Targeting high-risk road users

Distracted, aggressive, incompetent road users are the cause of the majority of our traffic crashes. That's a statement I hear quite often — and agree with — although exactly who the "road users" are varies.

I'm a professional traffic safety educator, having been a certified bike/ped instructor/trainer since the early 1990s. That being the case, even today I find myself second-guessing my instincts as to who should be the primary target of educational and awareness efforts when it comes to making our roads and sidepaths safer for human-powered users — drivers or cyclists and pedestrians.

On one of my professional online community discussion forums (Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, www.apbp.org) there has been a debate about that issue, prompting me to examine my own approach. I'm fortunate to have had the opportunity to reach many different audiences, from the youngest children to the oldest adults. Depending on the forum and purpose, the subject can be focused on safety from the cyclist's and pedestrian's perspective, other times from a driver's standpoint.

Twice a month, Lee Memorial Hospital's Trauma Services provides a courtordered High Risk Driver course to more than 100 people who have exhibited dangerous driving behavior. My goal with these folks is twofold: help them get around without a car and show them how dangerous their potentially destructive behavior can be to our most vulnerable road users. Once a month, I also get to do a short version of this presentation to new drivers in Lee Memorial's Young Driver Program. It's another way to reach those I believe have the most potential to benefit from our presentations.

What I find most productive and rewarding about dealing with these two different yet similar audiences is that I am able to approach them from both perspectives — non-motorist and motorist — and attempt to impress upon them just how much personal responsibility they have in either case. So I guess I shouldn't be second-guessing my gut. I'll continue to stress personal responsibility whether one is a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist.

BikeWalkLee update

One of the items from my last column — a resolution to be considered by the Metropolitan Planning Organization that would formally set policy that all governments in Lee County will consider pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users on every transportation project undertaken — was brought back to three advisory committees and will now go to MPO in a form I believe serves the intended purpose. It should be an agenda item on their August meeting. Please go to www. mpo-swfl.org to see what we agreed to and for MPO meeting details.

At that same meeting, Florida Department of Transportation representatives from our local office and headquarters in Bartow came to discuss a number of bike/ped issues we've raised and to answer questions. Based on their comments and responses, I'm encouraged and believe progress is being made. I'll keep you posted.

If you're interested in the policies and actions BikeWalkLee is advocating, you'll probably want to attend a monthly meeting of SustainabLee, a coalition facilitated by our local University of Florida Extension Service. At this month's gathering, I had a chance to talk about BikeWalkLee's efforts and network with others who are seeking to make Lee County a better place through a variety of environ- mentally responsible means. Transportation, energy, food production, and waste reduction are some examples of things that are routinely discussed and acted upon. Contact Martha Avila for more info (533- 7506; avilamc@leegove.com).

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

— Dan Moser is the league cycling instructor/trainer and program manager for the Florida Bicycle Association who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, r ecreation and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.

upcoming events

>> Running/Walking: Summer Fun Run Series, every other Tuesday, through Aug. 25, locations vary, www.ftmyerstrackclub. com. 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, it's the Gulf Coast Runners (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.