Race to Remember 5 K honors cyclist killed on bridge

Come out on Saturday morning, August 6th, to run or walk in honor of Tracey Kleinpell, the cyclist who was killed on the Sanibel bridge on May 7th.

For details, read the News-Press article:

Well known among Southwest Florida fitness buffs, Tracey Kleinpell taught fitness classes, was an avid runner, rode her bike for miles and volunteered at fitness-related fundraisers.

On Saturday, family and friends will gather at the inaugural Race for Trace 5K and Kiddie K to remember the Fort Myers woman, who died May 7, and raise funds for causes close to her heart.

Race time is 7 a.m. for walkers, runners and strollers. Cost is $30 before Saturday and $40 the day of the race. Register online.

The 5K route, a new course, begins at Sanibel Beach Place and will be southbound straightaway toward the beach on John Morris Road - with one turnaround - and a sprint to the finish. Click here to continue reading the story.

The need for dedicated bike/ped funding: why eligibility is not enough

As we reported last month, Representative John Mica (R-FL), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recently introduced an outline of his proposed transportation bill. The proposal eliminates all dedicated funding for bicycling and walking – programs such as transportation enhancements, recreational trails and safe routes to schools program – and maintains “eligibility” for these activities only if states choose to spend their funds on these kinds of activities and these meet [undetermined] performance measures and are in the national interest.

The League of American Bicyclists and America Bikes has written an excellent white paper that makes the case for dedicated bicycle and pedestrian funding in the federal transportation bill. This white paper outlines eight key arguments for why dedicate funding for bicycling and walking is essential and "Eligibility Isn't Enough." All the evidence of the past 20 years and beyond suggests that mere eligibility is insufficient.

I encourage you to click here to read this excellent paper:"Why Eligibility Isn’t Enough.” Thanks, Darren, for your great work!

Attend public meetings on plans for streetlights at school bus stops in Cape Coral

Today's News-Press included an article, "Lee County revamps school bus routes,"
which highlights a plan to make the school bus stops safer by increasing number with streetlights from 30% to 80%. Thanks to Cape Coral Councilman McGrail, Lee County School Board Chairman Armstrong, School District officials and others who have developed this plan.

To learn more, attend the informational meetings scheduled by McGrail: Saturday, Aug. 10, at 10 a.m., Cape Coral Library off Mohawk Parkway; Saturday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m., Northwest Regional Library off Chiquita Blvd.