where we come from, where we visit, or our individual everyday experiences, our perspectives on Southwest Florida’s bike/pedestrian infrastructure and overall environment can fall anywhere from excellent to horrendous. I regularly hear comments reflecting both extremes.

I admit to looking at this subject very critically because I’m involved in so many aspects of it, from injury prevention to equitable transportation and recreation access for those on foot and bicycle. That being my point of view, our part of Florida rates a “C-”, with lots of room for improvement. That’s actually a generous grade, considering the Cape Coral/Fort Myers metro area is the most dangerous place in the country for pedestrians (smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design).

Rather than dwelling on what’s lacking I thought I’d provide a sampling of what’s coming in terms of infrastructure projects and what other efforts are taking place to get us off the top of the Dangerous by Design list.


¦ Central and south Lee County: The last infrastructure element of Lee County’s $10 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery)(leempo.com) grant is wrapping up as wayfinding signage are being installed. The bulk of funding went to improve our bike/ ped/transit network from Colonial south to the Collier County line, mostly on U.S. 41 and points east.

¦ Lehigh Acres: Planning work continues for the Able Canal Multi-Use Trail (swflroads.com/ablecanalpathway) that will serve as a 5.5-mile linear park as well as linking existing parks and recreation areas in Lehigh Acres. There’s a way to go before the pathway is on the ground but funding to continue moving towards that end is in place.

¦ Cape Coral: The possibility of creating public use within the long-abandoned Cape Coral Golf Club property remains alive (saveourrecreation.us). After a developer’s plan to build homes on the site was denied by the city in 2017 the city council approved the reinstatement of the Park Master Plan Stakeholders Group in order to come up with recreational-use recommendations for the 175-acre former golf course. The city still doesn’t own the property but it is in negotiations with its owners.

¦ Fort Myers: A non-motorized link between Cleveland Avenue and McGregor Boulevard will likely run along Fort Myers Country Club property on Hill Avenue. A major benefit is the possibility of utilizing the canal berm along Carrell Road from Cleveland to points east, theoretically linking to both John Yarbrough (JY) Trail and North Colonial Linear Trail. Since the proposed trail from McGregor to U.S. 41 must run along a portion of the golf course property along Cleveland to get to the intersection with Carrell, the next logical addition to the plan would be to continue north along U.S. 41 to Halgrim Avenue, thereby connecting the two neighborhoods on either side of the golf course and giving residents access to the Carrell trail.

¦ Fort Myers: The extension of JY north of Colonial is also being studied. The ultimate plan is to reach downtown and the river, mainly utilizing the existing Metro/ Evans corridor. But the key missing link at this point — besides the pathetic segment of Fowler Street from near Hanson Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (that’s a sad story in itself) — is from Colonial to the new Metro overpass north of Winkler. If properly designed and constructed (a big “if”) JY will also connect to the existing North Colonial Linear Trail and the proposed Carrell Road trail. Information about the two Fort Myers projects can be found at cfmpathwaystudies.com.

¦ Southwest Florida Critical Mass (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL): These well-established outings are not your usual group rides in that they truly represent the essence of having fun on a bike. And while the rides are entertaining they also raise awareness about traffic safety and the benefits of cycling.

¦ Streets Alive of SWF (streetsaliveswfl.org): This nonprofit that began as the creator of two Open Road/Cyclovia events has morphed into one that, according to its mission statement, will foster a livable community through activities, advocacy, education and service.

¦ BikeWalkLee (bikewalklee.org & bikewalklee.blogspot.com): With a mission similar to Streets Alive this community coalition that was established in 2008 works to raise public awareness and advocate for Complete Streets in Lee County. The main difference is that BWL works behind the scenes on governmental policy matters and posts information related to advancing Complete Streets on its blog and via e-newsletters.

¦ Bicycle/pedestrian master plans and bike map: Lee MPO (leempo.com) is the conduit for funding of local jurisdiction bike/ped master plans that identify needs and quantify required resources. Along with those slated to be funded in the near future is the revision of a countywide bike/ped safety action plan. As well, work on a new edition of Lee County’s bike map should be forthcoming from Lee MPO now that TIGER grant projects are complete.¦


- 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.

Educational courses make roads safer

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 7/4/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Physical education teachers participate in a
training class on bicycling safety
COURTESY PHOTO

In a perfect world we would all follow the rules, laws and mores we’ve set up for ourselves as a society. But we’re all human so mistakes and missteps are inevitable and to be expected. That fact goes for the things we do on our roads and pathways as much as anything.

Just to cite a few examples: We’re all familiar with pedestrians who unexpectedly dart into traffic from between parked cars, people on bikes riding against traffic and drivers failing to stop behind a stop sign or red traffic signal and encroach into the crosswalk (marked or unmarked). Those actions may be isolated poor decisions, entrenched bad habits or deliberate actions based on self-serving reasons or incorrect information. When dangerous behaviors become ongoing and frequent — as appears to be the case in our part of the world, at least based on traffic crash statistics — education can make a difference.

For some time, online education courses on almost any topic have been readily available and often the preferred option. But based on my experience, learning online about how to behave in traffic is not as effective or impactful as training conducted in person.

Over the years I’ve provided many bicycle and pedestrian education sessions and programs, including training others to be instructors. Most of my efforts are now focused on the latter, mainly because I realize it’s much more productive to deal with those who know their audience as teachers and also because it has a multiplier effect once individuals have been trained as instructors.

Recently I trained members of Streets Alive SWF (streetsaliveswfl.org), University of Florida Extension Service staff (sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu), and interested local residents to do just that. These folks were eager to learn how to teach pedestrian and bicycle safety through bicycle skills clinics/bike rodeos, community presentations and other events. Now they have a better understanding of relevant laws, behaviors and practices — knowledge that will benefit them as individuals as well as teachers of others. It’s always rewarding working with motivated individuals and the organizations they represent.

Admittedly, it’s not easy to attract participants to take part in the various in-person opportunities to learn how to behave in traffic as vulnerable road users, except perhaps for school students (assuming it’s offered). For potential drivers who are just learning or who are very new to being behind the wheel, it’s a little easier to get them to undertake formal education for practical purposes.

But that’s not the case for established drivers. From my perspective, educating drivers — or at least getting key messages and concepts to them — would have the biggest impact on reducing all traffic-related injuries and fatalities, meaning those involving vulnerable road users would likely also be positively impacted.

For those learning to drive as teenagers, the limited offerings in the way of school-based education means only some of those needing it receive it and even then, it’s not nearly as comprehensive and effective as it needs to be. For established drivers, continuing education usually comes only when the courts require it, there is a need to reduce accumulated points against one’s driver license or the driver seeks a discount on insurance. Seldom, if ever, does anyone take a driving “refresher” just to ensure he or she is operating at as high a level as possible.

I’ve compiled a list of educational opportunities available in our area. It’s not comprehensive — the list doesn’t include those that are specific to traffic law offenders or anything available online. The list includes nonprofits or government agencies. Local commercial driving schools can be found at https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/behind-wheel-training/#lee. ¦

BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN

CyclingSavvy, American Bicycling Education Association, abea.bike.

Smart Cycling, League of American Bicyclists, bikeleague.org.

Ride Leader / Ride Marshall Certification, FBA, floridabicycle.org.

Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety Education Program, hhp.ufl.edu/safety.

Safe Routes to School, floridasrts.com.

SafeKids at Golisano Children’s Hospital, safekidsleecollier.org.

BikeWalkLee, bikewalklee.org.

Streets Alive SWF, streetsaliveswfl.org.

DRIVING

Stay Alive … Just Drive!, sajd.org.

Smart Driver Course, AARP, aarp.org/auto/driver-safety.

Young Driver Program, Lee Health, leehealthynews.org/articles/lee-health-calendar.

Teen Driver Challenge, Sheriff’s Youth Activity League, leecountysheriffsyouthactivitiesleague.com/teen-driver-challenge.

D.A.T.E, required to obtain driving permits and other driving courses, SWF Safety Council, swflsc.com/driving-school.

For more information, see bikewalklee.blogspot.com.¦


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

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Use caution when biking and walking on congested pathways

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 3/14/18
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Even when it’s not crowded, this downtown Fort Myers sidewalk isn’t a place to ride a bike. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

With high season upon us, our roads aren’t the only place where congestion — and sometimes bad behavior — reign. Many of our pathways are quite busy and some reach capacity at times. Those include some stretches on Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach, parts of McGregor Boulevard and sidewalks in the core of downtown Fort Myers. While full-time residents can forego overcrowded restaurants until things get back to normal, that’s not always an option for roads and pathways.

For those walking or running the most common complaints relate to cyclists who use the paths — which are frequently narrow sidewalks only 5 feet wide — but travel fast and fail to warn when passing. Another common gripe is that motorists fail to comply with crosswalks, don’t stop before making a right-on-red or block the crosswalk when waiting to proceed.
 

Florida law allows cyclists to use sidewalks unless local jurisdictions enact ordinances banning it. Other than a few blocks in the core of the downtown Fort Myers business district and one side of West First Street in the same general vicinity, the rest of Lee County allows bikes to operate on sidewalks. And as far as I can tell there is no enforcement of the city’s ordinance, even though downtown is frequently crowded with sidewalk café tables, diners, servers and other pedestrians. According to Florida law, “A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances” and “A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.”

The law is clear and it should be common sense that cyclists have an obligation to proceed with caution and warn before passing true pedestrians and even other “pedestrian” cyclists. And while there’s no specific language in Florida law related to pedestrians who are running, on skates or skateboards, or those using power wheelchairs and scooters, they should adhere to the same common sense concept so as not to create the potential for surprise and injury when approaching from any direction.

Motorists obviously have a high level of responsibility because of the serious damage vehicles can render.

Unfortunately, Lee County is the most dangerous place in the U.S. for pedestrians, and not much better for cyclists, primarily because too many drivers don’t adhere to the law. It seems so many of us thumb our noses at traffic laws that it’s almost impossible to enforce to the degree necessary to get us off the top of the worst-of list. Add to that the over-design of our roads and lack of adequate bike/pedestrian accommodation in many places and the worse pedestrian environment label is what results. When our roads are maxed out and filled with aggressive, impatient, inconsiderate and distracted drivers, the problems are even more serious. At the very least, sidewalk parking violations can easily be enforced by simply observing the offending cars.

Why this is not the case remains a mystery to me and the fact it’s not addressed is among is one of the reasons we have such a poor reputation.

Like so many other problems in our society, it’s really only a few people who create them. When traffic laws are observed and common courtesy practiced, things usually go smoothly. It’s unfortunate that there are enough who don’t go along with societal expectations that our law enforcers can’t keep up, thus our traffic and especially the bike/pedestrian environment has become dismal and dangerous.¦


- 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

Bike safety report echoes need for better roadways, slower motorists

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 9/13/17
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

On the 200th anniversary of the invention of the bicycle, it’s a mixed bag for users of what is still considered one of the most efficient human-powered machines ever devised.

Bicycle design, materials and construction make it more efficient than ever, and more people are using them for function, recreation or exercise. But the environment for people on bikes has been getting riskier in recent years after several years of steady decline in crashes, injuries and fatalities.

A new report by the Governors Highway Safety Association documents the state of conditions for bicycle users and many other aspects of the dynamics involving bicycles. “A Right to the Road — Understanding & Addressing Bicyclist Safety” (ghsa.org/resources/bicyclist-safety2017) is a comprehensive and well-written document that details problems, lists potential solutions and links to resources to get to those solutions.

A ghost bike represents the death of a cyclist.
COURTESY PHOTO

One fact included is that fatalities among users of bicycles are much lower than those for pedestrians. Nationally it’s almost seven pedestrians to each bicyclist. Florida is around five to one and Lee County is closer to three to one (these estimates are from nhtsa.dot.gov and flhsmv.gov). On a positive note, many states and communities are taking one or more of the actions suggested by the GHSA as potential solutions to reducing injuries and fatalities. Implementing Complete Streets, which includes slowing motorists and improving infrastructure for all road users, is a recommendation with the most potential impact. Locally, we are moving in that direction, at least in the Complete Streets policies that most jurisdictions have put in place.

BikeWalkLee, a community coalition whose mission is to raise public awareness and advocate for Complete Streets in Lee County, recently posted the following about the GHSA report on its blog: “As one of the highest ranked Florida communities for bicyclist fatalities, Lee County is acutely aware of the need to improve safety for cyclists (and pedestrians). This national report again puts this growing national problem on the front pages of national newspapers. The report found that bicyclist deaths rose 12.2 percent in 2015, the largest percentage increase of any roadway user group that year. In response to this safety crisis, the Governors Highway Safety Association report details 30 actions that states can take to reduce deaths and injuries among people who bike. What are our local elected officials and government agencies doing to address these serious safety concerns in our community?”

As I’ve noted before in this column, it’s quite disappointing to me that the Dangerous by Design report that placed Lee County as the most dangerous place in the U.S. to be a pedestrian hasn’t prompted the action or even a sense of urgency it should have among our governments or tourism and real estate community. Here’s yet another wake-up call to all of us.

Perhaps a partial answer to BikeWalkLee’s question about what is being done is that Lee Metropolitan Planning Organization is about to embark on an update of the Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Action Plan that was originally approved in 2013. With the data and resources from GHSA’s report and that from Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design (smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design) the updated plan could make a difference if it’s done right and actually implemented. The League of American Bicyclists called the governors report “a great resource for individuals who want to know more about bicycle safety efforts, state and local agencies looking to address bicycle safety issues and everyone who wants to know more about why bicyclist safety is a persistent issue in our current transportation system.”¦


- 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.