BikeWalkLee to advocate for health and the environment

After two decades of nearly unbridled growth that occurred largely without the input of an organized group to advocate for a better environment in which to walk, run, skate, bicycle, and otherwise move about without the use of a motor vehicle, Bike- WalkLee has emerged to fill that void.

The official announcement will be made on Friday, May 15, on the steps of the Old Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers at 8:15 a.m.

The full name - BikeWalkLee, a Coalition Working to Complete the Streets in Lee County - reflects the purpose of this organization. Besides the aforementioned human-powered activities, BikeWalkLee will also work to bring transit into its rightful place in our community's transportation picture. BikeWalkLee doesn't have it out for those who drive — most members drive vehicles — but rather advocate for options that will also improve conditions for motorists once congestion is reduced due to this change in direction.

BikeWalkLee's approach will be one of collaboration with organizations, individuals and other coalitions already working to improve our community, especially in transportation, health and the environment. BikeWalkLee representatives will attend and participate in forums where decisions are made, advocating for a more balanced transportation network whenever specific projects or expenditures are being considered. Some people have been doing this for many years but real change will come about only when those who previously hadn't been heard become involved.

In the past few years, most elected officials have expressed support of the "complete street" concept. So it would seem like the hard work has actually been done. However, for a variety of reasons, policy and philosophy directives from those in charge haven't led to any significant change in the practices or priorities of our transportation departments. They remain concerned first and foremost with accommodating motor vehicles to the point that other options remain less than viable for most people. Hopefully, the additional voices of BikeWalkLee will make the necessary changes happen. If you or an organization you're affiliated with are interested in joining us please contact me or visit www. bikewalklee.org.

Florida Bike Summit report

Florida Bicycle Association's first Florida Bike Summit at the State Capitol was a success. Even torrential rain — enough to strand Bike Florida riders in a high school shelter for three nights — couldn't derail the event. Rep. Adam Fetterman, a Port St. Lucie Democrat and FBA's president, addressed a crowd of more than 100 before about a dozen of us hit the halls of the capitol to meet with senators, representatives and their staff to introduce ourselves and begin to get policy makers familiar with issues and priorities that are important to cyclists.

Without exception, FBA was well received by those with whom we met. In particular, elected officials from our area — Sen. Dave Aronberg, Rep. Nick Thompson, and Sen. Garrett Richter's legislative assistant Brad Piepenbrink — were very enthusiastic about our messages. Rep. Thompson's father, Judge James Thompson, is well known to those who frequent McGregor Boulevard as the "cycling judge." He's been riding his bike to work at the Justice Center for many years.

Based on our first go-around, FBA will be making the Florida Bike Summit an annual event.

May is National Bicycle Month

Among other events, Friday, May 15, is Bike to Work Day. Anyone who works in or near downtown Fort Myers is invited to stop at the Old Courthouse steps for some refreshments before heading to the office. If you arrive by 8:15 you'll witness the kickoff of BikeWalkLee. There'll be speakers and media so we hope to have a good turnout of commuter cyclists to help get our message across. We'll be offering refreshments from 7:45 a.m. until approximately 9 a.m. (or until supplies last).

On Wednesday evening, May 20, the local Ride of Silence will begin at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. This nationwide event to commemorate those who have died or were injured in cycling crashes, begins promptly at 7 p.m. Go to www.rideofsilence.org for more information.

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

— Dan Moser is League Cycling Instructor/ Trainer and Program Manager for Florida Bicycle Association who cycles regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@floridabicycle. org or (239) 334-6417

Upcoming Events

>>Running/Walking: African Aid 5K, Saturday, May 2, New Hope Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers, www.ftmyerstrackclub. com

Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 16, Lovers Key, Fort Myers Beach, 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: 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: FGCU EagleSprint Tri, Sunday, April 26, Florida Gulf Coast University Aquatics Center, Estero (www.active.com)