River of Grass Greenway: Linking Florida's coasts

Driving across the Everglades on Alligator Alley is usually pretty easy, even considering that anytime one drives at speeds of 70 mph it's not without challenge and risk. For those of us who remember what it was like when it was only two lanes, the Alley is quite an improvement

Now imagine cycling across the Everglades on the only road it's allowed south of Lake Okeechobee — U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail. Anyone who's made that trip knows it's not for the novice or timid. But it's not the 80-plus miles between CR 951/Collier Boulevard on the west end and Krome Avenue on the east that's the problem for most. Nor is it the fact that you're in the Everglades, a place that's pretty unforgiving to the unprepared, regardless of time of year. Rather, it's the roadway environment that cyclists must deal with that's the real challenge.

With bikeable, 4-foot paved shoulders running only from Collier Boulevard to SR 29, cyclists must traverse the rest of the route with little more than 2 feet of shoulder at best. That's hardly appropriate on a roadway with traffic that travels at speeds of 55 mph and above — sometimes much above. It's also popular with large RVs because of the many recreational opportunities that exist along the route. Large vehicles are commonplace. Wouldn't it be great if cycling there was enjoyable because it was safe?

The Naples Pathway Coalition has proposed just that with its River of Grass Greenway initiative. According to its Web site, "Parallel to the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), the ROGG will be a hard-surfaced 12-14 foot wide corridor (separated from the highway) suitable for a range of non-motorized recreation activities such as bicycling, walking, bird-watching, photography, fishing and general enjoyment of the greater Everglades natural area. The goal of the ROGG is to extend from Krome Avenue (eastern edge of Everglades National Park near Miami) to the outskirts of Naples/Marco Island (western terminus to be determined). In the middle, there will be a three-mile spur to Everglades City."

At a recent joint meeting of Lee and Collier county transportation advisory committees and staff, two important planning projects related to ROGG were put at the top of the list for regional project funding. The recommendation is just that — a recommendation — but what's impressive is the work already done by Maureen Bonnes and others who've been advocating for this long-overdue accommodation. As one could imagine, this is no easy task. There are multiple obstacles, such as funding, multiple governmental agencies involvement, environmental concerns and the uniqueness of such an undertaking. All I can say is "great job" in getting things as far as they are in a relatively short time.

If you think cyclists deserve the River of Grass Greenway, visit www.evergladesrogg. org and learn how you can help make it happen.

BikeWalkLee Update

Mark your calendars and reserve Sunday, Nov. 8, to join fellow cyclists, walkers and complete-street advocates at Lakes Park to provide input as to how you'd like to see BikeWalkLee efforts proceed. This will be a "drop-in" event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organize your bike club, your running club, your neighborhood or just come solo. Cycle, run, walk or take LeeTran to Lakes Park where we'll combine work with fun and food. Come with your thoughts on what's working and not working in Lee County for cyclists, walkers and transit users. Refreshments will be provided and we may even have a prize for the area club/organization that has the most members participating.

The event will come on the heels of the Oct. 20 release of the latest edition of the national "Mean Streets Report," which is put out every five years by the Federal Surface Transportation Policy Project. Considering Florida cities again dominate the worst of the worst places in America to be a pedestrian, this is a good time to focus on how to improve our community for cyclists and walkers. If you'd like to volunteer to help with the event, contact me at dmoser@bikewalklee.org.

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

— Dan Moser is league cycling instructor/

trainer and program manager for the Florida Bicycle Association. He cycles,

runs and walks regularly for transportation,

recreation and fitness. Contact him

at dan@floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.

Upcoming events

>>RUNNING / WALKING:

Walk, Wheel, & Wobble, Sat., Sept. 26, San Carlos Park, 878-3092 or 694-1773.

Naples On The Run 20K, Sun., Sept. 27, Naples (www.naplesontherun.biz)

Sanibel F.I.S.H 10K, Sat., Oct. 17, Sanibel Island (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com)

FMPD Cops & Joggers 5K, Sat., Oct. 24 (www. ftmyerstrackclub.com)

• 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, Sun., Oct. 4, Inverness, (http://railstotrailsonline.com/)

FBA's BBBB Rides, Sun., Oct. 18, Fort Lauderdale (http://zmotion.org/Events/BikeBash)

Everyone Rides, Sun., Nov. 1, Buckingham (http://www.everyonerides.org)

Caloosahatchee River Ride, Sun., Nov. 22, Alva (http://crca/caloosahatchee.org)

• 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.