Connections
Sometimes, it’s as simple as an invitation.
I received this invitation via email from Representative Newton. Although I am not a constituent of Representative Newton, I decided to accept the invitation on behalf of the Florida Bicycle Association. I then forwarded the invite to the president of the St. Petersburg Bicycle Club (SPBC), Bruce Sobut. I figured that a few SPBC members are constituents of Representative Newton. I mentioned to Bruce that this was a great opportunity to introduce ourselves and that I planned to attend.
I attended but did not stay long. Bruce also attended and sent me the following message:
The opportunity yesterday evening falls under #2, part a and b of our “Educate your Delegate Advocacy 101” program found under Documents on our membership website:
2. Your law-maker.
a. Make contact. Visit, email, call. Meet the staff, equally as important as the elected official.
b. Offer a ride or field trip to have them experience what you experience.
This is the same ten-step program that has been shared on this blog and available for in-person presentation (send request to Becky@floridabicycle.net). Both Bruce and myself met staff and we made a connection. I even offered a guided bicycle tour using the Coast St. Petersburg bike share program.
This is the perfect time of year to make connections with elected officials and their staff. I encourage everyone to give it a try. I even made arrangements in August for a guided tour of the Oldsmar Trail with Trent Phillips, staff to Representative James Grant, District 64. District 64 is my actual district and I look forward to making the connection with Trent.
Do you have a bicycle story to tell? Photos to share? Be our guest and be our next guest blogger! Send your story and photos to Becky@floridabicycle.net.
Speaking of stories, our quarterly Messenger newsletter is available online for your internet reading pleasure. Visit the FBA website Home page or click here. Want a hard copy of our Messenger? Join Florida Bicycle Association or visit one of our bicycle shop members!
Complete Streets Savvy, or CSS, is a general bicycle educational presentation. The purpose is to provide basic information with regards to the Florida Department of Transportation’s adoption of Complete Streets policy and how cyclists and motorists can share the road safely. This presentation runs 10 – 15 minutes and is designed for legislators, civic organizations and other entities that meet regularly and need informative content. There is no fee. Make your request for CSS today!
Bike Florida and Florida Bicycle Association share a common cause in bicycle education for residents and visitors to the Sunshine State. Share the Road license plate proceeds benefit Bike Florida and Florida Bicycle Association to further these bicycle educational efforts. What’s on your motor vehicle? Get the Share the Road license plate!
