Event Article

Share The Road Celebration of Cycling

Brings Bicycle Advocacy, Education and Rides to DeLand Florida

Looking for a cycling event that benefits cycling?  Attend the Celebration of Cycling in DeLand, the weekend of October 25, 26 and 27.

The Florida Bicycle Association (FBA) 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.
 

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 primarily intended 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 include a presentation on Cycling Savvy, a traffic cycling course developed by the Florida Bicycle Association oriented toward adults.  A basic bicycle maintenance class is also being offered along with several self-guided rides in and around Historic DeLand, Florida.

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. 

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’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 says 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.

DISCOUNTS
Early registration ends September 15th.  Enter:
ShareTheRoad1 for $5.00 off any 1 of the 3 days
ShareTheRoad2 for $10.00 off any 2 of the 3 days
ShareTheRoad3 for $15,00 off all 3 days entry fees

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 Ken@BikeFlorida.org.

Nonprofit Bike Florida Inc. was formed in 1994, as a fundraising 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.