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2020s

Virtual presentations began in April as a result of COVID 19 protocol including Board of Director quarterly meetings, annual membership meeting, Ride Leader to Ride Marshal workshops, Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop and the new Virtual Seminar Series. Participation increased from a much broader area of the state (and even out of state) due to not having to travel. Virtual recordings for specific events are available on the Florida Bicycle Association YouTube Channel.

Legislation: Supported electric bike classifications and cleaned up statutory language that included the removal of a mandatory 25” seat height for bicycle seats. Effective 7/1/20, electric bicycles were defined in law [§316.20655] with three classifications based on speed and motor only (up to 28 mph), motor assist (throttle – up to 20 mph) or without any motor use (up to 20 mph). Local governments will still maintain authority to limit their use.

Programs:

  • Presented two in-person Ride Leader to Ride Marshal training certification program workshops prior to COVID and one 3-part Virtual Public Session via Zoom under the leadership of program manager Mary Beth Garcia. Over 300 cyclists have been certified as FBA RLRMs since the program was launched in 2018.
  • Launched the Bicycle Infrastructure Assistance (BIA) program to provide technical help for advocates and others in requesting specific roadway or trail improvements by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or local agencies.  In addition, training on infrastructure topics and involvement with FDOT design policies will be provided.
  • Launched the Virtual Seminar Series (VSS) of workshops with the first set of three dedicated to Electric Bikes.
  • Continued distribution of 2019 Florida Bicycling Street Smarts CyclingSavvy Edition and 2019 Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide.
  • Most regional appearances, speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations were cancelled due to COVID 19; however, awards were either mailed or presented by local FBA representatives.
  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column.
  • Ongoing partnerships and/or representation on the following boards or organizations:
    • Florida Department of Transportation
    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office
    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council – FBA ED served as Chair
    • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops
    • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)
    • Sponsored NICA Florida Interscholastic Cycling League.
  • Virtually presented the annual Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop. 

The pandemic continued to take its toll although the vaccine promised to alleviate strict lockdown.  Some in-person events did happen and FBA remained cautious on attendance.

Legislation: Our 2021 legislative accomplishments included our Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Bill that went into effect July 1, 2021.  A brief summary includes:

  • Now motorists MUST obey the 3 feet passing law
  • Motorists CAN cross the center line in a no-passing zone to safely pass a cyclist
  • Motorists CANNOT turn right in front of a cyclist within 20 feet of any intersection
  • Bicyclists SHOULD use the left lane before making a left turn
  • Group riders may cross intersections with stop signs in groups of 10 or less

Programs:

  • The Ride Leader/Ride Marshal Certification program certified 32 RLRMs via two virtual workshops in March and May. In 2022, virtual and in-person workshops will be considered with a goal of certifying 80 RLRMs.
  • The Bicycle Infrastructure Assistance (BIA) program continued to provide technical help for advocates and others in requesting specific roadway or trail improvements by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or local agencies.
  • Hosted the annual Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop in-person in Clermont.
  • The Florida Bicycle Safety Quiz, an online, interactive resource tailored for the adult cyclist, child cyclist and motorist, was launched. Learn as you go!  Just choose the online quiz that is best for you by visiting https://flbikesafetyquiz.com.

General:

  • Continued distribution of 2019 Florida Bicycling Street Smarts CyclingSavvy Edition and 2019 Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide.
  • Limited regional appearances, speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations, although the COVID vaccine did present more opportunities. Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column.
  • Ongoing partnerships and/or representation on the following boards or organizations:
    • Florida Department of Transportation
    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office
    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council – FBA makes annual presenatation
    • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops
    • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)
    • Sponsored NICA Florida Interscholastic Cycling League, which returned to their annual race schedule.

2010s

 

League of American Bicyclists ranked Florida #10 out of 50 states nationally.  The last time Florida made the top ten was 2011.

Legislation: Supported HB 107 and SB 76 to make texting while driving a primary offense that went into effect on July 1, 2019. It took six years to go from a secondary offense to a primary offense. This passage could open the door for a totally hands free law in the future.

Programs: Presented 6 Ride Leader to Ride Marshal training certification program workshops including 3 Public Sessions under the leadership of program manager Mary Beth Garcia. Over 250 cyclists have been certified as FBA RLRMs.

2019 version of Florida Bicycling Street Smarts CyclingSavvy Edition was produced reflecting 2019 Florida Statutes including the addition of Micromobility Devices and Motorized Scooters.  All new in 2019, John Allen’s classic work has been thoroughly updated to incorporate best practices and packed with illustrations by CyclingSavvy co-founder and FBA advisory member Keri Caffrey.  The Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide also went through revision to reflect the Micromobility law.

Moved the annual membership meeting / Fall Board of Directors meeting from October to July / Summer Board of Directors meeting which resulted in increased attendance.

  • Regional appearances via speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations
  • Met with SWAMP Mountain Bike Club leadership and MTB coalition to work towards state trail-building standards.
  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column
  • Collaboration with Bike Florida to continue Share the Road license plate marketing efforts
  • Ongoing partnerships and/or representation on the following boards or organizations:
    • Florida Department of Transportation
    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office
    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council – FBA ED served as Chair
    • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops
    • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)
  • Sponsored and participated in NICA leadership summit as well as presented the annual Florida Bicycle Best Practices workshop in Clermont

Initiated an affiliation with a group of volunteers to bring the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) mountain bike racing in high schools program to Florida.

Legislation: Supported HB 117 and SB 116 to add vulnerable road users to the current Move Over law.  The House amended it (strike-all amendment) to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Bill, the new language providing  for education awareness and addresses crossing a double yellow line to pass a cyclist and other safety measures to help motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.  HB 117 was found favorable in all House committees.  The original bill (and strike-all amendment) was never heard in the Senate (died in committee).

Supported HB 33 and SB 90 to make texting while driving a primary offense.  Unfortunately, this too died in Senate committee, however, immediate efforts began following the Legislative Session to draft a hand-held device ban.

Also following session, FBA Board of Directors voted to pursue E-Bike legislation to match the PeopleforBikes national initiative.  This move sparked conversation and discussion across the state, including a survey to FBA members.  The general consensus pointed towards keeping the current definition in place under bicycle definition statute (pedal-assist under 20 mph), although there are concerns of speed on sidewalks.

Programs: Presented the inaugural Ride Leader to Ride Marshal training certification program workshop under the leadership of program manager Mary Beth Garcia to North Florida Bicycle Club registrants in January.  A public session open to individuals versus a specific bicycle club or organization was held in June followed by a session held for Spacecoast Freewheelers Bicycle Club registrants in December.  A total of 76 certifications were issued in the first year of this program.  Due to the popularity of the public session, two will be held in 2019 beginning with one in January.

Educational and awareness programs continued throughout the year, including:

  • Regional appearances via speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations
  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column
  • Collaboration with Bike Florida to continue Share the Road license plate marketing efforts
  • Ongoing partnerships and or representation on the following boards or organizations:
    • Florida Department of Transportation
    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office
    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Partnership Council
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council – FBA ED served as Vice Chair
    • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops
    • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)

Sponsored and participated in two Florida regional summits: South Florida Safe Streets and Gulf Coast Safe Streets.

Courtney Reynolds, of Longwood, joined the Board of Directors.

Kicked off a year-long 20th Anniversary Celebration by highlighting major accomplishments in social media and the quarterly Messenger newsletter along with special edition lapel pins and socks.

Legislation:  Supported the current Move Over law to include people with presentations throughout the state.  Supported HB 69 and SB 144 to make texting a primary offense.  Unfortunately, legislation was not passed on either initiative, however, immediate efforts began following the Legislative Session by recruiting sponsors and support.  Once again, FBA successfully defended the attempt to remove Florida Bicycle Association as a recipient of Share the Road specialty license plate funds.

During the off session, FBA reached out to elected officials who had filed bills of interest to our legislative platform.  Met with Representative Slosberg, who filed HB 121 to make texting a primary offense.  Senator Perry filed the Senate companion SB 90.   HB 121 ultimately was withdrawn to be replaced by HB 33 by Representative Toledo and co-sponsored by Representative Slosberg.  Senator Baxley filed SB 116 and Representative Stone filed HB 117 to include vulnerable road users in the current Move Over law.

Membership was surveyed quarterly to help serve their needs and grow the Association.

Launched a Google Group for bicycle clubs to share ideas and best practices.  Off-road clubs were encouraged to send volunteer trail hours to the executive director to include in the soon-to-go-live Off-Road cycling web page.

FBA Summits and Workshops continued throughout the year in Sebring, Tallahassee, Flagler Beach, St. Petersburg and Clermont.

Eddie Mingus, of Lakeland, joined the Board of Directors.

The Annual Membership meeting included a 20th (consistent years of service) & 30th (1987-1995) year celebration with an exhibit and participation of several of the 20th  year founders and leaders who made the history of the organization. Along with FBA’s archive of materials, newsletters and materials were also provided by Joanna Hoit (class of 1987) and Kathy Oates (class of 1997).

FBA moved up in rank of the League of American Bicyclists State Report Card from #24 in 2015 to #15 in 2016 (rankings are compiled following the calendar year end).

Developed and promoted the Ride Leader/Ride Marshal certification program throughout the state.   The first workshop scheduled for January 2018.

Hired a part-time membership director.

Educational and awareness programs continued throughout the year, including:

  • Regional appearances via speaking engagements and FBA Annual Awards presentations
  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column
  • Collaboration with Bike Florida to continue Share the Road license plate marketing efforts
  • Ongoing partnerships and or representation on the following boards or organizations:
  • Florida Department of Transportation
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Greenways and Trails Office
  • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
  • Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Partnership Council
  • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
  • Florida Greenways and Trails Council
  • Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition
  • Florida Bicycle Clubs and Shops
  • Regional advocate groups (Bike/Walk Central Florida, BikeWalkLee, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, etc.)

Supported the following legislation:

SB 0332 and HB 253 (vulnerable road user law), SB 328 (anti-texting as a primary offense) and HB 25 (anti-texting in school zones).  Successfully defended the attempt to remove Florida Bicycle Association as a recipient of Share the Road specialty license plate funds.  The Legislative Committee prepared a draft 2017 – 2022 legislative strategy and began meeting with potential sponsors of an expansion of the current Move Over law to include vulnerable road users.

Supported “Vision Zero Florida Campaign” in conjunction with Florida Department of Transportation’s Driving Down Fatalities campaign to drive down bicycle and pedestrian fatalities on our roads.

FBA and Bike Florida co-hosted the Share the Road Celebration of Cycling event October 28-29 in Gainesville.  The theme was “Healthy Communities/Healthy Economies”.  Bike Florida facilitated the morning session on October 28th with a focus on bicycle tourism, “Cycling is the New Golf.”  FBA facilitated the afternoon session called “Trails and Streets Bicycle Summit” featuring discussions by Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Active Streets Alliance of Gainesville, Joyride Bicycle Collective of Tallahassee and a demonstration of solar powered in-ground reflectors from Lux Solar.

The Florida Bicycle Best Practices Workshop returned to Clermont in conjunction with the Florida Freewheelers’ Horrible Hundred event.   Guest speaker Hugh Aaron of Bike Walk Indian River shared his experiences on how to achieve League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly Community designation.

Charged with holding Florida Bicycle Summits in all seven FDOT districts by 2020, three summits were held this year in conjunction with other FBA events in St. Petersburg (Annual Meeting in District 7), Gainesville (Share the Road Celebration of Cycling “Trails and Streets Bicycle Summit” in District 2) and Clermont (Florida Bicycle Best Practices Workshop in District 5).

Created an ‘Educate your Delegate’ initiative for FBA members to contact their elected officials or their staff, request a meeting and discuss concerns regarding bicycling issues prior to the 2017 legislative session.

Continued to promote the Complete Streets Savvy program by soliciting volunteers to become presenters.

Launched a “Resources by the FDOT” on the website that includes resources by each of the seven FDOT districts.

Educational and awareness programs continued throughout the year, including:

  • Presentation of FBA Annual Awards
  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column
  • Alternative Transportation Education Program taught through the Florida Safety Council
  • Collaboration with Bike Florida to present Share the Road Celebration of Cycling awards and to continue Share the Road license plate marketing efforts
  • Representation on the following boards or organizations:
    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Partnership Council
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council
    • Florida Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition
    • Pinellas County Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee
    • City of Oldsmar Leisure Services Advisory Board
    • Selection Committee for American Planning Association Florida Chapter’s 2016 Great Places in Florida

Planning began for FBA’s 20th Anniversary celebration in 2017, including a redesign of FBA logo and outreach to the founders from 1987 and 1997.

Developed a 2015-2020 Business Plan based on the evolving strategic plan.

Launched Complete Streets Savvy, or CSS, a general, non-confrontational bicycle educational presentation to provide basic information with regards to the FDOT’s adoption of Complete Streets policy and how cyclists and motorists can share the road safely. This free presentation runs 10-15 minutes and is designed for legislators, civic organizations and other entities that meet regularly and need informative content.

Partnered with the American Bicycling Education Association by providing financial support to update Bicycling Street Smarts, including the Florida version, with new graphics and strategies on how to drive your bicycle in traffic. Bicycling Street Smarts author John Allen, and Keri Caffrey, CyclingSavvy co-founder and program consultant of the American Bicycling Education Association, are the creative force behind the rewrite. This new and improved edition will be available in mid 2016.

Supported legislation championed by Senate President Andy Gardiner authorizing $25 million a year to expand, connect and improve Florida’s already impressive system of trails and greenways. Later named SunTrail (Florida’s Shared-Use Non-motorized Trail Network), Senator Gardiner made this bill his personal legislative priority since funds could benefit the Coast-to-Coast Connector, a separated, interconnected, multi-use recreational trail that will stretch from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean, bisecting Central Florida. Presently, only about 75 miles are needed to fill in the gaps between several trail fragments.

Formerly known as the Florida Bicycle Club Leadership Workshop, the Florida Bicycle Best Practices Workshop was held in Miami to discuss solutions for better bicycling in Florida. Presentations by FDOT District 1 Secretary Billy Hattaway and Miami-Dade County Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator David Henderson gave those in attendance a look at Complete Streets policy from both the state and local level.

Due to a strengthened relationship with FDOT and their Alert Today Florida campaign featuring NASCAR driver Scott Lagasse, Jr., FBA was marketed in ways and places like never before including the FBA logo on his Camping World Cup Truck Series vehicle. This partnership with Alert Today Florida and FBA is a great opportunity to reach an audience outside of the “cycling community,” and the safety message is delivered every day in other events and outreach activities to promote the campaign.

Educational and awareness programs continued throughout the year, including:

  • Presentation of FBA Annual Awards
  • Collaboration with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide and Florida Bicycling Street Smarts
  • Law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Continued appreciation to former board member George Martin for his support of this column
  • Alternative Transportation Education Program taught through the Florida Safety Council
  • Collaboration with Bike Florida to present Share the Road Celebration of Cycling awards and to continue Share the Road license plate marketing efforts
  • Representation on the following boards or organizations:
    • Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition
    • Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Partnership Council
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
    • Florida Greenways and Trails Council

Implementation of an adopted strategic plan commenced. Completed objectives to organize the association, engage all members and encourage new memberships within the year included:

      • Revision of mission and vision statements
      • Review of Bylaws
      • Review of Policies and Procedures
      • Weekly FBA Blog posts
      • In-house handling of social media to post and promote Florida specific content
      • Letter campaign to Florida bicycle shops
      • Year-end letter campaign to expired members and those without email addresses on file

FBA supported The Aaron Cohen Life Protection Act, which imposes a four-year mandatory-minimum prison sentence for drivers convicted of leaving the scene of a crash that kills someone. It also boosts the mandatory-minimum prison sentence from two years to four years for a DUI driver who leaves a fatal crash. Potential penalties for drivers who harm vulnerable road users are also increased. The bill was sponsored in the state Senate by Miami Republican Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and officially signed into law by Governor Rick Scott on June 24.

In July, funding for the Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail became a reality when announced by Governor Scott. The Florida Department of Transportation will invest $15.9 million to complete 11 phases of separate trail segments in nine counties. The Coast-to-Coast Connector Trail is the first of many efforts to complete the Florida Greenways and Trails Priority System developed by the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation. FBA holds an ex officio seat on the FGTD board.

Operations of CyclingSavvy were transferred to American Bicycling Education Association (ABEA). Co-founders of CyclingSavvy, Mighk Wilson and Keri Caffrey, will serve as President and Executive Director respectfully. A professional relationship with FBA and ABEA is established and FBA will continue to promote the CyclingSavvy program.

Tim Bustos steps down over the summer and Becky Afonso is hired as FBA’s new executive director after serving as interim for three months. FBA Headquarters officially moves to Oldsmar in October.

The fourth edition of the Florida Bicycle Club Leadership Workshop was held in Clermont. Presentations from CyclingSavvy, North Florida Bicycle Club, LiveWell Campus of the National Training Center and Florida Sports Injury & Orthopedic Institute were given to nearly 20 representatives from 13 clubs and organizations during this free event.

Educational and awareness programs continued throughout the year, including:

      • Presentation of FBA Annual Awards
      • Collaboration with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide and Florida Bicycling Street Smarts
      • Bicycle law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FLBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law. Our thanks to former board member George Martin for his support of this column.
      • Alternative Transportation Education Program
      • Collaboration with Bike Florida to support the second annual Share the Road Celebration of Cycling summit in Gainesville and to continue Share the Road license plate marketing efforts
      • Continued role as member of two FDOT statewide bicycle/pedestrian advisory bodies, Florida Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Coalition and Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Partnership Council.
      • Continued role as ex officio board member of the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation
      • Transition of board included one member stepping down and three being added to bring board number up from five to eight.
      • New board president, Jodi Hohlstein, took over leadership from Mighk Wilson, who remained on the board as Treasurer.
      • First Coast Chapter director, Jeff Hohlstein, stepped down from that role to join the board as secretary; Steve Tocknell moved into chapter director role after being advocacy director.
      • After a four-year relationship, including three years as a chapter, BikeWalk Central Florida transitioned into an independent non-profit organization but remains a strong partner in bicycle/pedestrian education and advocacy.
      • Helped gain legislative approval of Coast-to-Coast Trail funding (but was vetoed by Governor) and of Florida’s first anti-texting law.
      • Limited Access Facilities pilot program that was initiated by FBA, allowing bicycles on usually off-limits bridges, was implemented in three locations.
      • In collaboration with Bike Florida, FBA organized and hosted the first Share the Road Celebration of Cycling summit and ride at Stetson University in DeLand. Inaugural “Share the Road Awards” winners announced and presented at the event.
      • FBA’s new online membership program, ClubExpress, completes its first full year in use, streamlining management and providing better account access for members.
      • Began development of custom software program for CyclingSavvy registration and management.
      • Expanded and enhanced social networking efforts via the website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
      • Updates to the 2012 “Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide,” and the “Florida Bicycling Street Smarts” publications were unnecessary, however FBA continued collaboration with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute these safety education materials.
      • With George Martin at the helm, continued bicycle law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FlBikeLaw.org” online forum for citizens and law enforcement professionals with questions concerning bicycles and the law.
      • Continued promoting other safety education programs, including the Alternative Transportation Education Program.
      • Strengthened working relationship with Bike Florida through reciprocal board membership positions; continued Share the Road message and license plate marketing efforts, proceeds from which are shared between the two organizations.
      • Continued role as member of two statewide bicycle/pedestrian advisory bodies, Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Coalition and Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Partnership Council.

Due to an early legislative session, a Florida Bike Summit was not held, however, FBA continued to support key priorities including:

      • Clarification of Mandatory Bike Lane Law
      • Limited Access Facilities Pilot Program
      • Distracted Driving
      • General Bicycle Safety Bill

Our efforts paid off when Governor Scott sighed the revised highway safety act (CS/CS/HB 1223-Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) sections of which clarify “situations in which a bicyclist is not required to ride in the marked bicycle lane (if the roadway is marked for bicycle use) or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.”  The Safety Act changes Florida Statute 316.2065 Bicycle regulations, clarifying that a bicyclist is exempt from this requirement when a “potential conflict” or a turn lane interrupts the roadway or bicycle lane. [316.2065(5)(a)(3)]

Since the timing was not good to hold a Florida Bike Summit, staff instead focused efforts on the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C.  This was actually critical, since passage of the Federal Transportation Bill was way overdue, and cycling advocates nationwide were focused on continued support for bicycling and walking.   This support had been virtually guaranteed since 1991, when the first passage of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency (ISTEA) had been passed, but changes in congress no longer guaranteed cyclists their fair share.

First Coast Chapter activities continued with a major focus on education, but its scope also expanded under the guidance of  Jeff Hohlstein, the Chapter Director, and Stephen Tocknell, the Advocacy Director.  New activities included working extensively with law enforcement to help reduce bike crashes, representing the First Coast Chapter on the Jacksonville Bicycle and Pedestrian Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), and working with FDOT on bicycle facilities issues

Central Florida Chapter: Bike/Walk Central Florida begins a “Best Foot Forward” pedestrian initiative with additional funding sources, including another grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation, new funding from Metroplan Orlando, and additional local businesses and advocates.

CyclingSavvy, FBA’s traffic cycling education and training program, continues to grow, to gain national attention, and most importantly, to change lives.  Nearly 250 cyclists took all or part of the course, 117 in Florida and 127 in other states.  Florida has instructors in Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee, Tampa Bay, DeLand, and West Palm Beach.  In addition to those who were simply interested in being safe and confident urban cyclists, CyclingSavvy has drawn in elected officials, law enforcement officers, journalists, bicycle advisory committee members, urban planners, and traffic engineers.  In addition to Florida, there are CyclingSavvy Instructors (CSIs) in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, and Vermont.  Additionally, instructors have traveled to California, Montana and Ohio to teach the course.

The third edition of the Florida Bicycle Club Leadership Workshop was held in Clermont to provide an opportunity for bike club leaders to share ideas as well as to be updated on FBA activities and programs, Share the Road license plate marketing and education activities, Bike Florida Spring Tour details, and a featured liability issues presentation by Chris Burns, a long time FBA member and Jacksonville attorney, whose practice focuses on representing cyclists involved in crashes.   Nearly 30 representatives from 13 clubs and organizations attended this free annual event.

Continued promoting other safety education programs, including the Alternative Transportation Program.

Continued bicycle law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FlBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law.  Thanks to the efforts of former board and law enforcement liaison staff member George Martin for his support of this column.

FBA began to transition to an online membership database.  The new management system will be simpler and more efficient to manage and grow the association.  One of the most important features will allow FBA members to update their contact information directly.  An online system will also lower postage and supplies expenses so more funds can be used toward education and advocacy programs.

FBA updated the “Florida Bicycle & Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide,” and the “Florida Bicycling Street Smarts” publications to reflect changes in 2012 Florida statutes.  These changes were a direct result of FBA’s successful lobbying efforts in the Florida legislature.  FBA then collaborated with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute these safety education materials.

In conjunction with the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI), FBA produced two videos for morning roll call training that are already being used in law enforcement departments across the state. These programs were requested by law enforcement, and were funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT):

      • “Who are Bicyclists” details who is using pedal powered devices, and how that use is increasing within all ages and sectors of the population. Many different types of human powered vehicles are now using the roadways, and the appropriate statues can be easily misunderstood. Through the use of actual people using these pedal powered devices, officers can understand the changing trends and changing ways that the bicyclist is bringing solutions, not problems, into the transportation mix.
      • “Bicyclists and Roadway Use” explains the use of the roadway by cyclists, and within the framework of the Florida statues. Officers learn by seeing the examples of correct and legal practices applied.

FBA is committed to continued advancement in the area of bicycles and law enforcement, and a considerable number of solutions have already been generated.

Collaborated with Bike Florida to continue marketing efforts on behalf of the Share the Road license plate. Proceeds from the sale of the license plate are split between Bike Florida and FBA.

Tim Bustos is hired as FBA’s new executive director to take over the reins that Laura Hallam held for ten years.   Many thanks to Laura for taking FBA from a fledgling organization to what it is today!

3rd annual Florida Bike Summit in Tallahassee featuring comments by Florida Representative Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton. Legislative priorities included:

      • Repealing the Mandatory Bike Lane Law [316.2065(5)]
      • Anti-texting legislation that make texting a primary offense
      • Enhanced Penalties for violations that cause serious injury or death; collaborating with ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Towards Education) again
      • Bicycle Access to Limited Access Highway Bridges
      • Opposition to efforts to eliminate the Office of Greenways and Trails

FBA Annual Awards recipients are presented with their awards during the Summit press event.

Central Florida Chapter: Bike/Walk Central Florida, funded by the Winter Park Health Foundation, begins its second year focusing on 3 goals:

      • Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
      • Complete Streets/Connectivity
      • Civility

First Coast Chapter activities continue with a major focus on education.  Stephen Tocknell is appointed as the Advocacy Director, allowing the Chapter to broaden its base of active cycling advocates.  Four members become CyclingSavvy instructors in order to expand the CyclingSavvy program into Northeast Florida.

CyclingSavvy, developed by FBA member Keri Caffrey and board vice president Mighk Wilson, continues to expand at a rapid rate throughout Florida.  This program teaches critical cycling skills through empowerment, strategies and tools to problem solve traffic situations or road configurations.   The addition of thirteen Florida instructors, as well as instructors in other states is helping to meet the demand of the 3-part course.

Continued promoting other safety education programs including the Alternative Transportation Program.

Continued bicycle law enforcement education through the “Ask Geo@FlBikeLaw.org” online forum for people with questions concerning bicycles and the law.  Thanks to the efforts of former board and law enforcement liaison staff member George Martin for his support of this column.

Collaborated with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute safety education materials including the Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide, Florida Bicycling Street Smarts, and a variety of FBA produced DVD’s.

Collaborated with Bike Florida to continue marketing efforts on behalf of the “Share the Road” license plate. Proceeds from the sale of the license plate are split between Bike Florida and FBA.

Opened the first “brick and mortar” FBA headquarters in DeLand.  Previously, FBA had functioned with a “virtual office” based on where staff members lived. The new office, located  across the street from Stetson University, is large enough to hold board meetings, teach classes, and accommodate staff as the organization continues to grow.

Continued Phase II of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program to enhance officers’ knowledge of the laws about bicycling and to assist agencies with bicycling education and enforcement operations. Developed a team of officers around the state to act as the Officer Advisory Panel.

Created the second FBA Chapter in Central Florida – Bike/Walk Central Florida – to serve the needs of Orange and Seminole counties. Chapter operations focus on increasing the number of citizens biking and walking and create a safer environment for them. Chapter activities are funded by a two-year grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation as a result of the “Civility on the Road in Metro Orlando Social Marketing Plan” including a paid part-time executive director.

Chapter activities continued in the First Coast serving Duval, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties with a primary emphasis on bicycle safety education. The volunteer executive director recruited an advocacy director to expand chapter operations.

Launched CyclingSavvy, FBA’s new cycling education program in Orlando to empower people to drive their bikes anywhere the need to go. The course teaches the principles of mindful bicycling and is offered in three 3-hour components: classroom session, bike-handling session and on-road tour. The classroom and bike-handling sessions may be taken individually, but the road tour requires the other two as a pre-requisite. The program reached 78 students who took one or more sessions. Once more instructors are trained, the program will be expanded to other areas of the state. The first instructor training class will be held January 2011.

Continued promoting other safety education programs at a variety of workshops including Traffic Skills 101.

Educated nearly 500 students in the Alternative Transportation Education Program bringing the five-year total since inception to 1942 students.

Presented the second annual Florida Bike Summit April 8, 2010 in Tallahassee. The third annual Summit will be held March 24, 2011.

Presented the fifth edition of the ProBike®/ProWalk Florida Conference May 11-13 in Lakeland.

Collaborated with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute safety education materials including the Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide, Florida Bicycling Street Smarts, and a variety of FBA produced DVD’s.

Promoted FBA and the Share the Road license plate with stuffers distributed to bike shops and bike clubs, as well as exhibiting at special events.

Collaborated with Bike Florida to continue marketing efforts on behalf of the Share the Road license plate. Enacted in 1999 by Florida statute, nearly 100,000 plates (new and renewals) have been sold since June 2000 generating $1.36 million dollars split between Bike Florida and FBA.

2000s

Began Phase II of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program to enhance officers’ knowledge of the laws about bicycling and to assist agencies with bicycling education and enforcement operations. The program will be comprised of Training Modules, an Officer Course, and a Training Officer Course.

Created the first FBA Chapter in Northeast Florida – the First Coast Chapter – to serve the needs of Duval, Nassau, Clay and St. Johns counties. Chapter operations will focus on regional issues with an emphasis on safety education.

Developed a “Civility on the Road in Metro Orlando Social Marketing Plan” made possible by a grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation.

Educated over 600 students in the Alternative Transportation Education Program bringing the four-year total since inception to 1643 students.

Presented the inaugural Florida Bike Summit April 2, 2009 in Tallahassee.

Continued a Trips for Kids Chapter in Orlando.

Collaborated with the Florida Pedestrian and Bicycling Safety Resource Center to print and distribute safety education materials including the Florida Bicycle/Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide, Florida Bicycling Street Smarts, and a variety of FBA produced DVD’s.

Promoted FBA and the Share the Road license plate with a bike shop hang tag and stuffers distributed to shops statewide by bicycle dealer representatives.

Continued ongoing safety education at a variety of workshops.

Plans to present the 2010 Florida Bike Summit April 8 in Tallahassee and the 2010 ProBike®/ProWalk Florida Conference May 11-13 in Lakeland.

Momentum from the Civility on the Road social marketing campaign at year-end resulted in a two-year Capacity Building grant from the Winter Park Health Foundation to create an FBA Central Florida Chapter doing business as Bike/Walk Central Florida. Chapter operations will focus on public awareness campaigns to encourage bicycling, especially for novice riders to build empathy for the cycling experience, plus increase awareness and improve attitudes toward safely passing cyclists on the road.

Redesigned and upgraded websites, electronic newsletter and quarterly newsletter Messenger .

Educated over 500 students in the Alternative Transportation Education Program.

Presented the forth annual ProBike®/ProWalk Florida conference in St. Petersburg offering 23 sessions and 3 pre-conference workshops. Keynote speakers included Dan Burden, Ian Lockwood, Bob Chauncey, and Marketing for Change presenters Sara Isaac and Tait Martin. National and state updates were delivered by Sharon Roerty, National Center for Bicycling and Walking; Andy Clarke, League of American Bicyclists; Dennis Scott, Florida Department of Transportation; Jena Brooks, Office of Greenways and Trails; and Ken Bryan, Florida Field Office for Rails to Trails Conservancy.

Plans to present the inaugural Florida Bike Summit April 2, 2009 in Tallahassee.

Continued a Trips for Kids Chapter in Orlando.

Produced and distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety education materials including the Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide, Florida Bicycling Street Smarts, a variety of DVD’s, and new program/membership brochure.

Educated children and adults at a variety of workshops.

Promoted FBA programs and the Share the Road license plate at special events.

FBA celebrated 10 years of service to Florida’s cyclists.

Educated nearly 400 students in the Alternative Transportation Education Program — 3-hour course covering pedestrian and bicycle safety, practical bicycling, transit and other issues important to individuals who have lost their right to drive a motor vehicle. The program was offered in Seminole County with plans to expand to other counties.

Presented the third annual ProBike®/ProWalk Florida conference in Orlando.

      • 30 breakout sessions including mobile workshops
      • 3 pre-conference sessions including the Traffic Justice Coalition of Florida

Conducted Florida Discovery Bicycling Center tours. Program was fine-tuned to combine bicycle safety education and small group touring.

Created a Trips for Kids Chapter in Orlando.

Target audience includes foster children or children in need.

Program takes children on weekend adventures to provide opportunities to explore the outdoors and develop bicycling skills.

Produced and distributed bicycle and pedestrian safety education materials including the following:

      • Combination Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide
      • Florida Bicycling Street Smarts
      • Elementary and Middle School Helmet Program DVD’s
      • Triple feature plus more Bicycle/Motorist Law Enforcement DVD
      • Group Riding and Ethics of the Law DVD

Educated children and adults at a variety of workshops.

Promoted FBA programs and the Share the Road license plate at special events.

Creation of Florida Discovery Bicycling Center tours.

Group Riding Ethics and the Law DVD.

Combination Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide.

Re-print of Florida Bicycling Street Smarts.

Triple feature plus more Bicycle/Motorist Law Enforcement DVD.

Bicycle Law Enforcement – Officer Training program curriculum.

2nd Annual ProBike®/ProWalk Florida conference in St. Augustine.

Middle & Elementary School Bicycle Helmet program.

Alternative Transportation Education program.

Bicycle safety education training to adults and children.

Produced Ride on By II: Promoting Safe Interaction Between Motorists & Cyclists.  This production is the third in a 3-part series geared toward law enforcement to offer guidance and information related to bicycle and roadway sharing.

      • Ride on By I targets bicyclists errors while Ride on By II targets motorist errors
      • Understanding Bicycle Law Enforcement provides the visual tools and strategies needed so officers can understand crashes and how to successfully enforce traffic laws.
      • Produced Older Adult Activity video
      • Distributed FBA News electronic newsletter – over 800 subscribers
      • Distributed Florida Bicycle Association Messenger quarterly newsletter – 3400 circulation including bike shops statewide
      • Broke 12,000 in Share the Road license plate sales
      • Educated over 300 people at bicycle safety workshops
      • Produced 6th printing of Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide – over 56,000 distributed since 2001
      • Produced 3rd printing of Florida Bicycling Street Smarts – over 30,000 distributed since 2003
      • Hosted the ProBike®/ProWalk Florida Conference in Tampa
      • Continued as a clearinghouse of information viawww.floridabicycle.net, www.probikeprowalkflorida.com, andwww.sharetheroad.org
      • Promoted public awareness via attendance at nearly 100 events

Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide – 4th printing; over 30,000 copies in circulation.

Florida Bicycling Street Smarts Riding Confidently, Legally and Safely – 10,000 copies made possible by funding from the Florida “Share the Road” license plate program and the State Safety Office of the Florida Department of Transportation.

Bike ‘N Ped Driver Ed kits – 2000 copies; cooperative venture between FBA, Bike Florida, Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program, and Florida Technology Transfer Center to increase awareness among motorists about laws for bicyclists and pedestrians and to learn how to properly share the road with all users.

Bicycle Safety education workshops in cooperation with Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program and League of American Bicyclists.

Bicycle Safety PSA’s: “Get out and ride”; “Ride with traffic flow” available on VHS and BETA (English, Spanish, Closed-captioned).

“Right on by” bicycle law enforcement video to justify why traffic law enforcement is the key to prevent bicycle crashes.

Education and enforcement go hand in hand in promoting legal roadway sharing by all users. FBA plans to conduct more bicycle safety education workshops throughout the state in 2004.

The 3rd printing of the Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide resulted with a total of 26,500 copies in circulation.

A training program and video for law enforcement personnel was developed to complement the guide.

Share the Road license plates generated over $155,000 since Summer 2000 with $59,000 benefiting FBA.

Share the Road mini-grants were established to provide funds for programs that focus on motorist and bicyclist education and awareness of proper, legal roadway sharing.

Road 1 workshops and other bicycle safety education workshops were established.

FBA had a presence at over 50 events.

FBA established an asset account to receive gifts of securities and planned giving.

FBA was approved for another Highway Safety Grant in the amount of $43,862 from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Membership increased by 25% with plans to launch another membership campaign in February 2003.

Laura Hallam became Executive Director, and two new members, Duke Breitenbach and Mighk Wilson, joined the board. The expansion of membership gave birth to greater advocacy efforts and a broader educational program. Bike Action Workshops were held in many cities around the state and resulted in the formation of citizen bicycle advocacy groups that were winning new victories for bicyclists. More workshops were planned for 2002 on an as-requested basis concentrating on areas of the state that had high crash activity. FBA supported the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education program and worked cooperatively with Bike Florida on the annual Share the Road Rally and Bicycle Summit.

Statewide communication links for bicyclists were improved via the quarterly newsletter, The Florida Bicycle Messenger, the web site, two e-mail lists and an electronic newsletter, FBA News.

A major accomplishment was a law enforcement booklet intended for distribution to law enforcement officers across the state. The booklet contains information on the “hows” and “whys” of enforcing for bicycle safety, including a summary of all the relevant Florida statutes.

Thanks to Tina Russo, FBA President, for her early research that helped kick off the project, to Paul Hardy for continuing the project and to Mighk Wilson, who finalized the booklet based on input from many sources including Pat Pieratte, Theo Petritsch and Dwight Kingsbury in the FDOT Safety Office, Dr. Linda Crider, and Paul Casazza, a police officer on FBA’s advisory board. Thanks also goes to Randall Williams, also on FBA’s board, who readied the booklet for final printing.

FBA underwent some staffing changes in 2000. Carol Wilson stepped down as Executive Director in May, although she continued to perform the essential administrative duties of the organization on a volunteer basis. She will continue in 2001 as FBA’s bookkeeper. Paul Hardy departed as Program Director in September. We appreciate Paul and Linda Hardy’s energy and commitment to FBA’s programs. Lyndy Lyle Moore joined the Board of Directors.

1990s

The union between FBA and FORBA was finalized at the FORBA board meeting on February 27 in Palm Bay. FORBA would now stand for Florida Off Road Bicycle Advocates, a committee of the Florida Bicycle Association. Bob Michaels, president of FORBA, became the newest member of the FBA board.

1999 proved to be a banner year for Florida Bicycle Association. By the end of the year, membership had increased to 345 individual and family members, 13 bicycle clubs and 13 other corporate or government members for a total of 371 members. Many club, corporate and individual donors provided significant support to FBA in 1999, including an anonymous stock donation that brought FBA over $7,700.

The financial support and the enthusiastic involvement of members and the FBA board of directors combined to produce successful results in 1999 including:

      • Partnering with Bike Florida, Inc. to obtain the signatures, funding and legislation necessary for the Share the Road tag. (The tag should be available in spring 2000!)
      • Hosting of Bike Action workshops in cooperation with local governments in Orlando, Jacksonville, the Panhandle (Destin), Broward County (Davie), Pinellas County (St. Petersburg) and Key West, reaching over 130 people with the “how to” of bicycle advocacy. The Bike Action workshops were primarily funded by a safety grant from FDOT.
      • Hosting a Bicycle Friendly Communities roundtable in conjunction with Bike Florida’s Share the Road Rally
      • Production of four quarterly issues of the Florida Bicycle Messenger, sent to all members plus a courtesy mailing list (Thanks to Randy Williams, production editor for the Messenger.)
      • Set up of FBA’s web site at www.floridabicycle.net (Thanks to Roger Pierce, web master.)
      • Successful application to the Florida Department of Transportation Safety Office for continued funding into 2000
      • Participation by FBA in the update process of the State of Florida’s long range transportation plan, the 2020 Florida Transportation Plan

The FBA board was expanded from a maximum of seven members to eleven members. New board members in 1999 were Randall Williams from Casselberry who is also production editor of the FBA Messenger, and Hal Downing, an attorney in Orlando. It is notable that all of the six board members who served in 1999 wished to continue on the board in 2000 The FBA board ended 1999 with eight members.

FBA also grew by two staff members. Paul Hardy from Apopka was FBA’s new Program Director. Deb DeVoe from Altamonte Springs became FBA’s part time membership director. Deb handles individual and family memberships.

By spring it was becoming clear that FBA needed an executive director. The volunteer board by itself could not continue the effort necessary to sustain the organization. With little money in its coffers, FBA could not afford to hire an executive director. Carol Wilson, treasurer on the FBA board, volunteered to work as the E.D. with the goal of increasing FBA’s membership and financial resources as quickly as possible. About this same time FBA received a determination letter from the IRS as a 501(c)(3) educational and charitable nonprofit corporation.

A new quarterly newsletter for FBA was launched by Mighk Wilson, named the Florida Bicycle Messenger. Henry Lawrence and Randy Morton established FBA’s first web site. Kathy Oates organized FBA’s first Bike Action workshop in St. Petersburg. FBA’s first annual meeting was held in conjunction with the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. Henry Lawrence, the first president of the new FBA passed the gavel to Linda Crider, who agreed to serve a second term on the board as President. Art Ackerman, Tina Russo and Dan Moser joined the FBA board. The “Share the Road” tag campaign headed by Henry Lawrence, which began to lose steam over the summer, was reinvigorated by Jimmy Carnes, executive director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Jimmy worked with Bike Florida, Inc., FBA and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to secure the $30,000 initial funding, to finish collection of the 10,000 petition signatures, and to help find sponsorship in the Florida House and Senate for the necessary legislative bills to authorize the tag.

By the end of 1998, FBA had grown to 179 members, including eight bicycle clubs. Near the end of 1998 FORBA approached FBA about the idea of uniting FORBA and FBA into one organization. The FORBA board realized the tremendous commitment of time and money that it takes to run an organization, and felt that it was in FORBA’s best interest to become a part of FBA.

FBA organizers Henry Lawrence, Linda Crider, Kathy Oates, Lys Burden and Carol Wilson formed a new board of directors and started a brand new not-for-profit corporation. Like its predecessor, they named it Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. An organizational meeting was held at the Disney Coronado Springs resort in September; those meeting participants formed the nucleus of the new organization. Not long thereafter, Dwight Kingsbury joined the board of directors. One of FBA’s first projects was to revive the “Share the Road” campaign. The upcoming renewal of ISTEA legislation also became a top priority focus.

On the day after Christmas an inattentive truck driver in Clay County drove into six cyclists, killing Margaret Raynal and Doug Hill of Gainesville. Outraged cyclists conferred by e-mail and resolved to reestablish the FBA. An e-mail list was started to facilitate communications. Initial discussions centered on forming one statewide organization that would address both on-road and off-road bicycling issues. In the end, two organizations emerged – Florida Off Road Bicycle Association (FORBA) would focus exclusively on off-road trails and the related land use issues, and Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) would focus on the broader spectrum of cycling and related issues.

FBA disbanded. An executive director had been hired, but was unsuccessful in raising funds. Board members were unable to continue devoting the time required for active leadership.

FBA began a drive for a “Share the Road” specialty license plate to raise funds for bicycle education and safety projects. Over 3,000 signatures were collected.

198os

By year end, membership included 18 clubs, four bike shops and 159 families and individuals.

The first FBA president, independent filmmaker Robert Seidler, produced a series of TV public service announcements that were financed by a grant to the Spokespeople that Lasche obtained from the Sarasota County Foundation.

A bimonthly newsletter, Florida Bike Lanes, functioned as a statewide information clearinghouse. Annual meetings were combined with “casual country cooler rides” in central Florida towns such as Winter Haven and Mount Dora. The FBA maintained a legislative liaison and advocated for state funding of bicycle and traffic skills education in the schools. It also pushed for bicycle registration and mandatory helmets for children and supported the development of rail trails such as the Tallahassee-St. Marks.

In February advocates met in Orlando’s downtown library to found the original Florida Bicycle Association.

In its first eight months, the FBA co-sponsored “Bicycling Magazine’s largest bike event in the southeastern United States – the Grape-Nuts Bike Festival” and raised $11,000 through the festival and memberships.

Mike Lashe of Sarasota organized a bicycling advocacy group known as the “Spokespeople,” which contacted and polled cycling advocates around the state.