Group riding Can be fun and safe, too… can't it?

Do you enjoy riding with a group, or are you like me, preferring to cycle alone or with only a few others you feel comfortable with? Perhaps I'm being overly critical of my fellow cyclists, but as one who rides on an almost daily basis, I've come to the realization that I just don't want to constantly worry about the safety of others, nor about how to deal with those who put themselves and others in harm's way. And I certainly don't want to be part of situations that make all cyclists look bad in the eyes of those (usually motorists) who witness inappropriate bike behavior on the road. So, even though too many observing motorists are guilty of numerous dangerous behaviors, I want no part in giving them ammunition against cyclists to justify their own irresponsibility.

Not every group ride is fraught with red-light running, road-hogging hammer heads. I like to think that the majority of club and training rides go off properly and safely and that most cyclists conduct themselves well on the road. I'm not talking about minor technical violations. In my mind, reasonable infractions include using stop signs as yield signs on low-speed, low-volume neighborhood roads and having to go through a red light because sensors detect bikes.

But there are those who don't believe the rules of the road apply to them, and if they're in a lead position on the ride, the poor behavior may prevail with those following. There's no excuse for blatantly and consistently ignoring traffic safety principles, even in a group setting.

I'd appreciate hearing from those of you who routinely ride as part of a group. I'm hoping many of you will profess that you ride with safety in mind, in groups or alone.

BikeWalkLee News

At 9 a.m. on Friday, June 19, the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization, our county's multi-jurisdictional transportation planning body, will be asked to make what BikeWalkLee believes is a crucial decision for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users. The representatives of each of our municipalities and county government who make up the MPO can approve or reject a resolution to accommodate all modes of transportation as a primary responsibility.

What's being considered is really only a commitment to do what is already policy. The fact is that what should be done isn't being done in too many cases. BikeWalkLee and others are looking at this as a very clear message that it's no longer acceptable to short-change pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.

If you can't make the meeting at the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, 1926 Victoria Ave. in Fort Myers, please consider writing a letter to your elected representative from Lee County and your city or town. You can visit www.mpo-swfl.org for meeting details and a list of MPO members, or www.bikewalklee.org for more information.

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

Dan Moser is a 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

Firecracker 5K, Saturday, July 4, Pippin's Restaurant, Naples, www.gcrunner.org For details on 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 information, visit Gulf Coast Runners' site (www.gcrunner.org). Charlotte County running information is at www.zoomersrun.com.

>>Cycling:

Visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club at www. caloosariders.com, Florida Mudcutters at www.mudcutters.org, Naples Pathways Coalition at www.naplespathways.org and Naples Velo at www.naplesvelo.com for more information on local bicycling activities, including weekly rides. The Florida Bicycle Association (www.floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings.