 2010 Florida Bike Summit
Florida Capitol Courtyard, Tallahassee FL
April 8, 2010
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Press Event at 10:30 am
Legislative appointments throughout the day
FIND YOUR LEGISLATOR
Thank you for attending the 2010 Florida Bike Summit. Stay tuned for a summary to follow soon.
Host Club: Capital City Cyclists
Summit Gathering Spot: Tallahassee/East KOA
For those attending from outside the Tallahassee area, the Summit Gathering Spot is the Tallahassee/East KOA, located off I-10, exit #225 (US Highway 19). The KOA has tent sites ($25 a night), 2-person Kabins ($45 a night), 4-person Kottages ($89 a night, with own bathroom and microwave) and RV sites (pricing varies). Kabin and Kottage availability is limited and on a first come – first served basis, so reserve ASAP! The group rate is listed under Florida Bicycle Association.
The Wednesday evening Pre-Summit Briefing will be held at the KOA meeting room on April 7 at 7:00 pm. And don’t forget the Thursday evening Post Summit Celebration at the campground at 5:00 pm.
Tallahassee/East KOA – “Official Pre-Summit Gathering Spot”
Dick and Cathy Spinnenweber, Kamp Hosts
346 KOA Road, Monticello, FL 32344
Phone (850) 997-3890 or Fax (850) 997-1509
Reservations: (800) KOA-3890 or on line at www.koa.com
Email: tallehokoa@aol.com
Ride your bicycle to the Summit Thursday morning!
FBA will have two group ride options to the Summit on Thursday morning. The long ride (approx. 25 miles) will leave the KOA at 7:00 am and join the shorter ride at the St. Mark’s Trailhead at 9:00 am. Members of the Capital City Cyclists will lead this ride, mostly on back roads with some rolling hills.
The short ride will start at 9:00 am at the St. Mark’s Trailhead off the Woodville Highway, just south of Capital Circle. This ride will stay on the trail heading towards downtown and use low traffic roads to get to the Capitol. The trailhead will serve as a Rest Stop for those coming from the KOA, with restrooms, water and snacks available.
Registered participants riding to the Capitol, via group rides or own rides, will have showers available to them at the First Baptist Church, 108 W College Ave, about 3 blocks from the Capitol Courtyard. Showers will be available from 9:00 – 11:00 am, and those riding from the KOA or St. Mark’s Trailhead can make arrangements for a change of clothes to be shuttled to the First Baptist Church. There is no charge for use of the showers, but please consider a small donation to the First Baptist Church for graciously allowing the use of their facilities.
Rides returning to the St. Mark’s Trailhead or KOA are on your own; with a possible last group ride departing at 4:00 pm.
Bicycle Buddy
Attending the Florida Bike Summit will help FBA in its efforts to show Florida lawmakers our vision of a state where people of all ages see bicycling as a normal, practical and safe transportation alternative and where drivers of motor vehicles respect and appreciate the presence of bicycles on the roadways. Being there and filling the Capitol Courtyard with bright cycling colors will make quite a statement.
In addition to the visual statement of an occupied courtyard, FBA encourages Summit participants to meet with their district legislators to discuss in person the issues and concerns that face the Florida cyclist, from the impassioned perspective of a cyclist and voter. We realize this isn’t for everyone and is not mandatory in order to attend the Summit, however, as there is safety in numbers while riding, FBA will do what it can to offer a Bicycle Buddy or two to help those not comfortable with meeting legislators alone.
For those needing a Bicycle Buddy, simply check the “Need a Buddy” button on the RSVP form and then as the event approaches and you schedule your legislator meeting(s), let us know the time and we will find available Bicycle Buddies to go with you to your meeting. For those who love meeting legislators and discussing their cycling passion, check the “Be a Buddy” button on the RSVP form, and then as the event approaches, let us know your scheduled meetings and times available to be a Bicycle Buddy, and we’ll match you with those needing a Bicycle Buddy at their meeting. FBA will do what it can to honor all Need a Buddy requests and we appreciate everyone’s effort to meet with their legislators – Thank You!
And Thanks for being a part of our 2010 Florida Bike Summit!
Legislator Meeting Appointments
It is up to you to schedule appointments with your legislators. You are not limited to the number of appointments you attend since you may live in one district and work in another. Or, you may be a member of a club with members residing in other districts. As the Summit draws near, we will let you know of other Summit participants in your district in case you want to "buddy up", however, multiple appointments with the same legislator is not necessarily a bad thing. It is a good idea to request a meeting with your legislator(s) in writing (email or fax) at least three weeks ahead of time and then follow up by phone a week later if you haven't heard back from the scheduler or aid. It is very important to be on time and prepared since most meetings will last 10 minutes or less. If you schedule a meeting and then realize you can't attend the Summit, please let us know so someone can attend on your behalf.
Meeting Request Letter Template
Attn: Scheduler, sent via FAX 850-xxx-xxxx or email
Dear Senator or Representative X:
Constituents from your district would like to meet with you on Thursday, April 8, in your Tallahassee office as part of our Florida Bike Summit. During this annual event, members of the bicycling community, including industry professionals and citizen advocates, will be meeting with their Florida representatives and senators to discuss important policy issues and local projects.
We are writing to request that you meet with these important constituents on Thursday April 8, 2010 between 11:00am and 3:00pm. The press event opening the Summit will be held at 10:30am in the Capitol Courtyard so meetings will take place immediately following this event.
We believe we have an important role to play in helping Florida’s Legislators address today’s transportation, health and economic challenges. In our view, a “smart” transportation movement that involves all modes of transportation, including bicycling, is needed to solve the challenges of climate change, obesity, congestion, pollution, safety, dependence on foreign oil and surprisingly our current state of economics.
We appreciate your willingness to consider this request to discuss policies to improve the livability in Florida. However, if your busy schedule is not able to accommodate this meeting, we request that the members of your staff handling transportation and interior issues meet with these constituents. If you have any questions, need additional information or to schedule a meeting, please contact me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or email XXXX@XXXXX.
Legislator Meeting Attire
Business attire is a MUST during your legislator meeting(s). This doesn't mean women have to wear hose and heels or men have to wear business suits, but be smart about making a professional impression. Cycling attire is fine if you don't plan on meeting with your elected officials, but otherwise, please follow this important dress code so the bicycle people are taken seriously as advocates, educators and constituents of Florida's legislators.
Legislative Strategies and Talking Points
Meeting packets will be provided with FBA's legislative strategies and priorities, talking points, a history of key Florida bicycling developments and other materials upon check-in at the Summit. This information will also be posted on the website well in advance so you can come prepared. A Pre-Summit Briefing will be held April 7 at 7:00 pm at the KOA meeting room.
Questions: Contact Dan Moser at dan@floridabicycle.org.
Special thanks to Advisory Board member Becky Afonso for her terrific help with logistics and planning.
Please RSVP HERE. It will only take a minute.
See the RECAP of the 2009 Florida Bike Summit here.
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