Designing and building for people and cars

Recently, one of the country's most recognized experts on designing and building walkable, bikeable and livable communities came to Fort Myers to conduct a daylong workshop at Florida Gulf Coast University. As expected, Dan Burden made a compelling case for following the principles and techniques necessary to achieve an end that's more than feel-good rhetoric.

Mr. Burden was Florida's first bike/ ped coordinator, the founder of Walkable Communities (www.walkable.org), and recently named by Time Magazine as "one of the six most important civic innovators in the world," among many other accomplishments and honors he's received. Obviously, Dan Burden's no lightweight, so when he speaks, most listen.

Like Mr. Burden, many others have put forth the notion that the suburban, car-centered, big-box store way of life we've created is unsustainable in many ways. Unfortunately, it wasn't until the current economic meltdown did the decision makers admit — or maybe even realize — just how wrong-headed we've been. Developers, bankers, and others in the private sector are among those who know it's time to change course. Unfortunately, it seems that far too many of our transportation decision makers haven't come to that realization.

PHOTO BY DAN BURDEN This Orlando street handles at least as much traffic as it had with five-lanes but now has on-street parking (including angled back-in, a safer option than nose-in), bike lanes, sidewalks, and a center turn lane. Rather than expending our limited tax dollars on expanding roads and building new ones in order to reduce traffic congestion, we could get a lot more bang-for-thebuck by creating an environment that offers transportation, recreation, and exercise choices. In fact, one very cost-effective way to accommodate all people, including those in cars, is to put our roads on a diet.

Mr. Burden provided numerous examples of four-, five-, six- ,and seven-lane roads being reduced by two lanes that are replaced by bike lanes and enhanced sidepaths, and landscaping. Not only does this change make better conditions for cyclists and pedestrians but, when done properly, has little to no adverse effect on motor-vehicle capacity. In other words, dreaded traffic congestion isn't worsened (God forbid we sit in our cars a few more minutes than we think we should). Add to that the more important benefit that crashes, injuries, and fatalities also decline with the new design and it's a no-brainer.

The phenomenon of reduced congestion is due, in part, to the fact that travel options are expanded, thus fewer people must drive for every trip. What a concept.

Among those who attended Mr. Burden's workshop were elected officials and government agency staffers. Based on comments and input they and others provided, I'm optimistic the message was received. But to help ensure this happens, you can go to www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Make- Lee-County-Florida-Bike-Ped-Friendly and sign our petition so your voice will be heard.

Until next time, I'll look for you on the roads and trails….

— Dan Moser is league cycling instru c tor/ trainer and program manager for the Florida Bicycle Association. He cycles regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.

Upcoming Events

>>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