Sanibel Bike Rodeo Returns on Thursday, May 12.

The third annual Bike Rodeo will be held on Thursday, May 12 at the Sanibel School Pavilion, starting after school at 2:30 PM and running until 4:30 PM. All beginning and intermediate cyclists are invited to this fun and educational event. The Bike Rodeo is designed to teach bike riders the basic skills needed to cycle safely and confidently.

Admission is free, and parents are encouraged to “pass the word” about the Bike Rodeo to their children. Participants should bring their own bikes and helmets if they have them, but loaner bikes and helmets will also be available for use at the event.

Events at the rodeo will include:
• Bike Safety Check to make sure tires, brakes, handlebars and chains are in working order.
• Helmet fitting and inspection to insure proper sizing, fit and condition.
• Egg Drop Demonstration to show how a bike helmet can protect a fragile package like an egg…. or a rider’s head.
• Straight-line Riding Exercise designed to teach the skill of riding in a straight steady line.
• Proper Turn Exercise designed to teach the proper way to signal and execute a turn.
• Slalom Course Riding Exercise designed to teach proper control on a curving path.
• Stopping Exercise designed to teach proper use of brakes to anticipate and execute a safe stop.

Cold water and snacks will be available to all participants After completing the Bike Rodeo course, participants will also receive a gift package containing bike related items and safety information.

The Bike Rodeo is supported by numerous island organizations and businesses. The principal organizer is Billy Kirkland of Billy’s Bikes, supported by the Kiwanis Club of Sanibel Captiva and the Sanibel Bicycle Club, whose members will provide volunteer staffing for the event. Additional contributing sponsors include Finnemore’s Cycle Shop, Dairy Queen, Bailey’s General Store and Island Graphics.

Upcoming government meetings—May 2011

In May, there are several meetings that you might be interested in attending. Note: these meetings and details are included on the BikeWalkLee Calendar on the blog.

1. Lee County Government:
• The County’s Transit Task Force holds its 5th meeting on Thursday, May 12th at the Lee County Annex Building, 1825 Hendry St., Fort Myers. Check the website for materials
• The Lee County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) will hold its next monthly meeting at 3 p.m. on May 18th. Click here for the link to the BPAC website and meeting agenda.
2. On May 18th at 6 p.m., the Lee Community Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) will hold its monthly meeting. Check the Sustainability website for the agenda package.
3. MPO Meetings:
• The MPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will meet on Thursday, May 5th at 9:30 a.m., and Citizens Advisory Committee will meet at 3:00 p.m. at the MPO’s Victoria Ave. office. Both Committees will review and make recommendations to the Board on the Countywide Bike/Ped Master Plan.
• The MPO Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 20th at 9:00 a.m. in the MPO’s Victoria Ave. office. This will be an important meeting. They will vote on adoption of the countywide bicycle/pedestrian master plan, and final approval of the 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), that they tentatively approved in December.
• Click here for a link to the MPO website where you'll find agendas and briefing packets for each meeting.

New national Complete Streets report names Lee County resolution among the best in the country

April 27, 2011
Today the National Complete Streets Coalition released a comprehensive report documenting that states and local governments in every quadrant of the nation are adopting strong Complete Streets policies. The new report, Complete Streets Policy Analysis 2010: A story of growing strength, rates the strength of written policies that are designed to ensure that future transportation infrastructure investments provide safe options for everyone using the roadways.

The report rates more than 200 state and local written policies according to the established ten elements of ideal Complete Streets policies. Among the top scoring policies are state laws and policies in the deep South and Midwest, county council-approved policies in Florida and the Mountain West, and city ordinances and design guidance in the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast. Lee County's Complete Streets Policy (adopted in 2009) was among the 15 top-rated policies in the country! Lee County’s implementation plan was highlighted as its strong suit.

Congratulations to the Lee County commissioners, the County Manager, the county complete streets team, the Community Sustainability Committee, as well as the BikeWalkLee team, for their role in achieving this national recognition. Keep up the good work!

Click here to read the NCSC Report.