Another Attack on Cyclists in Florida

On the heels of my Saturday group ride being pulled over, I learned some interesting information regarding the representative that worked so hard to get HB 971 passed. Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff (R-Ft. Laud.) sponsored HB 971 (the "Anti-Bicyclist Law") and apparently is planning to introduce legislation to eliminate bike lanes on A1A by eliminating any state requirement to put bike facilities within one mile of beachfront property. From what I have found out, her Chief of Staff, her "advisor" on these issues, including HB971, is the self-proclaimed "bike advocate" Jim Smith from S.A.F.E.

I am not trying to bring politics into cycling, but when politicians are passing legislation that makes it harder and unsafe to ride, then a message has to be sent that we need more money and political power in our favor, and not the direct opposite. Cyclists don't ask or require much. All we need is a clean safe place to ride and laws in place to keep automobile, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic all working together. Proper design and education for all traffic users is the first and best steps in getting this type of multi-modal harmony to occur.