Miami Beach
Today we welcome a very special guest blogger, FBA’s own President, Patty Huff:
One of the benefits of serving on the FBA Board is having the opportunity to meet so many like-minded people and finding the time to have fun with them! This was my experience on May 22 when our fellow board member Kurt Tucker and I were scheduled to be in Miami to present the FBA 2017 Supporting Agency of the Year Award to Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. Since the presentation was not until late afternoon, I asked Eric Tullberg (a member of the Miami BPAC) if he would like to guide us on a bike ride. Paul Haydt, the Florida Coordinator for the East Coast Greenway and a FBA member, also joined us to explore the ECG south Florida route.
Eric Tullberg and Paul Haydt at East Coast Greenway sign
Eric and I met at the Government Center in downtown Miami and cycled over the MacArthur Causeway (wide shoulder/bike lane with heavy traffic) and headed to South Pointe Park on Miami Beach.
South Pointe Park Pier
We continued out to the end of the pier for a spectacular view of Fischer Island and the beaches before heading north on a paved scenic pathway. Paul and Kurt met up with us as we continued the length of south Beach on the boardwalk wide enough for pedestrians and cyclists for most of the way; however, there are gaps where bikes are not allowed (or the pathway is not yet completed) so you need to cycle along A1A part of the way.
South Miami Beach Boardwalk
Eric took notes and photos of the cycling facilities and conditions along the way as Paul documented details about this section of the East Coast Greenway. This has to be one of the most picturesque segments with its art deco hotels, iconic life guard stations on the beach, children laughing in well-maintained playgrounds and a beautiful linear park.
When we arrived in Sunny Isles Beach at 158th Street, Paul returned for a meeting in Miami Beach while Eric, Kurt and I continued north on A1A to the Broward County line.
North Miami Beach Pathway
We turned around and cycled south on bike or sharrow lanes to 63rd Street where Kurt headed back to the Beach. To avoid the heavy traffic, Eric guided me through the quiet neighborhood on LaGorce Drive to Pine Tree Drive and Dade Boulevard, then across the Venetian Causeway to complete our 39.5 mile ride back to the Government Center in time for our 5:30 pm meeting.
Eric biking along the Venetian Causeway
As I said, one of the advantages of being a part of a cycling advocacy group is that you meet wonderful people and have a lot of fun doing what you love to do – cycling in south Florida!
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, county and city elected officials, civic organizations and other entities that meet regularly and need informative content. There is no fee. Visit the FBA Presentations page to see our complete line of signature presentations.
Bike Florida and Florida Bicycle Association share a common cause in bicycle education and promotion for residents and visitors to the Sunshine State. Share the Road license plate proceeds benefit Bike Florida and Florida Bicycle Association to further these efforts. What’s on your motor vehicle? Get the Share the Road license plate!
