Better cycling conditions requires involvement

Southwest Florida is a cyclist's dream, right?

With weather that allows for yearround riding, the only hills to traverse being bridges, and fantastic destinations and scenery abounding, it must be a great place to cycle.

But, as anyone who ventures out onto the roads and sidepaths knows, it's often as much a nightmare as a dream. While conditions for motorists are generally outstanding — even taking into account occasional congestion — cyclists and pedestrians are clearly considered to be secondary users of this public space that, in theory, is intended for the use of all people.

Our various transportation departments rationalize this inequity by noting that cyclists comprise only 1 percent of road users, thus are getting more than a fair share (so shut up and be happy or we'll take that away, too). Transportation officials must consider only the commuteto work in their estimate, because the last time I looked, at least 30 percent of the U.S. population has no access to a personal motor vehicle and must opt for other means of travel. And these numbers don't even count those simply wanting to exercise or recreate nor does it take into account the many who would cycle or walk for necessary trips if conditions were better. With this in mind, how can the department of transportation stand behind its deep-rooted positions?

Cyclists must figure out how to safely transition from the Edison Bridge 8-foot paved shoulder into the travel lane as cars and trucks whiz by at 55 mph. So what can be done to change things?

Even with all the "green" talk being liberally spouted by everyone and at every level of government and business, the focus continues to be on privatepassenger motor vehicles. Funding and initiatives that would improve transit and human-powered transportation options remain a low priority. I can't tell you how many times I've heard our elected officials and senior government staff give lip service to changing this lopsided formula, yet at the very same meetings approve more of the same. This has been the case in Lee County and its cities for decades, but it's even more frustrating (and disturbing) when the benefitsof making real change is well documented and even accepted as fact by those who can make a difference with their decisions.

One vital component that's been lacking is an organized citizen advocacy. If you'd like to be part of something that will get our leaders' attention, please visit any local bike shop and sign a petition that demands better treatment and also puts you on a list of those we'll be contacting as things come together. The petition states: "We the citizens of Lee County urge the Lee County Board of Commissioners as well as all the City Councils in Lee County to take all necessary actions to make Lee County a bike/pedestrian-friendly community by providing a fully integrated and safe transportation network of sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths, and multi-use paths, to be used by cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users."

You may also contact me directly if you're interested in taking part.

Unless our elected representatives and government officials are convinced there are more than just a few squeaky wheels demanding better conditions, things will likely continue to deteriorate for anyone other than motorists, so please join us by adding your name and getting involved. Until next time, I'll look for you on the roads and trails.

— Dan Moser is league cycling instructor/ trainer and a former bike/ped coordinator who cycles regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. He may be contacted at moserdeleon@juno.com or 334-6417.

Upcoming Events

>>Race the Roof 5K Saturday, Jan. 31, 8:30 a.m., Verandah, Fort Myers Shores, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

>>Edison Fest 5K Saturday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m., downtown Fort Myers, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

>>Swamp Stomp 5K Saturday, Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m., Labelle, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

>>Hooters Half-Marathon Sunday, March 1, 7 a.m., Edison Mall, Fort Myers, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com For details of this and other running events, check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www.ftmyerstrackclub. com) and for Naples running info, it's the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org).

Cycling:

>>Mountain Bike Mania Fest Sunday, March 1, Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva, www.mudcutters.org

>>Royal Palm Classic Sunday, March 8, Buckingham, 15-100 mile rides, www.caloosariders.com Visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club at www.caloosariders. com, Florida Mudcutters at www.mudcutters.org, and Naples Pathways Coalition at www.naplespathways. org for more information on local bicycling activities, including weekly rides. The Florida Bicycle Association - www.floridabicycle.org - is your source of statewide happenings.

Triathlon:

>>Caloosahatchee Adventure Triathlon Sunday, March 29 (kayak, trail run, mountain bike), Caloosahatchee Regional Park, Alva, www.leeparks.org