Vol. 16, No. 4 Fall 2013 OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE FLORIDA BICYCLE ASSOCIATION, INC. Where My Ride Takes Me In an occasional feature for the FBA Messenger, “Where My Ride Takes Me” highlights FBA members and staff doing stuff you like to do on your bike. If you have a high quality, high resolution photo you’d like to see published in full, living color (well anyway, the best we can do with our newsprint budget) send it to FBA Director Tim Bustos. P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791 Please see Decisions, page 15 Bik Photo: Becky Afonso PAID Mid-FL, FL Permit #475 NONPROFIT ORG U.S. Postage Becky Afonso stopped for this shot of her new bicycle and the old St. Petersburg Pier. The bike is a Trek 520 with Shimano components. The pier, built in 1973, officially closed this May to make ready for demolition and construction of a new structure, called “The Lens.” Initially, residents were divided on whether the new design should be built but the vote on August 27 settled the issue with a 63% vote to cancel the contract. The vote came at the end of two years of petitions, law suits and other civic action. The future of the old—or new—pier is still uncertain. The pier is on the North Bay Trail, part of the Pinellas Trail system. FDOT Hires DeWayne Carver as new statewide bicycle and pedestrian coordinator by Tim Bustos fter an exhaustive search, the Florida Department of Transportation recently hired DeWayne Carver as the new State Bicycle/ Pedestrian Coordinator. Mr. Carver now fills a position that has been vacant for over a year, and we are encouraged by this new position for a variety of reasons. For one thing, this position was lodged for many years in FDOT’s Safety office, which isn’t such a bad thing, but the new position is housed in the statewide Office of Roadway Design, which we feel is very appropriate. Secondly, DeWayne brings a lot of unique background and skills we believe will be essential to improving conditions for cycling throughout Florida. DeWayne grew up in east Tennessee, but has lived in Florida since 1993 (which makes him practically a native). He has been a transportation planner in both the public and private sectors. Prior to coming to FDOT, he worked for eight years at Hall Planning and Engineering preparing bicycle plans for public and private clients. His wife, Jennifer, is a League Cycling Instructor (LCI ) and former Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator in Tallahassee and Leon County. As LCIs, both Carvers have taught bicycle education classes under the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) program, and DeWayne is also a Cycling Savvy Instructor (CSI) and, as such, has also taught classes under FBA’s program as well. The DeWayne Carver Carvers’ two children, who attend neighborhood schools near downtown Tallahassee, sometimes travel via tandem bicycle. DeWayne is a bike commuter and occasional bicycle tourist. He looks forward to working with FDOT, FBA, Please see DeWayne Carver, page 6 A D V O C AT I N G A B I C Y C L E - F R I E N D LY F L O R I D A 2 Florida Bicycle Association Ask the Attorney... Bicycle helmets, children and lawsuits by Christopher Burns, Esq. Q I insist that my children wear a helmet when they go on a longer bike ride on the road, or when they skateboard or rollerblade. But they complain loudly! Is this important? Bicycles are the leading cause of ER sports injury visits for children. Pediatricians and Neurosurgeons confirm that bicycle accidents are a significant source of traumatic brain injuries. Bicycling in the US attracts 44.3 million children younger than 21. injuries than do adults. In one medical study, 79% of all patients for bicycling related injuries were between the ages of 5 and 14. Furthermore, head injuries are the most common cause of profound disability and death to cyclists. Helmets properly worn can prevent 88% of serious brain injuries. Head injuries occur from impact force on the skull, and compression force on the brain. Helmets can mitigate both. Bicycle Helmets Reduce the Severity of Injuries to Children 70% of all children ride bikes. Children also suffer far more bicycling related All Florida cyclists under the age of 16 MUST WEAR A HELMET In Florida, your children under 16 years old must wear a helmet that is properly A Have You been injured wHile cYcling? ( i have. That’s why i’ll fight so hard for you. ) Chris Burns is not your typical personal injury attorney. As an avid rider, he combines his experience on the road with his expertise and insight in the courtroom. This unique perspective provides cyclists across Florida with the representation they deserve. Your race for compensation begins here. 904-632-2424 Jacksonville, Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney Chris Burns, 233 East Bay Street – 8th Floor, Jacksonville, Fl 32202 (ph 904-632-2424; floridacyclinglaw.com) fitted and fastened, and meets federal regulations for bike helmets. This includes children in a child seat or in a child-carrying trailer. If not, a traffic citation can be issued. This ticket can be reduced by a parent or guardian presenting proof that a helmet has been purchased for the child. Bicycle Helmets Deteriorate Over Time The Snell Foundation, that tests and certifies helmets, recommends that helmets be replaced every five years. Snell says that, “Hair oils, body fluids, cosmetics and normal ‘wear and tear,’ all contribute to helmet degradation.” If you are similar to all the cyclists with whom I ride, you sweat — a lot! For this reason, Snell would suggest that you replace your helmet every five years. If you are in a crash and any part of your helmet is impacted, you should replace the helmet. The U.S. ANSI guidelines say any helmet in an accident must be destroyed or turned in to the manufacturer. The United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires helmets to have labeling that states, in part, that, “a helmet that has sustained an impact should be returned to the manufacturer for inspection or be destroyed and replaced.” CFR §1203.1. The Federal Law and Bicycle Helmets There is no federal law requiring bicycle helmets and no state mandates bicycle helmet use for riders of all ages. A proposed law was considered by Maryland’s legislature this year, and was rejected. See the map of the states. The most common age limit for these laws is under 16 (view PDF at http://floridacyclinglaw.com/blog/archives/statebicycle-helmet-law). My Thoughts on Bicycle Helmets I encourage all cyclists to wear bicycle helmets, I wear one religiously myself. I support bicycle clubs who mandate wearing helmets on all club affiliated events. While the American Academy of Pediatrics supports federal law that requires bicycle helmets for all riders, children or adults, I don’t support such a mandate (I wish they all would wear a helmet). Many low income and indigent people use bicycles as their only form of transportation. They often cannot afford a bicycle helmet. Some argue that a mandatory bicycle helmet law would be discriminatory to these citizens. More minorities are unable to afford cars and depend on bicycles. They would be burdened by the law. In further support of this concept, some advocates point to studies in foreign countries where mandatory bike helmet laws have been passed, where data suggest bicycle ridership has then decreased. Personally, I am simply not certain this data is reliable. As my personal choice I am certain of only one thing: I will always wear my bicycle helmet. Potential Bicycle Helmet Lawsuits There have been many recalls of defectively manufactured or designed helmets. Lawsuits have been filed against helmet manufacturers and bicycle shops have been sued for breaching their duty to sell a helmet that fits properly. Race organizers have been sued for failing to require hard shell bicycle helmets. Conversely, a parent of a child who was injured while riding without a helmet has been held by a court as being negligent in causing the child’s injuries by knowingly failing to make sure the child wore a helmet. Fall 2013 3 Thanks to Our Donors! 3rd Q 2013: City names denote board and program staff member distribution. Is your area represented? Contact a board member today! Lifetime members Advocating a bicycle-friendly Florida Jacksonville Orange Park Gainesville P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Waldo DeLand Board of Directors Mighk Wilson, President 737 S. Mills Ave. Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: 407-488-9990 [email protected] Jodi Hohlstein, Vice President 3838 Cardinal Oaks Circle Orange Park, FL 32065 Phone: 904-282-2180 [email protected] Earl Lang, Secretary /Treasurer 1700 Tamiami Trail, E-5 Port Charlotte, FL 33948 Phone: 941-258-3400 [email protected] Christopher G. Burns, Esq. Terrell Hogan 233 East Bay Street - 8th floor Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: 904-632-2424 [email protected] Ron Cunningham 2111 NW 20th Street Gainesville, FL 32605 Phone: 352-262-5798 [email protected] John Egberts PO Box 118208 Gainesville, FL 32611 Phone: 352-294-1685 [email protected] Hope Howland-Cook 10245 Winding Creek Lane Orlando, FL 32825 Phone: 352-514-0652 [email protected] Ted Wendler 716 Ohio Ave. DeLand, FL 32724 Phone: 386-235-0057 [email protected] Orlando Mighk and Carol Wilson Mr. & Mrs. H. Middleton Raynal James Nash Duke Breitenbach Kimberly Cooper Dr. Joe Warren William R. Hough Earle and Laura Reynolds Executive Director Tim Bustos 336 N Woodland Blvd. Deland, FL 32720 Phone: 850-238-5328 [email protected] Program Director Dan Moser 1449 Linhart Ave. Ft. Myers, FL 33901 Phone/Fax: 239-334-6417 [email protected] Golden Gears ($250 - $499) Chapters & Affiliates Port Charlotte Ft Myers Silver Spokes ($100 - $249) First Coast Chapter Director Jeff Hohlstein, Director Jacksonville Phone: 904-291-8664 [email protected] www.fbafirstcoast.org Tim Mulligan Ron Cunningham Susan Cunningham Gregory Dudley Mark Greenberg Operations Manager Laura Hallam 20420 NE 132nd Ave. Waldo FL 32694 Phone: 407-399-9961 [email protected] Membership Bike/Walk Central Fla., Inc. Jay Dugan John Anderson Dan Clark Becky Afonso [email protected] David Henderson [email protected] Louis Rossi [email protected] Michelle Avola Reese [email protected] Herb Hiller, Journalist [email protected] Tina Russo [email protected] Don Braverman [email protected] Dwight Kingsbury, Historian dwightkingsbury@floridastate. com Robert Seidler, Filmmaker [email protected] Henry N. Lawrence, III, Special Programs [email protected] Laura Minns [email protected] Steve Diez [email protected] Roger Pierce, Touring Calendar [email protected] Hal Downing [email protected] Carol Pulley [email protected] Join FBA Join FBA online at www.fbamembership.org Individual$25 Family$35 Student/living lightly $15 Bicycle Club $100 Corporate/Agency$100 Higher donations are greatly appreciated! See membership categories at right. Pay conveniently online or make check payable and mail to: Florida Bicycle Association, Inc. P.O. Box 916715 Longwood, FL 32791-6715 Michael Dowling Dwight Kingsbury Louis Rossi Welcome New/Rejoining Members! Advisory Board Dan Connaughton, Director, Florida Traffic & Bicycle Safety Education Program [email protected] Hans Hansel Renee Tallevast Norm White Richard Wright Bronze Pedals ($50 - $99) Amanda Day, Project Director Orlando Phone: 407-716-8221 Amanda@bikewalkcentralflorida. orgwww.iyield4peds.org E-mail: [email protected] Keri Caffrey, Webmaster [email protected] Thomas Demarco Visit FBA’s Website www.floridabicycle.org Log in to the FBA Blog Stay up-to-date on bicycle issues with this statewide forum. FBA's Blog is on the website www.floridabicycle.org John Sinibaldi, Jr [email protected] Lisa Walker, Public Affairs [email protected] Randall Williams, Newsletter [email protected] Messenger Deadlines Copy and Advertising Deadlines: Summer Messenger - May 15 Fall Messenger - August 15 Winter Messenger - November 15 Spring Messenger - February 15 Inquiries and submissions: tim@floridabicycle org Membership Categories: Paceline Leaders ($1,000+) Titanium Partners ($500-$999) Golden Gears ($250-$499) Silver Spokes ($100-$249) Bronze Pedals ($50-$99) Membership includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. Allen & Barbara Slifkin Anand Patil Asad J Minhas Bill T Edmonds Bojun T BjorkmanChiswell Bruce Sobut Carol Filippone Charles & Debby Courtney Cheryl & Gary Boggs Chris Smith Clark Walter Clifford Scott Dudley Daniel & Sally Gutierrez Daniel E Goodermont Daniel Ott & Christina Willis-Ott David & Jane Brightbill Dean Mimms Dick Combs Duane D Rice Ed Dunne Erin & Reggie Gentle Franck Saragossi Gary & Ann Grooms Gregory & Sandy Dudley Henry S Miller Hernan Ortega Humberto Florez Jay Stoeber Jenn Bowers & Tom Armstrong Jeri & Jerry Jaminet Jessica West Jimmy and Lisa Streer John & Robin Silvester John D Hardy & Dawn Wilson John F Anderson John Kish John L Peterson Karen M Loewen Kenneth & Blanche Sheinkopf Kenny Mikey Linda K Kirkpatrick Lloyd & Diane Lemons Lyle Seaman Mario Kuan Paul D Morris Sr & Claudia Morris Rebecca Nelsen Richard E Rising Robert Joslyn Robert Mendel Robyn & Lee Niblock Ron & Jill Cunningham Sandy Hazeltine Scott H Stanley Sharon & Jeff Korstick Shelly A Wilson Steve & Lisa Goldstein Steven Krueger Steven Speairs Sylvia Hayes Todd M McCurdy Vance & Vance Eaddy W. Jay & Shelby Dugan William & Alisa Davis William & Cindy DeSantis Zack & Zack Wheat 4 Florida Bicycle Association President’s message... Disturbing trends in law enforcement Mighk Wilson s more and more people take to cycling in Florida, and as more and more learn how to drive their bicycles in a safe and lawabiding manner, a disheartening trend is starting to emerge. We are hearing of more and more cases in which lawabiding cyclists are stopped by law enforcement, sometimes given citations, and some of those citations are being upheld. Florida law is clear—well, clear enough if one reads it without bias. Bicyclists are not required to stay “as close as practicable to the righthand curb or edge” if the lane is too narrow to share, if the cyclist is preparing for a left turn, or if there is any condition or potential conflict that makes it unsafe to stay near the right edge. In its “Green Book” standards the Florida Department of Transportation states that 14 feet is the minimum sharable width between cyclists and passenger cars; even more width is needed when buses and large trucks are present. Most roadways without bike lanes have lanes between 10 and 12 feet wide, and of the few roads with 14foot lanes, many This language is not unique to Florida; tend to have significant truck traffic. it originated in the national Uniform Bicyclists are the only vehicle drivers Vehicle Code (UVC) in the early 1970s, who routinely have to defend themselves when bicycling was starting to catch on to an officer or judge for simply driving again among American adults. in a safe and defenThe few experisive manner. enced cycling In the past four enthusiasts at that Bicyclists should years I’ve been time understood demand merely to be stopped three times the problems with able to control the by local officers here the “far to the right” law; that it in Central Florida, space around us to forces cyclists to and told a few other protect ourselves from ride where they are times by passing most likely to get officers to get to the the carelessness and to right edge (or even of otherwise innocent squeezed suffer right hooks onto the sidewalk). motorists. and other conflictIn all cases I was ing movements. legally controlling a Those cyclists narrow lane. managed to have exceptions added to the I began using lane control in 1995 after UVC so that cyclists can legally avoid reading John Forester’s Effective Cycling, and had not been stopped once from ‘94 such conflicts, but too often officers and to 2009. judges only read “as close as practicable Similar stories from other cyclists are to the right-hand curb or edge” and go becoming routine. no further. The source of this problem is a poorly Or when they read “a lane that is too written statute; F.S. 316.2065, section 5. narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the FBA is your voice consultants (including me), our hands are full; Florida’s a large and diverse state. And although we share a percentage of Share the Road vehicle tag fee revenue with Bike Florida, those funds can be used only for one of our core activities: public education and awareness. For all of our other priorities and efforts FBA depends on membership funds. FBA’s headquarters is in DeLand, a very nice small city north of Orlando that’s situated in a relatively central location to most of the state. Tim Bustos travels extensively, including making frequent trips to Tallahassee, and serves on a number of statewide transportation and traffic committees, as well as many other activities and forums FBA’s involved in. Also, when staff or board members are able, we try to be represented at organized bicycle events, conferences, and any event that will have us throughout Florida. Many hours are donated by those who take on these tasks, but there are expenses nonetheless. If you want to know more about the work of Florida Bicycle Association you can visit our website at www.floridabicycle.org and Facebook pages at www.facebook.com/FloridaBicycleAssociation. To join or renew your membership please go to www.fbamembership.org. Your support is vital and appreciated. by Dan Moser, Program Director aving a voice at the many tables of decision-making on the statewide level for policies, directives, actions, and law-making is important for anyone who wants to have an impact in the various forums where things that really matter happen. It’s even more vital when the odds are stacked against a cause or interest, as is the case when it comes to Florida’s chronic propensity to keep as many cars and trucks moving and at the highest speeds as the plumbing will allow, usually at the expense of other users of our public rights-of-way. For bicyclists — even if we also drive — FBA is an important ally that serves as the voice of all who believe nonmotorists should have equal access and feel safe on our roads and pathways. If you’re a member of FBA, you likely understand and appreciate this dynamic. But you who may have picked up this newsletter at a bike shop or event where FBA was represented: I’m hoping you’ll take to heart the importance of becoming a member — or renewing if you let your membership lapse. As a non-profit association with a staff of one full-timer (Tim Bustos, the Executive Director) and four part-time lane” they assume they understand how wide is safe and wide enough. Unfortunately, if they are wrong it’s the cyclist who suffers. “Self d efense” has been a big topic in the news in recent months. The Florida legislature tells us it’s okay to “meet force with force ... if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm.” Bicyclists could (and should) demand merely to be able to control the space around us in order to protect ourselves from the carelessness of otherwise innocent motorists. Rescinding the “far to the right” law is not an immediate goal for FBA—there is much ground work that needs to be done first—but eventually we will bring that fight to Tallahassee. Your membership in and support of FBA will help us continue to fight for the rights and safety of all Florida’s bicyclists. If a society punishes competence and peaceful selfdefense, where is it headed? Nowhere I wish to be. Membership Matters Change is usually difficult and sometimes resisted. FBA’s move to a fully computerized and self-managed membership program is a perfect example. After decades of using a variety of systems to handle this important aspect of our organization, we felt it was time to move into the 21st century. Club Express was chosen because one of our member clubs uses it and for the benefits it offers to members and the organization alike. On our end, we’re still learning all the features and tricks but there is plenty yet to learn. For our members, it appears most have embraced it, although some are still having trouble managing their own account/profile or simply not interested in doing so. We put everyone who was an active or past member into Club Express’s database so you if you fall into either category you already have an account/profile. If you’re not sure if you’re included, click on the login link on the top right of our membership home page (fbamembership.org) then click on the “Forgot My Username/Password” link. Enter your name and email address. If the system does not find you, it might just mean we don’t have an email address for you, or the one we have is incorrect. Before creating a new member record, please contact the Membership Director. If your name is found, give us a current email address and we’ll update your record and send you a password reset. Ideally, everyone will eventually buy-in and at least try our new system. But if you’re having problems or don’t have a computer, please don’t hesitate to contact Dan Moser at [email protected] or (239) 334-6417. FBA depends on your financial support to do our work so will make every effort to ensure you can successfully join, renew, or donate. Fall 2013 5 Executive Director’s corner... Fall brings out the best in us Tim Bustos t’s finally fall — yay! As one of my cycling friends put it, Floridians tend to appreciate fall more than most people in the country — because we feel we deserve it! Already, the mornings are just a tad cooler, and the afternoons don’t feel quite as hot. Yes, we do still have some hot weather in front of us before it finally cools down, but by the time this issue of the FBA Messenger goes to print, most of the hot weather will be behind us, and the best cycling weather of the year will lie ahead! ooo Along with cooler weather comes shorter days. We still have a month and a half before we go off daylight savings time, but already the days are getting just a tad shorter, too. If you don’t have one already (and you should, really), it’s not too soon to start thinking about getting a good bike light. As we ease into fall, a good light is needed both for those awesome early morning rides before work and for those good leg stretchers at the end of the day. Before considering ordering a light online, please see the friendly folks at your local bike shop. They have a wide assortment of lights to fit your cycling needs, and knowledgeable staff to answer any questions you may have. Considering you can pay anywhere from $20.00 to $400.00 for a decent bike light, having knowledgeable bike shop staff to answer your questions is a big plus! ooo For long time FBA members, and/or regular readers of the FBA Messenger (we actually hope you’re both), you know the Florida Bicycle Association offers many fine services and programs for its members. If you’re new around here, please allow me to list some of our more prominent ones: Programs: “Cycling Savvy” is the very popular, extremely effective bicyclist education program developed for cyclists of all skill levels. Even “roadies” with years of experience in the saddle have taken this class and have told us they learned many things they never even knew about, and that they now feel much safer and more confident when riding in traffic. This program started out as a “Florida only” program, but it has been so suc- cessful, it has now expanded into nine other states! Florida Bicycle Law Toolkit: “Ask Geo” This is a bicycle law enforcement column way, it’s a good primer for taking a Cycling Savvy class. As a stand-alone document, it’s one of our most popular publications. It’s not too soon to start thinking about getting a good bike light...for those awesome early morning rides before work. on our website (http://flbikelaw.org/) set up in a question and answer format [see page 11 of this issue for a sampling of the Q&A –Ed.]. If you have a question regarding bike laws and your rights on the road, this is the place to go. This part of our website gets more hits than any other part of our site — many of them from law enforcement officers, and many of them from out of state. We are quick to point out — this is not “legal advice” in the strict sense of the word, but it is factual, up-to-date and, if you have a question, you will be directed to the appropriate section of the Florida Statutes. Your host, George Martin, is extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter. Legislative Programs: Each year, FBA works with the Florida Legislature to improve conditions for cycling throughout the state. Examples of past successes include establishment of the “Share the Road” license plate (the first bicycle specialty license plate in the nation), which helps fund many of our safety initiatives; the “three foot law” which established a minimum safe passing distance; and clarification on those instances on when cyclists can legally leave the bike lane as part of the mandatory bike lane law. For safety reasons, FBA is also working on getting the mandatory bike lane law repealed. Other legislative priorities for the future include efforts to increase penalties for hit and run crashes, and getting funding approved for a cross-state bike trail (the “Coast to Coast Connector.”) Publications: Florida Bicycling Street Smarts. This publication, which is basically “drivers’ ed for cyclists,” contains what every cyclist should have been taught from the very beginning, but never was. In terms of how cyclists should ride, and where they should ride in the road- Florida Bicycle and Pedestrian Law Enforcement Guide. Originally developed as a guide for law enforcement officers, it is also one of our most popular publications for FBA members. It summarizes all critical laws pertaining to bicycles and pedestrians in Florida, and it is published in a handy pocket size for carrying with you while riding. (Note: We will mail any of our publications at no charge to FBA members). These programs, work products, and even our legislative priorities, are just a sampling of what we’d like to do, and what we’re doing already. However, we’d like to hear from you — our members. If you think there is something we should be doing and you don’t see it, please go to our website, floridabicycle.org and see if it’s already there. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know. improve conditions for cycling in Florida, so we’re already on it. However, the Florida Bicycle Association is your organization, so we want to hear from you. What needs to be done to make our roads safer for cycling in Florida? Is it better facilities? More bike lanes? Better education for motorists? Please let us know, and we’ll try to make it happen! As usual, we do appreciate your support, but be careful out there! ooo As professionals, the board of directors and staff at FBA have a pretty good idea about what we need to do to help The mission of the Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) is to inspire and support people and communities to enjoy greater freedom and well-being through bicycling. The Florida Bicycle Association was incorporated in 1997 for educational and charitable purposes. FBA is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations, including membership dues, are tax deductible. A copy of the current financial statements may be obtained by contacting FBA, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. To become a member supporter of FBA, join online at www.fbamembership.org. The Florida Bicycle Association Messenger is published quarterly as a service to members and advocates for a bicycle-friendly Florida by the Florida Bicycle Association, P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32791. www.floridabicycle.org; e-mail: tim@floridabicycle.org; Phone: 850-238-5238 Membership in FBA includes a subscription to the FBA Messenger. The FBA Messenger accepts and welcomes your advertising! Please see the Website for rates and specifications or e-mail [email protected]. Publishers reserve the right to review advertising content and to reject advertising that, in the opinion of the Association, is neither in the best interest of FBA’s members nor its goals and objectives. Although we carefully review articles and information submitted, FBA is not responsible for the information or opinions contained herein unless explicitly stated as official policy of FBA. © 2013 Florida Bicycle Association All rights reserved. 6 Florida Bicycle Association DeWayne Carver is new Florida Dept. of Transportation Bike/Ped Coordinator continued from page 1 BikeFlorida, and the many other excellent groups trying to make Florida a great bicycling state. Although still very new to FDOT, and still digging into his new job, FBA staff was able to catch up with him at his office in Tallahassee where DeWayne graciously agreed to take a few minutes from his busy schedule for an FBA Messenger interview: FBA: How long have you been with FDOT at this point, and what have been your experiences so far? DeWayne: I have now been here exactly three weeks, and it’s been great, but I acknowledge I’m still very much in the “honeymoon” phase of my job. What I’ve noticed is that it’s such a large organization with so many responsibilities, that FDOT really seems to work hard at cultivating long-term employee retention so that there is minimal turnover, and that’s encouraging. I’m very much interAdditionally, everybody has been very “...we really have so ested in how we can and effectively friendly and profesmuch to do to improve safely incorporate bicycle sional. the conditions facilities into the Of course, the other state’s transportation thing I’ve noticed is for bicycles network, and I feel that it’s a dramatic and pedestrians that, with my backchange from the threeground, and what I’ve person office I was in Florida...” learned over the years working in, to the — DeWayne Carver as an LCI and CSI, I Burns Building where can help influence I currently work, that process in a very meaningful way. which I estimate probably has nearly a thousand employees working in it! FBA: What do you see as your biggest FBA: What do you hope to accomplish challenge in the months and years ahead? as the statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator? DeWayne: Well, as I mentioned previDeWayne: One of the reasons I was interested in this job at this point in time is because it was moved into the office of Roadway Design, which is my area of expertise. IHMC* Pensacola joins Bikes at Work program mployees at IHMC Pensacola are finding it easier to get around downtown for lunch or work errands. The institute has joined Bikes at Work, a program to provide bicycles for local commutes. Encouraging Pensacola businesses to provide bicycles is the brainchild of Think Beyond** (thinkbeyond.org), a non-profit formed to support “a diverse community” that will serve “to educate, connect, inspire and develop a sustainable Pensacola,” according to its website. IHMC General Counsel Julie Sheppard is the group’s treasurer. “There are a lot of reasons to support Bikes at Work,” Sheppard said. “We want downtown to be more open to bicyclists and pedestrians instead of everyone getting in their cars to go a few blocks. “And a lot of our international visitors at IHMC don’t have cars. This will be a great way for them to see our community. “Plus,” she said, “we want our employees to remain healthy.” IHMC has offices in three buildings located within a two-block stretch of Alcaniz Street in the Seville Historic District in the heart of downtown. The institute has purchased five bicycles, spread among the sites. IHMC Director and co-founder Ken Ford often stresses that the downtown Pensacola location of the institute is a key asset for recruiting employees. Recent years have seen a rebirth of downtown as a vibrant commercial and lifestyle center, with restaurants, retail shops, entertainment, offices and professional and service businesses. Streets that used to be empty are now often crowded, even on weekend mornings as people come downtown for Broadway shows, a Double-A professional minor league baseball team, shopping, a growing residential sector and a Saturday farmer’s market. According to Think Beyond, downtown Pensacola is perfect for bicycling because it retains the human-scale grid of its pre-automobile past. That includes narrow street widths and short blocks, keeping traffic slow. Downtown planners have incorporated wide use of four-way-stop intersections to further accommodate pedestrians and bikers. Also, the core of downtown, while expanding, remains comfortably compact. Its density and short travel lengths make it a natural setting for bicycling and walking. Jessie Bell, a Bikes at Work project leader, said the group is also working with the City of Pensacola and businesses to install bike racks around downtown. *Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, Vol. 10 No. 2 (www.ihmc.us) Reprinted with permission **facebook.com/thinkbeyondpensacola ously, one of my biggest challenges, I think, is transitioning from a three-person office to a building with nearly a thousand people in it! But seriously, we really have so much to do to improve the conditions for bicycles and pedestrians in Florida, we not only have to make physical changes to the roadway environment, but we have cultural changes we need to make within FDOT, and that will require a sustained effort over a long period of time for that to be effective. FBA: Are there any specific skills or abilities you have that could help you overcome some of these challenges? NO EXIT I think one of my biggest challenges that I haven’t mentioned yet is also one of the things I’m actually looking forward to the most, and that would be working with, and providing leadership to the District Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinators. And, yes, I feel that the knowledge and skills I’ve picked up in various jobs over the years will be an asset as I work with the district coordinators and others within the department. I know that working as a consultant for many years, I’ve had to lead many projects, meetings and initiatives that weren’t always easy—that frequently involved controversy—but I was almost always able to resolve issues and overcome challenges. If you have any questions for DeWayne about the FDOT Bicycle Program, or if you simply would like to welcome him to his new job, his contact info is detailed below: DeWayne Carver, AICP State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Florida Department of Transportation Roadway Design Office 605 Suwannee Street MS 32 Tallahassee FL 32399 (850) 414-4322 direct [email protected] © Andy Singer Fall 2013 7 Major bike/ped project funding: collaboration and persistence pay off by Dan Moser, FBA Program Director The Lee County Metropolitan Planning he third time was a charm! Organization (MPO), the official grant After two solid but unfundapplicant, worked in coordination with ed proposals that had been subthe MPO Board (elected officials from all mitted to USDOT’s local governments), state and local Transportation Investment departments of transportation, citizen Generating Economic Recovery advocates (particu(TIGER) grant program larly BikeWalkLee) seeking significant financial resources to improve For a county of less and consultants to develop the three Lee County’s bicycle and than one million, this applications. pedestrian network, the After each unsucthird attempt paid off. level of funding cessful round, the US Secretary of for bike/ped projects proposal was refined Transportation Anthony is relatively rare... but the basic comFoxx made a surprise ponents and goals visit to Lee County in remained the same. early September to Based on Lee County’s Complete announce an award of over $10 million. Streets initiative and MPO Bicycle/ For a county of less than one-million Pedestrian Master Plan, the project people to win this level of funding spebuilds upon the infrastructure completed cifically for bike/ped projects is relatively through the years to plan, design and rare, but because of some serious collabbuild a safer, more accessible non-motororation between community partners, ized transportation network in Lee along with expert assistance in honing County, and does so through coordinathe application, it did indeed happen. tion and cooperation among governtheir consultants), was a boon to those ments and organizations. who took advantage of a resource that Having an advocacy group that works usually comes only with a hefty price tag. well with government and others is a There are plenty of grants and other vital element necessary for something resources available that could have the like this to happen. kind of impact this TIGER grant will, but In this case, howevthere are no guaraner, an added benefit tees that the time and that came with Having an advocacy effort put into the BikeWalkLee is broad application process group that works expertise and a willwill pay off, so many ingness to expend well with government governments and many volunteer hours organizations don’t and others is a seeing the effort pursue them. vital element... through. Most are very comOne of the key indipetitive, depend on viduals who was cooperation among instrumental in this success is FBA’s 2010 sometimes competing entities, and Citizen Bicycle Advocate of the Year require skill in preparing proposals. All award recipient Darla Letourneau. was the case with TIGER, but that did Darla’s background and skills as a forpay off for Lee County this time around. mer federal government policy analyst, For complete details of the proposed dedication to cycling, unbelievable (and projects and background on the effort to uncompensated) time commitment, and obtain TIGER funding, go to ability to work well within any governBikeWalkLee’s blog at http://bikewalklee. mental environment (including with blogspot.com. Off the top... Lost in the traffic LANE of time by Robert Seidler t age 60, by now I have expeMost of these places see my feet makrienced many difficult situaing the first steps; theirs have long ago tions. retreated back to grains of earth. I sit now in the traffic These people walked, boated and travLANE unbirthed, concealed eled for trade all across the southeast by biases and words that do not define parts of North America (the tools are the magnitude of issues associated with made of stones not of local origin). what is seemingly just simple travel. These people persisted because of their I live surrounded by a National nature. They arrived because of the footWildlife Refuge, a place where 13-foot path and desire and need to explore. alligators eat 200These paths, like the pound buck deer like St Augustine trail To be fully conscious between St. Marks and the wind blows leaves. Reminders of the St. Augustine in the we must redefine magnitude of billions 1500s, are now highthe LANE as a of years of evolutionways laid on the footneutral ground with paths worn by these ary challenges solved are in eyesight undispeople. mutual respect, turbed now and But even before a new-formed civility these tribes realized tomorrow and are built of the yesterdays their desires, animals and mindfulness of time. walked to water and They are undeniably food on paths they correct if you can focus on just the facts wore so deep in time that no man could — not emotion. imagine why. The entire 4 billion years of pre-histoThe tribal hunters waited here by the ry are still undisturbed and largely unwater and plunged spears and arrows challenged outside my backdoor. into game as it crossed waters’ path. For thousands of years there were peoThe development of the LANE goes ple here, highly organized tribes that back even further to the early dinosaurs were, very successfully, part of the ecoand the dry creek beds they explored for system. Their past histories lie on the water and for food. There is a natural shell mound islands now dotted with component to this travel and exploration cedar trees and cabbage palms. that is essential to life itself. The LANE is that place-mark now full of motorists clueless to its history or value as a place of discovery itself. It is a celebration — or should be — of the early meaning of these linear corridors for people and goods and travel. One could say the first goods moved were moving themselves and were the game that made the trails then became the meat of the trail and the tribe. This primitive hunter and hunted point of view may still be playing out when it comes to the LANE and the path we take as drivers. We are still only animals with millions of years of evolutionary development as primitive creatures trying to survive at any cost to others. We are now just out of the egg as conscious thinking and caring beings that have some regard for others, at times. We still owe our life to the death of the other living creatures that we eat for our growth and energy. We are animals, we think and we guess at future outcomes. The LANE may be the battleground, still, between food, exploration and dominance; dominance over our ecosystem and over others that we can exploit for our needs. Easy prey saves energy and time and the human-powered traveler is the easy game of choice. To be fully conscious, finally we must redefine the LANE as a place for human activity, a neutral ground with mutual respect and a new-formed civility and mindfulness. The hunter and the hunted must move from the paleo-brainstem of the past to the cortex of the future and logical thought must prevail. Highways must be redefined as humanways of travel and open for civil commerce as the early trails were open for survival. It is a simple switch to pull and will transition our society into the future as we discover ourselves safe from the hunters and savagery of the past. — Robert Seidler is a filmmaker, cyclist and nature-based guide who lives in Panacea/Sopchoppy Florida 8 Florida Bicycle Association Cape Coral ‘Games’ set events for ages 50+ senior cyclists DeLand FL, October 25 - 27 Riding • Fully Supported 25, 40 & 65 mile rides. • Self-Guided Rides Advocacy & Education Programs • Be a Bicycle Friendly Community presented by the League of American Bicyclists.* • Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program in your community. • Introduction to Cycling Savvy • Hands on Bicycle Maintenance Classes Networking • Awards Dinner Banquet • Friday night Social, Art Walk & Music • Saturday Bicycle Parade *AICP CM credit approved. VisitWestVolusia.com/strcc [email protected] When you get off your bike, go on FBA’s new website. Stay informed at www.floridabicycle.org he Florida International Senior Games & State Championships Cycling Championships return to the roads of Cape Coral in December, 2013. Organizers have scheduled events for beginning to seasoned senior cyclists, age 50 and up, on road or recumbent bicycles. Included in the slate are 5K and 10K time trials on December 10 and 20K and 40K road races on December 12. Both courses are “off the beaten path,” and provide the opportunity for a safe racing experience. Recumbent riders have opportunity to participate in the time trials events as a separate classification of bike. The 20K and 40K road races will be held in the quiet Gator Circle neighborhood with easy access from the parking area to the course. Florida residents must participate and qualify at one of the local senior games before riding in the state championships in December. Participants who qualify in one cycling event are eligible for all cycling events. A list of all fall local senior games qualifiers can be found at www.flasports.com. Race organizers are seeking a large number of volunteers for the event. For more information about competition or volunteering visit www.flasports. com, email [email protected] or call toll-free 1-866-254-3627. Fall 2013 9 New board members appointed at FBA summer meeting Originally from Sarasota, John Egberts has spent most of his life in Gainesville, where he currently resides. After receiving a B.S. in exercise and sport sciences from UF in 2008, John began working on his master’s degree in sport management. While obtaining his master’s degree at UF, he worked as the graduate assistant with the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program (FTBSEP) for two years. Since graduating in 2010, he has served as the FTBSEP Assistant Director in a full-time capacity. In this position, John works extensively with school districts, Florida Dept. of Transportation, Safe Routes to School personnel, school teachers and others to coordinate and conduct teacher training workshops and improve pedestrian/bicycle safety throughout Florida. John is certified by the League of American Bicyclists as a League Cycling Instructor. In addition to working with the FTBSEP, John is a Ph.D. student (Health and Human Performance/Sport Management) and conducts research in the area of safety and risk management in sport and physical activity programs. John Egberts Ron Cunningham John is a frequent conference presenter in the area of pedestrian and bicycle safety and has co-authored pedestrian/bicycle safety articles for publication and has other research in progress. Besides bicycling, John enjoys attending sport events (especially involving the Florida Gators), scuba diving and restoring vehicles. ooooo as editorial page editor of The Gainesville Sun, Ron accepted the position of Executive Director of Bike Florida. He had previously served on Bike Florida’s Board of Directors for about five years. During his last 10 years at The Sun Ron commuted to work daily on his bicycle. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of our sister organization the Florida Bicycle Association,” he said. “My goal is to work to improve the lines of communication and increase Ron Cunningham recently retired from a 36-year career in the newspaper business. Stepping down after nearly 30 years cooperation between our two organizations and more closely align the goals, missions and future plans of Bike Florida and FBA to more effectively advance cycling as a safe, enjoyable and practical means of transportation in the State of Florida.” Ron continues to live in Gainesville, a silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community. In addition to his duties at Bike Florida Ron writes a Sunday column for the Gainesville Sun and is also the Sun’s theater critic. His secret ambition is to circumnavigate the State of Florida on a bicycle while blogging about his Sunshine State adventures on two wheels. ooooo According to FBA’s bylaws, “the Board shall consist of at least three members and no more than eleven members.” Currently, there are three seats available so if you are interested in getting more involved at the board or advisory board level, contact executive director Tim Bustos or board president Mighk Wilson. For a list of board members and their contact information, go to page 3. Is your area of the state represented? Q à ğ í Ø į Õ Ã µį=íĽğ Ãæ ğ ĉ : Ļř ıÁ ğŎ PææÃʼnğĤP Magical History Tour +PğqÁįĻĻÂĻįįjį 7PØPıÕQįįįįjįįįįPōıíæQįįįįjįįįį:IJďįĽ´ĽĤıÃæ ğíĽ´ÀIJį=îįIíľįŎ~ 10 Florida Bicycle Association You, too, can be an efficient fat-burning machine by Earl Lang o you know that an ancient invention is the most efficient fat burning machine available today? Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology* has shown that fat is only burned aerobically and by moderate intensity exercise over a long term. It has been observed that low-power (exercise) carbohydrate oxidation facilitates fat oxidation, but that high-power carbohydrate oxidation actually inhibits fat use. What is this invention that allows normal people to enjoy aerobic exercise at a moderate intensity for an hour or more? The bicycle! Why does this single out the bicycle? Bicycles are very efficient machines and when properly fitted to you, are comfortable and easy to operate. With this combination of features, the bicycle is a pleasant way to exercise at an easy to moderate effort level continuously for long periods of time. It has been shown that vigorous exercise over short periods of time tends to burn sugars and carbohydrates, which leads to immediate feelings of hunger. These hunger pangs along with the justification of having exercised lead us to “pig out” to satisfy our hunger. As a weight loss technique we know this doesn’t work because it is so much easier to consume calories than burn them off. However, riding a bicycle for an hour or more will burn mostly fat and not cause extreme hunger pangs. While it is difficult to continue most other types of exercise for an hour or more, on a bicycle it is quite easy. On a bicycle, in an hour, traveling at an easy pace, you will travel 8 to 12 miles. You will see a lot of scenery and at this pace your breathing will not be labored and you should be able to carry on normal conversations with your riding companions. Good exercise, good conversation, fresh air and a feeling of freedom; all while burning off fat and improving your circulation. What’s not to like? Once you have done this for a while, you will find that an hour bicycle ride will not tire you and you will be energized for the rest of the day. This method of replacing fat with muscle doesn’t produce the dramatic weight losses claimed by advertisements for pills and miracle cures, but it does far more for you than any “magic pill” you might take. Bicycling can lead you to an improved life style, with more energy, more enthusiasm and an improve view in the mirror as those rolls of fat just slowly melt away. Here are a couple of suggestions. On the Internet check out one of the calorie management websites for some diet tracking guides. caloriecount.about.com, myfitnesspal.com and my-calorie-counter.com are just three of many. These and other sites (some are mobile-friendly) will help you keep track of your diet/calorie intake and allow you to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) which will give you the number of calories you need per day to lose weight. The other suggestion is to join one of the many weekend group rides (see the touring calendar on page 14 for some ideas) for a fun time with friends who are burning fat while they enjoy the sites around the state. *Holloszy and Coyle. “Adaptations of skeletal muscle to endurance exercise and their metabolic consequences.” Journal of Applied Physiology, 56 (1984) One example of a mobile App for keeping track of your calories is this one (CalorieCounter.com) designed for Android phones and available from the Google store. Central Florida’s Polk County is the “Cycling Capital of Florida.” Explore more than 60 miles of paved multi-use trails and 1,700 miles of pre-mapped road routes. Unlike most of Florida’s flat terrain, Central Florida’s unique topography provides elevation changes of more than 300 feet, so your cycling adventure won’t fall flat! Ready to ignite the fire inside yourself? Scan the QR code now to learn more. 800-828-7655 CFSM641 FL Bicycle Association 2013 Newsletter ad.indd 1 facebook.com/VisitCentralFlorida twitter.com/VisitCentralFL 8/6/13 11:45 AM Fall 2013 11 Do you have a question about the laws related to bicycling? Ask Geo @ FlBikeLaw.org* George Martin Crosswalks and Right Turns David asked: I often ride on sidewalks with the flow of traffic though there is a bike lane. My question has to do with right turning vehicles: If I were to be struck by a vehicle in this circumstance, crossing in a crosswalk, who presumably would be at fault? Q A We can’t determine fault without all the details of a particular incident. Numerous variables could influence that, so that is the function of the courts. Briefly, bicyclists in a crosswalk have the rights and duties of pedestrians; motorists must yield under most circumstances. One determining factor may be the speed of the cyclist. Handguns on Bicycles B. Donah asked: Can I carry a handgun while riding my bicycle without a Florida concealed weapons permit (CWP), provided the weapon is stored in either a backpack, or saddlebag? There are no definitive statues that address bicycles and firearm transport. From what I gather, it comes down to the following: Q (5) Possession in Private Conveyance – Notwithstanding subsection (2), it is lawful and is not a violation of s. 790.01 for a person 18 years of age or older to possess a concealed firearm or other weapon for self-defense or other lawful purpose within the interior of a private conveyance, without a license, if the firearm or other weapon is securely encased or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Is a bicycle considered a private conveyance? I would assume so, as a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle. Does a bicycle have an interior? Doughty v. State, 979 So. 2d 1048 – Fla: Dist. Court of Appeals, 4th Dist. 2008 In this case, we consider whether the private conveyance exception of section 790.25, Florida Statutes, permits the unlicensed carrying of a concealed firearm or other weapon in a zippered pack around the waist while riding a motorcycle. We conclude that it does not. Under the facts presented, Doughty did not meet the statutory requirements of the private conveyance exception because, albeit he was traveling in a private conveyance and his firearm was securely encased, he was carrying the firearm on his person and did not have it within an interior compartment of his motorcycle. We therefore affirm the trial court’s denial of Doughty’s motion to dismiss. s. 790.001 – Definitions (17) “Securely encased” means in a glove compartment, whether or not locked; snapped in a holster; in a gun case, whether or not locked; in a zippered gun case; or in a closed box or container which requires a lid or cover to be opened for access. Get the knowledge and experience to cycle your roadways with confidence. FBA’s cycling education program will show you simple strategies to eliminate obstacles and ride with ease in places you might never have thought possible. While worn on the back, unlike a fanny pack, a backpack is unreachable. Also, backpacks have zippers. A pannier or handlebar bag is reachable while riding, but could its attachment to the private conveyance be considered an interior? A This is beyond the scope of traffic law and I won’t hazard a guess as to the intent of the laws about handguns. I suggest you ask one of the instructors for the concealed weapons permit classes for their opinion and an authoritative law enforcement reference. Lights on a Sidewalk Quinton asked: Are lights still required at night even though you are riding your bike on sidewalk? Q A When on a sidewalk, a cyclist is still operating a bicycle, which must be equipped with lights. The following statute applies: s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations (7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section. Note that the statute does not limit the use of lights to bicycle in the roadway or any other location. When on the sidewalk at night, lights are required. As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, a website exists to provide a place to ask questions about the laws. This is a continuing series that addresses some of the questions and provide updates about FBA’s Bicycle Law Enforcement Program. *DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this column is to inform about bicycling laws. The material provided here and through other means is for general informational purposes only and shall in no way constitute or be construed as legal advice by the officers, directors, agents or employees of the Florida Bicycle Association. If your experience in a court of law or on the streets differs from that presented, we want to know about it, but George Martin and the FBA are not accountable for a ruling contrary to our interpretation of Florida Law or other consequences of cycling. You should seek legal advice on a particular situation. Cycling Savvy courses now available in Orlando, DeLand, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach, Tallahassee and Tampa Bay areas. Go to the Web site to contact an area coordinator near you. Some Online Resources Have you a subscription to the Share the Road Newsletter? It’s filled with information about bicycling events, people and places (including great trail maps for off road cycling). sign up at www.bikeflorida.org. If you are an Adventure Cyclist, check out the adventurecycling.org newsletter, Bike Bits. To subscribe, visit: http://www.adventurecycling. org/bikebits/subscribe.cfm and read their blog at http://blog.adventurecycling.org FBA board president Mighk Wilson blogs regularly at www.mighkwilson. com. His well-researched, philosophical essays will get you thinking on a higher plane. Don’t forget to check out our Cycling Savvy guru, Keri Caffrey’s favorite site, http://cyclingsavvy.org. There you’ll find a pannier-load of stories about “empowerment for unlimited travel.” FBA’s own little program is so popular it’s spreading across the country. Have you taken your class yet? For information about Florida’s bicycle laws, go to http://.Flbikelaw.org. Read through the archives, or ask your own burning question. We reprint some of the questions and answers in the FBA Messenger, but there are many more on the site. Can’t get enough of Keri? Go to her Website/blog at http://CommuteOrlando.com. Lots of great information on “Bicycling in the Real World.” And don’t leave your computer without a visit to (I know it’s another Central Florida site...sorry) the Orlando Sentinel’s own cycling blog, The Chain Gang. http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_thechaingang Sign up for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy eNewsletter to keep on top of advocacy, trail conversions and more http://support.railstotrails. org/site/PageServer?pagename=rtn_registration. Florida Cycling Magazine, a semi-monthly digital magazine dedicated to promoting Florida cycling and focusing on racing, can be found at www. floridaracingmagazine.com. Sign up for the e-mail. 12 Florida Bicycle Association In praise of small wheels by Tim Busstos f only I had a nickel for every time someone said “Hey — where’s the kid you stole that bike from?” For the sake of transparency — it’s true, I do like small wheeled bikes. In fact, I truly love small wheeled bikes. There, I’ve said it in front of God and everybody, including throngs of grown-ups on road bikes with 700c tires, and mountain bikes with 29-inch tires, and lovers of all things titanium and carbon fiber and big. “Why” might you ask when there are so many high quality “big” wheels to choose from? Well, “big” isn’t always better, and “small” doesn’t mean it’s for kids, and there really are a lot of reasons small-wheeled bikes appeal to a lot of people. When I say small-wheeled bikes, I refer primarily to folding bikes, but this also applies to some recumbents and other bikes known as “compact” bikes, such as the venerable “Moulton.” The Moulton bicycle, now made by Pashley Cycles of England, was a design pursued by Dr. Alex Moulton beginning in the late 1950s, when Dr. Moulton sought to re-design bicycles from “scratch.” It should also be pointed out that Dr. adjust for different-size riders and did not suit both genders equally. He was able to design a smaller frame using the smaller wheels, and he was able to make the frame still lighter by employing a “space frame” design, which is a truss-like frame with interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Aside from being very lightweight and strong, some of these bikes are stunningly and technologically beautiful. However, one of the greatest, yet simplest innovations Moulton used for his bicycle “re-design” was the small wheel. Smaller wheels are substantially lighter, and they provide much faster acceleration. This latter feature is particularly useful for racing and urban cycling conditions. One of the biggest misconceptions about small wheeled bikes is that they are slower. I have even been asked multiple times if I have to “pedal faster” to compensate for the smaller wheels, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. Wheel size hasn’t been a function of speed since the days of the “highwheel” bicycles — speed is now a function of gear ratios (if you ever see someone riding a folding bike, check out the size of the front chainring!). Moulton AM GT Moulton invented the rubber cone suspension system for the BMC mini automobile, an innovation he included in the design of the Moulton bicycle. This put Dr. Moulton way ahead of his time, since suspension wasn’t common on most bicycles until nearly 30 years later (although, technically, suspension on bicycles actually dates back to the early “safety” bicycles of the 1880s) Dr. Moulton also felt the conventional diamond frame used on most bikes was cumbersome, difficult to mount, hard to It is in large part a result of the work Alex Moulton did with the Moulton bicycle that made the modern folding bicycle possible. For years, if you wanted or needed a folding bicycle (formerly the domain of boat owners and small plane owners), you had to give up a lot in terms of performance. With few exceptions, vintage folding bikes (or “folders” as they’re now commonly called) were very heavy, had few gears, and had low quality components. Currently however, with the resurgence in interest for bikes of all types, folding bikes are going through a type of renaissance as well. They are now lighter, faster, and high tech. Depending on your wants or needs, you can spend anywhere from $200 for a low end Dahon, all the way up to $3,000 for Riese & Mueller full suspension folder designed for touring. I’ve ridden most of the folders currently on the market, so I’ve prepared a summary of what I think are the “best of the best” from what’s currently available. If you’re looking for a good, functional folding bike, it’s probably in one of the groups below: Riese & Mueller My favorite folder is the Riese & Mueller “Birdy, that starts at about $1,590 (although you can spend more for more advanced models). It’s very light — at 21 lbs., it’s one of the lightest folders available, yet very comfortable due to its full suspension. It’s also one of the fastest folders out there (12-15 seconds). The only downside is that since they’re not real common in the U.S. (they’re huge in Germany, England, and Australia), you may have to special order one. More info about the Riese & Mueller Bikes Can be found here: http://www.birdybike.com/?Shop Bike Friday Then there’s Bike Friday, which makes a full line of very nice made-to-order travel bikes, and a great little folder called the “Tikit.” You can find out more info on the Tikit line here: www.bikefriday.com/tikit Brompton Another favorite folder with a huge following is the Brompton, a British offering. Bromptons are a tad on the heavy side, but they make up for it with a very clever, extremely compact fold, and little wheels at the back of the rack, which, when folded, act like the wheels at the bottom of a suitcase. You then pull the bike around with the elongated stem. Very handy, very clever. The Bromptons are also very well supported, and they have a full line of accessories. You can even order the “suitcase/ trailer kit,” which you can use to carry the bike on a plane, and the kit has wheels you can add that turns it into a bike trailer! More details at: www.brompton.co.uk/ Dahon Another popular folding bike is the Dahon. This is mainly due to the sheer size of their line with many models to choose from, and the fact that their lower end bikes are very affordable for most people. On the other hand, it does appear they have brought new designers on in recent years, and some of their high end folding road bikes are very nice and worth a look. http://dahon.com/mainnav/ Folding bikes are something I think every cyclist should have in their stable of bikes regardless of their regular cycling interests. A good folding bike can help you avoid that hefty airline fee — the one I have will fit in a conventional suitcase, so the airlines can’t charge you extra. You can also bring them on a bus or in a train, which is why I call them a great “intermodal link.” For those of you who are performance oriented and still skeptical about the efficacy of a folding bike, consider this: one of my close friends once rode ParisBrest-Paris on a Bike Friday! As a side note, it wasn’t all that long ago that folding bikes were considered obscure, and at best “dorky” (I refer you back to the first paragraph of this article). However, as they’ve become more and more useful, and more prominent in places like the West Coast, and large East Coast cities, they have actually established a large cult following. Ten years ago, in what started as a tongue-in-cheek challenge, a good friend and I predicted that folding bikes will be the next “fixies” among the urban hipsters. Oddly, that’s actually starting to happen, so there’s still time for you to be in the vanguard! Fall 2013 13 Share the Road Celebration of Cycling brings bicycle advocacy, education and rides to DeLand by Ken Foster Looking for a cycling event that benefits cycling? Attend the Celebration of Cycling in DeLand, the weekend of October 25, 26 and 27. BA and Bike Florida are partnering with the League of American Bicyclists to host the premier of what is intended to be an annual event; the Share the Road Celebration of Cycling in DeLand. This weekend-long event will blend education, advocacy, riding, entertainment and networking to help better promote safe cycling in Florida. The Florida Bicycle Association strives to improve cycling in Florida through bicycle education and legislative activities. Its partner organization, Bike Florida, works to improve cycling in Florida through elementary school level bicycle education and by promoting the economic benefit of bicycle touring. LAB Program Friday and Saturday, the 25th and 26th, the League of American Bicyclists will conduct the “Be a Bicycle Friendly Community” program. This program is American Planners Association AICP CM credit approved for 3.5 credits. Friday’s program is intended primarily as an information session for local government officials, government staff, planners and engineers, although the general public is welcome. Saturday’s presentation of this program will be oriented toward the general public and focus on what individuals and bicycle clubs can do to encourage their local governments to apply for the Bicycle Friendly Community designation. Saturday Events Saturday events include a presentation on Cycling Savvy, a traffic cycling course developed by the Florida Bicycle Association and oriented toward adults. A basic bicycle maintenance class is also being offered along with several selfguided rides in and around Historic DeLand. Another program on Saturday presented by the University of Florida and Bike Florida will focus on the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program and how to bring it to local elementary schools across the state. Banquet Dinner The banquet dinner on Saturday night features guest speaker Mr. Billy Hattaway, Florida Department of Transportation District One Secretary, with a possible introduction of Florida’s new State Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator, DeWayne Carver. A silent auction to support cycling safety in Florida will conclude Saturday night’s activities. Sunday Rides Sunday’s fully supported rides begin at 8:30 am. Participants can choose a 25-, 45- or 65-mile ride through the rural areas of West Volusia County. Support includes marked routes, food and rest stops at local parks. Participate in one or all three days of the event at various fee levels. All three days cost $75.00. Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday fees are $55.00 Friday only is $25.00 Saturday is $45.00 Sunday is $45.00. FBA Messenger Discounts FBA Messenger Discounts Expire on October 15th. Register now and save on entry fees by entering: oFBA1 for $5.00 off any 1 of the 3 days oFBA2 for $10.00 off any 2 of the 3 days oFBA3 for $15.00 off all 3 days Additional information on the event can be found at BikeFlorida.org or by contacting Bike Florida’s Associate Director and Share the Road Coordinator, Ken Foster at 352.224.8602 or [email protected]. BikeFlorida Nonprofit Bike Florida Inc. was formed in 1994, as a fund raising event and organization to help supplement the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program (FTBSEP). Our mission is to promote safe and responsible bicycling through, education, public awareness, and bicycle touring. As an organization, Bike Florida is dedicated to making a positive economic impact in the regions and communities that support our tours and programs. More information can be found at http:// www.bikeflorida.org. FDOT Districts District 1 Cities: Bradenton, Fort Meyers, Naples, Sarasota Counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Polk, Sarasota District 2 Cities: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, St. Augustine Counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Nassau, Putnam, St.Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union District 3 Cities: Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Wakulla, Walton, Washington District 4 Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, Stuart Counties: Broward, Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, St Lucie District 5 Cities: Coco Beach, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Melborne, Ocala, Orlando Counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia District 6 Cities: Key West, Miami; Counties: Miami-Dade, Monroe District 7 Cities: Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas Add your voice for the future of bicycling in Florida. JOIN FBA TODAY JOIN ONLINE at www.fbamembership.org Membership includes the FBA Messenger! 14 Florida Bicycle Association Upcoming Bicycle Touring Events in Florida This printed version is ABRIDGED from promotional material provided by tour organizers. We’re not responsible for accuracy of information or quality of these rides. Use the contact information for more details about each ride. Ask your friends. Data are from an online calendar database maintained by Roger Pierce. To add an event to his (and our) calendar, e-mail to [email protected] or go online to post your own entry. See complete calendar, including many out-of-state rides we don’t have room to print here, and much of the hype we edited out in this here version, at www.floridabicycle.org/fbtc/. October October 6 (Sun) Lake Mary CF Cycle For Life Ride begins at 8AM. Fundraising Minimum is $150 The CF Cycle For Life is a one-day tour where hundreds of men and women will come together to participate in an event to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. Participants have the choice of 35/62/100 mile routes through Seminole and Volusia Counties. The bike tour is a fully supported journey with stocked rest stops every 12-15 miles, support and gear (SAG) vehicles, on-site medical services, and much more. This unique event empowers participants to take action and demonstrate their fight in finding a cure in a tangible, emotional and experientially powerful way. Participants under the age of 18 are not permitted to participate in the Aptalis CF Cycle For Life. Bike helmets required. www.cff.org/ Chapters/orlando/index. cfm?id=23855&event=23855 October 6 (Sun) Inverness Rails To Trails of the Withlacoochee 14-100 miles. Early Registration online or 7-9am at the Inverness Trailhead, 315 Apopka Ave. T-shirt before Sep.14th guaranteed. 5 SAG stops along paved 46 miles of Withlacoochee State Trail. Lunch in Inverness. Century ride certificates. Two bikes plus door prizes. See website Ride Application. www.railstotrailsonline.com/ October 6 (Sun) St Petersburg CF Cycle for Life Join us for our fourth annual cycling event as we ride some of the most scenic roads in Pinellas County. 10/25 mile routes or 62 mile metric century. Fully supported and well-stocked rest stops (with some of the most creative volunteers you′ve ever seen!), bike mechanics, ride marshals and breakfast. Tailache party with lunch after the ride provided by BJ′s Restaurant and Brewhouse. Don′t miss out on a great ride for a great cause! http://tampacfcycleforlife.com October 13 (Sun) Sunrise PTP 4 LIFE, THE RIBBON RIDE Take it to the LEVEE for a CURE! PINKE′s Promotions & Events. A mountain bike, hybrid, cycle cross bike friendly event. Riders will complete a 26.2 mile scenic loop on the levee located in the Everglades. PTP 4 LIFE will donate the net proceeds to support the ongoing cancer research projects with in the American Cancer Society which will help fund life saving research projects. $1.50 Markham Park Entrance Fee. Pre register at Active. com, on-site registration opens at 6:30 am. **PTP = Push Those Pedals! https://www.facebook.com/ events/480924781992053/ October 14-18 Cross City Gulf Coast Highlight Tour Tour package consists of 5 days and four nights; cycling on Florida′s beautiful Gulf Coast, other attractions include a visit to Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see the Mermaids perform at Weeki Watchee Springs, and see the Manatees at Crystal River. www.gulfcoasteventstours.com/ October 19 (Sat) Gainesville Orthopaedic Institute Santa Fe Century A tour through the lush forest and pas- ture land north of Gainesville up through the Santa Fe River valley. Rides start at 8:30 am from the North West Boys and Girls Club at 2700 NW 51st Street in Gainesville. Enjoy a 100 or a 55 mile road ride, or the 18 or 28 mile Millhopper Ramble family fun ride, with well stocked rest stops. http://gccfla.org/gcf/ October 19-20 Gainesville Gainesville Cycling Festival Two centuries in two days! (Or enjoy the shorter options for a weekend of bicycle touring.) See details in the listings for the Santa Fe Century and Horse Farm Hundred. Full info is available on the web site. http://gccfla.org/gcf/ October 19 (Sat) Polk City Van Fleet Trail Cycling Challenge The Van Fleet Trail Cycling Challenge is an opportunity for cyclists to get out and learn more about the premier cycling trails of Central Florida. These include the General James A. Van Fleet Trail, the Polk City extension of the Van Fleet Trail, the TECO/Auburndale trail, and the newest trail, the Florida Polytechnic University Extension. This is not a race, but a personal challenge, whether you desire to ride five miles or one hundred miles, Five trail heads/ snack stops will be staffed during the ride for your convenience. www.vanfleettrailcyclingchallenge.com/ October 20 (Sun) Flemington Horse Farm Tours The Horse Farm Tours start in Flemington on CR 329 (Interstate 75 CR 318 exit). Registration will be open till 9 am. If you want to start with a group, we′ll send you off at 8:30 am. Otherwise, you can start whenever you wish. With 25, 30, and 45 mile routes to choose from, there should be a distance to satisfy everyone in the family. The terrain that you will encounter as you wind through the horse farms is rolling. If you are from the coast, it will be a different challenge than just riding over the odd canal bridge. But many of you will want to make frequent stops to take in the scenery, and perhaps have a conversation with a horse. http://gccfla.org/gcf/ October 20 (Sun) Gainesville Horse Farm Hundred The Gainesville Cycling Club′s tour through the picturesque horse farms of northern Marion County. We have the best stocked rest stops in Florida! The 102 mile ride (and a 55 mile option that doesn′t get into horse farm territory) starts at 8:30 am at Loften High School at 3000 East University Avenue. Bagels and muffins will be available before the start. http://gccfla.org/gcf/ October 20 (Sun) North Port Tour de North Port Three rides available, 15/35/65 miles through the pine flatwoods in and around North Port. $40 online registration fee includes breakfast, mobile support,rest stops,snacks,lunch. A free t-shirt is guaranteed to the first 200 to preregister. Registrations online up through Oct. 18. Check-in/on-site registration($45)for all rides begins at 7AM. Group starts begin at 8AM. More information at www.peoplefortrees. com. The Scout House,Dallas White Park, 5900 Greenwood Ave. North Port. Presented by People for Trees, Inc. October 20 (Sun) Tampa Cycle for FORCE A spin-cycling event at SOHO Cycling Studio in Tampa to raise funds for FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (www.facingourrisk.org). The money raised will help in the fight against breast and ovarian cancer. Riders can dedicate their rides to a friend or a loved one. Breakfast treats will be served after the ride for all participants. FORCE has been an invaluable resource for cancer survivors. We need riders to fill 40 bikes and to participate in this worthwhile cause. www.firstgiving.com/forcecycle/cycle October 25-27 DeLand Share the Road Celebration of Cycling Bike Florida, Share the Road and FBA present the first annual, Share the Road Celebration of Cycling, a multi-day event focused on advocacy, education, networking and riding on October 25, 26 & 27 of 2013. Presentations will include a program to help you or your local government take steps to become a League of American Bicyclists, Bicycle Friendly City. We’ll also have a basic bicycle repair clinic, a Cycling Savvy class, information on the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program and a bicycle art contest and parade. Saturday’s programs will conclude with an industry appreciation banquet. Low mileage rides will be available on Saturday with longer mileage rides on Sunday. Ride lengths will vary from 40 to 100 miles. Visit our website for more information. www.sharetheroad.org October 25-27 White Springs SBA Suwannee Fat Tire Festival Enjoy 3 days of riding SBA′s 6 unique mountain bikes trails (50+ miles of great single track). Ride guides. Free beginner maint. bike clinic; hiking and Suwannee River paddling options. Camping included at the beautiful Stephen Foster State Park. Come early for the Thursday night potluck dinner at SBA headquarters in White Springs. Social events and more. Roadies welcome to enjoy the scenic, low traffic rural roads (maps available). For details visit website or call 386.243.0115. www.suwanneebike.org/ftf.htm Active.com online registration. October 27 (Sun) Cocoa Spacecoast Freewheelers Intracoastal Waterway Century Cocoa Village, 100/63/28/14 miles. Registration opens on Saturday from noon to 5pm at the Cocoa Village Civic Center on Delannoy Ave in Cocoa Village. Day of ride registration opens at 6am at the same location. Mass start at 8am for the 100/63 mile, followed by the 28/14 mile riders. Riders will pass through the Kennedy Space Center going near Space Port USA. Quiet treelined roads along the Intracoastal Waterway and down beautiful River Road lined with turn-of-the-century estates. The registration fee includes 5 rest stops with plenty to eat and drink, roving SAG support, an after ride meal, t-shirt, and a well-marked route. Contact Stephen Rooks, 321.536.7653 www.spacecoastfreewheelers.com/ events.htm Active.com online registration. November November 1-3 Fort Myers Beach 72 Hours to Key West Charity Ride Three days, 280 miles beginning from Fort Myers and ending in Key West. Rest/snacks/water stops every 25 miles. T-shirts, picnic lunch each day and reception at the end of the ride. Riders pay their own accommodations, we have negotiated special rates. Two SAG vehicle support. 72 Hours to Key West Charity Bike Ride, kreibelsrq@gmail. com. 941-343-8023 (Kimberley) www.72hourstokeywest.com November 2-3 Daytona Beach RAAM Florida Cycling Challenge A weekend of fun: 3 non-competitive rides (30/60/120 miles), 2 endurance races (200/400 miles), an expo and post-event party with awards, entertainment, food and drink. The 120-mile ride is a “Gran Fondo.” The one-time spring break party capital of the U.S. has been quietly re-making itself into the healthy outdoor sports capital of the South. The Lake Country of Central Florida offers some of the best cycling in the state. The Daytona Beach Cycling Challenge is the last race event in the RAAM Challenge Series. You’ll want to be here! http://florida.raamchallenge.com/rs/index.php?N_webcat_ id=282 [email protected] Active.com Online Registration November 2-3 Miami Gardens Dolphins Cycling Challenge 10 Rides throughout Miami-Dade, Palm Beach & Broward counties ranging from 13-170 Miles. All rider-raised funds are donated directly to U Miami′s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for cancer research. Find more info at Ridedcc.com. November 3 (Sun) Sunrise Follow the Leader Adopt-a-Bike Ride RESCHEDULED from November 7. Markham Park. Registration $30. Raffles & Continental Breakfast included. Register & details on the web site below. Six Ride Levels starting at 12mph - 22+mph. Helmets required. All donations to Adopt-a-Bike Foundation are tax deductible. www.southbrowardwheelers.com/ adopt-a-bike November 3 (Sun) Lakewood Ranch Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club Gulf Coast Cyclefest One full day of superb cycling in beautiful southwest Florida. Riders may choose carefully mapped and supported routes 100/65/32/21 miles. A family event for cyclists of all abilites. Breakfast provided; lunch served by Polo Grill & Bar. Registration 6:45AM. Routes close at 3:00PM. This year will feature high quality performance shirts, massages, photos and much more for participants. Performance shirts to first 500 registered. Event limited to 600 riders. Available Discounts: $5 off for SMBC members $5 off for additional riders in same household (Must register within the same transaction to receive discount) www.smbc.us/cyclefest.html Active.com Online Registration November 3 (Sun) Marineland Spoonbills & Sprockets – Friends of A1A Scenic Cycling Tour RESCHEDULED from October 28, 2012. Added routes this year: 100/70/ 32 northern/32 southern tours. Mass start 8am, with an optional 7am start for century riders. Come ride along the beautiful and scenic A1A Byway and Historic Byways through Flagler and St. John′s Counties. Fully supported with SAG vehicles and Rest Stops. Join us for a cook out at Marineland to finish off your ride and celebrate our byway. Registration open NOW www. scenicA1A.org, day of registration available. $30 for preregistration until November 2nd. $35 day of registration. Includes T-Shirt for first 250 cyclists. http://scenica1a.org/ November 9 (Sat) Tallahassee Annual Spaghetti 100 Multiple options for cyclists of all backgrounds and levels. Road riders will have the choice of a 100 mile, 100 kilometer, or 35 mile route. Those partial to dirt will have the choice of the Dirt Metric Century Epic (65 miles) and Dirt Epicette (42 miles). All rides include rest stops, route marking and SAG support. The Spaghetti 100 leaves from the Miccosukee Community Center, and ride north through scenic North Florida and South Georgia . The road routes take riders through historic Thomasville and Boston in Georgia and then through Monticello in Florida. The dirt routes are non-technical, following the beautiful canopied clay roads through the heart of classic Red Hills plantation country. www.cccyclists.org/spaghetti100/ November 10 (Sun) Boca Raton Tour of Boca Come join the fun with the 2013-2014 Tour of Boca rides, sponsored by the Boca Raton Bike Club and the City of Boca Raton and recreational services. Registration: 12:30PM; Ride starts: 1:00 pm; Registration fee $2.00. For more information, call Call 561-3916109 or visit www.bocabikeclub.org/. November 15-16 Miami The SMART Ride 2 day, 165 mile ride from Miami to Key West to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS. Orientation November 14, Day 1 (100 miles) November 15, Day 2 (65 miles)November 16. Fully supported ride with rest stops and lunch, and overnight accommodations at Hawk′s Cay Resort. $95 registration fee and $1,250 fundraising commitment with 100% of the fundraising dollars given to the benefiting agencies. www.thesmartride.org November 16-17 Clermont Horrible Hundred and Cycling Expo 35/70/100 routes. For 33 years, this has been the most challenging ride in Florida. Hills/rain/sun/wind/great rest stops. Food after the hills. Cycling Expo both days. Major bike manufacturers, local bike shops and other vendors will be there. Several rides scheduled for Saturday a.m. Lunch on Sunday included in registration. Saturday food trucks available. Registration opens August 15. Updates online. Twitter: @horriblehundred www.horrible-hundred.com/ November 18-22 Cross City Gulf Coast Highlight Tour Tour package consists of 5 days and four nights cycling on Florida′s beautiful Gulf Coast, other attractions include a visit to Historic Yulee Sugar Mill, see the Mermaids perform at Weeki Watchee Springs, and see the Manatees at Crystal River. www.gulfcoasteventstours.com/ Fall 2013 15 Share the Road funds available... Mini Grants available by Ken Foster ike Florida and Share the Road invite your organization to apply for a Share the Road Mini Grant. Through the sale of “Share the Road” specialty license plates, and sponsoring partners like BILL BONE BIKE LAW, Bike Florida and Share the If your Safe Routes to School program needs event funding, we might be able to help! Infrastructure projects may also fit the funding parameters. Road can make these funds available to cycling organizations, city or county governments and school parent teacher organizations (PTOs) or just about anyone actively promoting safe cycling or cyclist and driver education. Some of the most common awards fund new bicycle purchases or repairs for organizations administering education programs, especially those teaching the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program. We have also funded requests to purchase Share the Road signage in communities around the state. o When can you apply? Applications are received continuously o What is the funding range? $2,000.00 maximum o Who can apply? Non-Profit Organizations and Government Agencies o When are grants awarded? Quarterly Visit ShareTheRoad.org for an Application and Terms of use. Share the Road welcomes BILL BONE BIKE LAW as our newest Mini Grant sponsor. Like Bike Florida and Share the Road, BILL BONE BIKE LAW is dedicated to the bicycle safety message. It is rare to see an organization with this much passion for cycling. Support Education and Advocacy Florida Bicycle Association Messenger — Fall 2013 Support Education and Advocacy Join us at these 2013 events: • Endless Summer Water Melon Ride in St. Augustine • Spaghetti 100 in Tallahassee • Withlacoochee State Trail Ride in Inverness • Mt Dora Cycling Festival • Gainesville Cycling Festival, Horse Farm 100 & Flemington Horse Farm • Share The Road Celebration of Cycling in DeLand • Horrible Hundred in Clermont Good News, Mr. Smith! The IRS now allows your employer to give you a tax-free reimbursement of up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle related expenses as a qualified bicycle commuter.* We can keep you up to date with the latest rulings affecting cyclists everywhere, offering quality tax and financial accounting services with the confidence and solid reputation that comes from over 30 years of quality service to the Central Florida business community. We're proud to support FBA and its mission to promote good health and well-being in our communities through bicycling. Scearce, Satcher & Jung, P.A. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Kenneth L. Scearce, CPA David A. Satcher, CPA Carla M. Hansen, CPA 243 W. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 647-6441 Office (407) 645-0099 Fax *See Publication 15-B at www.irs.gov for more information.
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