News
Bicyclists: Drivers Or Walkers On Wheels?
It’s true that many bicyclists travel on sidewalks, but that is actually a major part of the bicyclist safety problem. From both a safety and mobility perspective, bicyclists fare best when they behave, and are treated as, normal, law-abiding vehicle drivers. Sidewalks are designed and intended for pedestrian speeds and pedestrian maneuverability. Except for the occasional runner, pedestrians travel between 2 to 4 miles per hour. Most bicyclists travel at 8 to 15 mph, with some moving as fast as 25 to 30 mph with a tailwind or downhill slope. The turning and braking characteristics at those speeds are much closer to those of a motor vehicle than of a walker. Click here to read more of this fascinating essay by Mighk Wilson, Smart Growth Planner with MetroPlan Orlando
Founders gone. Bike Bus to Roll On.
Bike/Walk Central Florida bids a fond farewell to Bike Bus founders Jason Buckner and Kitzzy Aviles who are moving leaving Central Florida for San Francisco next month. While this is a great opportunity for Jason and Kitzzy, it could have been a major setback for the Bike Bus, but thanks to Masa Ishigami and Jason Reichow, the bus will roll on! Thanks for stepping up. Riders should keep up with the schedule through the Central Florida Bike Bus fan page on Facebook.
Bicycle Parking Map
From our friends at Commute Orlando: Peter Martinez has created a collaborative Bike Parking map, designed to help Bicyclists plan their routes, and park their bikes on secure racks, rather than a stop sign or a tree. This can also help us advise business of the need for a rack, better placement, or even reward them for doing it right! Read more . . .
No steering committee meetings in June
The Best Foot Forward Steering Committee will NOT meet in June. Our meetings will resume with our regularly scheduled meeting in the MetroPlan Orlando board room, 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 24th.
About Best Foot Forward
State law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and pedestrians to yield to cars when crossing outside of a crosswalk. In Orange County, the fine for failure to yield is $164 and 3 points on your drivers license. And yet, our baseline data shows that, on average, only about five percent of drivers obey this law.
The five-year initiative is currently focused on Orange County and expand into Seminole and Osceola counties as resources permit. Five cities, two towns, and Orange County have passed resolutions supporting the initiative. Orlando Police Department has trained 24 officers. Orange County Sheriff’s office, this week trained 40 more. Police agencies in Winter Park, Maitland and Eatonville, and police chiefs from throughout Orange County, have pledged their support to the initiative, launched by Bike/Walk Central Florida and the Florida Bicycle Association, with financial support from the Winter Park Health Foundation and MetroPlan Orlando.
We have met with representatives of Orange County Public Schools. Outgoing Superintendent Ronald Blocker spoke at our kickoff. And we hope to be able to negotiate the addition of pedestrian safety curriculum grades K-5 as early as this fall.
When was the last time you saved a life? Your contributions of $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, or more, can make a big difference. Checks should be made out to the Florida Bicycle Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and mailed to: Betsy Holl at: P.O. Box 916715, Longwood, FL 32793-6715. Please specify that you are donating to Best Foot Forward.
Endangered Species
A Yield sign? What is a Yield sign? This traffic sign, a red triangle, has been disappearing from streets lately, only to be replaced with the more recognizable red octogon of a stop sign. Many have said the disappearance of this once common sign has resulted in an increase in driver ignorance. It’s purpose is to signal to drivers who has the right of way at an intersection. Now, many drivers don’t know what to do when they encounter this sign! Click here to read the whole story.
Events
Big Thunder Moon Ride – July 3rd
Diana, of Commute Orlando is organizing a pre-fourth night ride. Even though it is a weeknight, many of us are off work the following day for the holiday. We’ll meet up at 7:00 PM at the Cady Way trailhead behind Fashion Square Mall. Keri Caffrey has a great scenic route planned for us. We’ll ride at an easy, social pace, and enjoy the night. The moon rises at 8:23 PM. Hope for good weather. They don’t call it the Full Thunder Moon for nothing, especially here in Florida. (Photo courtesy of Commute Orlando)
Community Calendar Link
http://commuteorlando.com/wordpress/community-calendar/
Recurring Rides
(The next First Friday ride is July 6)
First Fridays: Take it to the streets bike ride to promote civility: 6 p.m. on the First Friday of each month. Check our Facebook Fan page for start locations.
UCF Bike Bus: Downtown Orlando to UCF, then UCF to Downtown Orlando. Follow bike bus in real time via GPS at http://commuteorlando.com/bikebus/
Ride With Steve: Beginner ride. Meet at Winter Garden Wheel Works in Downtown Winter Garden, 8 a.m., Saturdays. – Sponsored by Winter Garden Wheel Works .
See our Calendar for other family rides:
www.bikewalkcentralflorida.org
S-Cargo farmers market rides featuring utility bikes and trailers
Ice Cream Socials: night rides through Downtown Orlando
Unless specifically designated as a trail ride, our rides take place on public streets. Headlights and red rear flashers are required for night rides. Helmets are encouraged, and are required for children under 16.
We observe all traffic laws and traffic signals.
Our rides are typically 10 to 15 miles, roundtrip, and average 10 miles an hour, a comfortable pace for most adults and teens. May be too fast for younger children and adults with health issues.
These rides are social in nature.
For longer, more aggressive group rides, subscribe to Hal Downing’s group ride newsletter by emailing [email protected] .
If you have a social ride you would like us to help promote, please email me at the address below.
Brad
Brad Kuhn
Executive Director
[email protected]
Bike/Walk Central Florida Would like to thank our sponsors:
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Transforming Central Florida into a Premier Biking and Walking Community! 
