Bring downtown bike days to Lee County

What happens when a city-center is closed to cars and given over to bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters and other human-powered activity? People of all shapes, sizes, and ages come out to take advantage of having the streets to themselves and have fun. And for merchants and vendors who operate along the two to three miles of roads making up the event, it's a boon to business.

Miami has replicated this successful concept that originated in Bogota, Colombia, by holding a "cyclovia" one Sunday every month. Bike Miami Days promotes community, livable streets, and bicycling and walking.

Unlike most organized or traditional bike events, runs or walk-a-thons, cyclovias allow people to do their own thing at their own pace while beginning and ending any time they'd like. At the April 26 Miami Bike Days, in which I took part, cyclists dominated the roads, but plenty of runners, skaters, walkers, dancers and street performers also made their presence known. Some even brought their pets with them (including a rooster). And thanks to the Dutch consulate's promotion of their country and its islands, there was a sea of orange created by the hundreds of T-shirts they doled out. Exhibitors, including bike stores, food vendors and organizations that promote quality of life and sustainable living, were set up in Coconut Grove's waterfront Peacock Park, where music, special presentations, and door-prize giveaways were part of the daylong activities.

DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY Coconut Grove's Peacock Park was a sea of orange at the Bike Miami Days thanks to the Dutch consulate. While manning the Florida Bicycle Association's exhibit tent, I had a chance to talk to downtown redevelopment directors from different cities who understood the value of an event like this, especially one that's ongoing. They all agreed that when conducted on a regular and predictable schedule, attendance is strong, merchants will open on a day they would otherwise be closed and motorists know which streets to avoid thus are less prone to be inconvenienced or complain. And the fact that participants included elected officials, the chief of police and other prominent people confirms the support Bike Miami Days has. It's an event that has taken place six times and has proven successful every time.

Fort Myers and Cape Coral leaders should seriously consider having their own cyclovia for the many reasons other cities have decided to do so.

Bike to Work Day, BikeWalkLee Coalition kick-off and Ride of Silence

A reminder that Friday, May 15, is Bike to Work Day. Lee County's Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee invites anyone who works in or near downtown Fort Myers and commutes by bike, foot or transit that morning to stop at the Old Courthouse steps for refreshments before heading to the office. While there, stay to witness the introduction of BikeWalkLee — A Coalition Working to Complete the Streets of Lee County, at 8:15 a.m. Commissioner Ray Judah and others will be among those welcoming the coalition. Refreshments will be available from 7:45 a.m. until 9 a.m. (or while supplies last). By the way, you needn't be a downtown commuter to attend — all are welcome. Go to www.bikewalklee. org if you want some background.

Also, as part of National Bike Month, a local Ride of Silence will take place on Wednesday evening, May 20. The ride starts at Centennial Park in downtown Fort Myers. This nationwide event commemorates those who have died or were injured in cycling crashes. It begins promptly at 7 p.m. Check out www.rideofsilence.org for more information.

Dan Moser is league bycling instructor/ 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

>>Running/Walking: Cape Cops 5K, Saturday, May 9, Cape Coral Yacht Club, Cape Coral, www.3drunners.org

Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 16, Lovers Key, Fort Myers Beach, www.ftmyerstrackclub.com

Firecracker 5K, Saturday, July 4, Pippin's Restaurant, Naples, www.gcrunner.org For details of these and other running events check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www. ftmyerstrackclub.com) and 3-D Runners (www.3drunners.org). For Naples running info i t '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 for statewide happenings.

>>Triathlons/Duathlons: Naples Fitness Challenge Triathlon, Sunday, June 1, Naples, sprint distance, (www.active.com)

Open Water Festival Duathlon, Saturday, June 13, Fort Myers Beach, 1.5-mile run, 400-meter swim, 1.5-mile run, www.openwaterfestival.org