Florida Bicycle Association: Working on your behalf

Affecting social change isn't easy. Attempting to make major improvements in the environment for cyclists and pedestrians throughout an entire state is indeed daunting. Although I find it hard to believe that there are those who fight such efforts, anyone who has been involved in this aspect of community participation knows it's indeed the case.

For an organization working on this broad assignment there are many things to consider: On what issues and which geographic areas should the focus be? Are commuters and others who bike or walk for transportation given a higher priority than those who do so for recreation, exercise or other non-essential purposes? Should education and awareness efforts be focused more on motorists or human-powered users of our roads? These are only a few of the questions the Florida Bicycle Association must consider as it works to reach what may seem like an impossible goal: making Florida a truly bike/ped-friendly place.

A nonprofit organization that (re) incorporated in 1997, FBA's mission is "To inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling." Further, "We envision a state where people of all ages see bicycling as a normal, practical and safe transportation alternative and where drivers of motor vehicles respect and appreciate the presence of bicycles on the roadways."

FBA's purpose is: "to be a powerful, influential organization that protects and advances the interests of bicyclists; to educate bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists about safely sharing roadways and paths; to be a voice for the needs of bicyclists; to encourage the creation of great on-road and off-road places to ride; to provide a statewide communications

network for bicyclists; and to encourage more people to bicycles more often."

In working toward that mission, vision and purpose, FBA has undertaken many efforts and programs since

reorganizing. Some, like the

Share the Road campaign and

license plate, are high-profile. Others are targeted to specific audiences and include the annual publication of a law enforcement field handbook and development of a training program; bicycle education programs geared to specific age groups and rider types; distribution of educational and promotional materials at public events; and many other ongoing endeavors. We also organize and conduct the ProBike/ProWalk Florida Conference, where advocates, enthusiasts and professionals have an opportunity to learn, network, and have fun together. The 2010 conference is being held in Lakeland May 11-13.

Last April, we organized another important event that we plan to carry on every year — the Florida Bike Summit. FBA members went to Tallahassee to meet with as many elected officials as possible while they were in session. This first undertaking was a meet-andgreet, although we did create a list of priorities and issues of concern (go to www.floridabicycle.org for details). The 2010 Florida Bike Summit will take place on April 8.

If you're interested in being part of FBA's efforts, please consider becoming a member. Of course, being involved closer to home is also important. Bike- WalkLee (www.bikewalklee.org), Caloosa Riders (www.caloosariders. com), and other local organizations are good places to start.

BikeWalkLee Update

In early November, BikeWalkLee will host a gathering of anyone wanting to provide input in person as to how you'd like to our efforts to proceed. Our hope is that you'll cycle, run, walk or even take LeeTran to Lakes Park where we'll combine work with fun. Keep your eyes open for details as we firm up plans.

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 Florida Bicycle Association. He cycles, run and walks regularly for transportation, recreation, and fitness. Contact him at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.

upcoming events

>> Running/Walking: Run for the Ages 5K, Saturday, Sept. 19, Lakes Park, (www.leeparks.org) Walk, Wheel, & Wobble, Saturday, Sept. 26, San Carlos Park, 878-3092 or 694-1773 Naples On The Run 20K, Sunday, Sept. 27, Naples (www.naplesontherun.biz) For info on running events, check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www.ftmyerstrackclub. com) and 3-D Runners (www.therunshoppe. com/3dracing). For Naples running info, it's the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org). Charlotte County running information is at www.zoomersrun.com.

>> Cycling: Rails-to-Trails Ride, Sunday, Oct. 4, Inverness, (http://railstotrailsonline.com/) FBA's BBBB Rides, Sunday, Oct .18, Fort Lauderdale (http://zmotion.org/Events/BikeBash) Caloosahatchee River Ride, Sunday, Nov. 22, Alva 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.