Aug
22
Florida’s state legislature realized the benefits of cycling several years ago, and passed progressive laws for the Florida Department of Transportation. The most important of those laws was one requiring all new roads and all resurfaced roads to be built with bike facilities. The three options were 5-foot shoulders, 5-foot bike lanes, or 4-foot bike lanes where there is a gutter and curb present. In advocacy-speak, this is called building “Complete Streets.†Streets that are designed for all users of the road, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and others.
Cyclists prefer the bike lanes to the shoulders because shoulders are only swept 1-2 times per year, while bike lanes are swept much more frequently. And generally, motorists seem happier when there’s a designated bikelane for cyclists.
There are some situations that are exempt from the laws. If building the lanes would require cutting down protected trees, then the trees win. Also, if the bike lanes would make a location more dangerous, or if purchasing the right-of-way would be too expensive, FDOT can file an official exemption.
Those who live in Florida know that, with a few exceptions, the new bike lanes have been built, and have helped to encourage more people to ride their bicycles. But recently, FDOT violated its own rules and made plans for 3-foot bike lanes along a long part of Florida’s Highway A1A (Ocean Boulevard – the road near the beach) in Palm Beach Country.
A1A is a vital link along the East Coast. It’s the only beach roads in many places. It’s the best place to ride – and for many people in the area, it’s the only direct route to work by bicycle. It’s a signature road that defines the communities it passes through. And it’s the place where we most need to share the road.
Upon investigation, cycling groups learned that it is the homeowners in several beach communities who are objecting to the creation of the bike lanes. Why? Because in many places, they have built or planted on state land. That’s right – not on their own land – on state land. Driveways, trees, hedges, lawns, parking spaces, signs, sidewalks and more are built along the right-of-way, all without legal permits. And what’s most amazing is that these homeowners don’t want to “give it back†— when the land wasn’t theirs to begin with.
A consortium of a local cyclist, the Boca Raton Bicycle Club and the League of American Bicyclists have worked together to stop the illegal construction. They filed a lawsuit early in 2006, asking FDOT to hold the public hearings they’re required to hold, by law. And also to require FDOT to explain why they are asking for exemptions along this 30-mile stretch.
In June, a state judge ruled in favor of the cycling consortium, forcing FDOT to hold hearings and also forcing them to explain which of the 3 allowed exemptions are causing them to want 3-foot lanes. And that’s where the case stands now.
So, why is this important to the entire bike industry? It’s pretty simple. If a few wealthy homeowners can get a state Department of Transportation to ignore the laws (about safe cycling facilities) in a progressive state like Florida, a bad precedent will be set. Other less progressive states may see it as a green light to ignore the needs of cyclists in their states.
Building Complete Streets is important in Florida and every other state. Public roads belong to all of the citizens of a state. The roads are for the use of all users. This battle is going to be an important one for our industry. What do you think?
Mike Greehan
Interbike
Advocay Director
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2 Responses to “Florida’s Route A1A - And Why It Matters To The Entire Bike Industry”
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Nice post, Mike!
For those readers who don’t know Mike, he’s Interbike’s Advocacy Director. Mike is a very visible and active member of the bicycle advocacy community while working on behalf of Interbike, the bicycle industry and as a board member of the League of American Bicyclists. Mike was also the first president of Bikes Belong and is a former publisher of Bicycling Magazine.
I really enjoyed getting to know him at Winterbike and the BLC earlier this year in Phoenix and at the National Bike Summit in Washington DC. He’s a good guy to hang out with but I only get to see him a few times a year because he lives in Florida - hence the posting on a Sunshine State issue (that could have an impact on all of us).
Oh, and he loooves Diet Coke.
I just happened upon this post. Being a FDOT employee as well as a cyclist who has ridden that stretch of roadway numerous times, I understand what you’re trying to do but you really don’t have all of the facts straight. Other factors are also playing into this. In my position with the Department I’ve sat in numerous production meetings where the job segments have been discussed (job segments are based on funding) and am extremely familiar with the facts thereof.
Being both a cyclist and FDOT employee my thoughts and opinions have been sought out about this matter. Fortunately/unfortunately when Federal Funds are used in any of the phases of a project Federal Standards must be adhered to. Also, resistance and lack of cooperation from the cities located along the project corridor have hindered any progress. All of the jobs should have been Let by now and construction commnencing after the tourist season.
I know that this might not have been helpful but believe me we’re trying to appease all parties involved. One item that should be addressed is outlawing the use of cell phones when driving. I’ve seen more than my fair share of accidents.
Thanks.