County Commissioners proclaim May Bike Month

Thanks to Lee County Commissioners, its Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and LeeDOT staff for working to declare May Bike Month. In his remarks, BPAC Chair Don Mayne stated that over the past year the committee had looked at 17 bike/ped facility requests (with 40 citizens participating in those requests) and added 13 projects to the approved BPAC list.  He noted that only one project was constructed last year, and thanked the BoCC for recently adding more funds in next year's budget for BPAC projects.

BPAC members (3 in middle--Chair Don Mayne, David Wheaton, Pat Connor) along with LeeDOT staff (David Wagley and Andy Getch)

 Below is the proclamation adopted by the Commissioners:

Ride of Silence on May 18th--Fort Myers and Sanibel

It's May and time to make plans to join one of the two local Ride of Silence events (Fort Myers and Sanibel) on Wed. evening May 18th to honor fallen cyclists and promote road safety.

2014 Ride of Silence, Fort Myers

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

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

Bike safety is not a fleeting issue, especially here in Florida which ranks as the very worst in the nation for cyclist safety, with the highest fatality rate for ten years in a row. In 2014, 8 cyclists were killed in Lee County crashes, in 2015, 4 cyclists were killed, and in 2016 to date, there has been one. (Florida Bike Crashes: News-Press)

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

Ghost bike on Sanibel Causeway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Helmets are required, no headphones please.

• For further details email: ros@caloosariders.org

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

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

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

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

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

• For further details, contact Patti Sousa: 395-1695.

May 2nd: Upcoming running/walking/biking/tri events

It is heating up out here in SWFL and so are the outdoor events! Running, cycling, and triathlons will be held this month of May and more to come this Summer season. Have some fun and run for a good cause, bike to raise awareness, or compete to set your personal best.

Upcoming Events:
Running/walking:

• Saturday, May 14: 11th annual Lover Key Turtle Trot 5K. 8 a.m., to support the Friend of Lovers Key. (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Saturday, May 21: Cape Cops 5K run/walk and fun run, starting at 7:30 a.m. to benefit the families of fallen or injured officers. Cape Coral Yacht Club. (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com)
• Monday, May 30: Memorial Day 5K. Celebrate Memorial Day with a fun 5k at North Collier Regional Park. Proceeds of the race benefit the Special Olympics. (gcrunner.org)
• Saturday, June 18: Sugden Stride 5K, 7 a.m. at Sugden Regional Park in Naples. (eliteevents.org)

Cycling:
• Friday, May 6: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. Join a family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Grab your helmet, bring all your friends and meet in the open field next to Publix (beginning at 7:15 p.m. for a 8 p.m. roll-out) at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. (twitter.com/swflcm)
• Wednesday, May 18: Ride of Silence, to honor those who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. The Fort Myers ride starts at 7 p.m. at Centennial Park; the Sanibel ride starts at 7 p.m. from Matzaluna, 1200 Periwinkle Way.

Triathlons:
• Saturday, May 14: Cape Coral Yacht Club Sprint. (capeparks.com or active.com)
• Sunday, June 5: Naples Fitness Challenge Reverse Sprint. Naples Beach Club. (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com)
• Plan ahead: Other upcoming area tris include the American Sprint Triathlon & Duathlon in Naples July 20 (eliteevents.org), the Englewood Sprint tri July 16 (swflymca.org), the Siesta Key Olympic and Sprint Tris and Duathlon June 25 or Aug. 6 (multirace.com), the Venice Sprint Sept. 3 (swflymca.org), the Siesta Kay Sprint Tri Sept. 24 (siestakeytriathlon.org) and the Marco Island Sprint Oct. 2 (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com). Willing to drive? Check trifind.com for other state tris.