| Bicycle
What is the Bicycling Advisory Committee?
In 1981, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners recognized the need to improve bicycling conditions in the county and created the Broward County Bicycling Advisory Committee (BAC).
The Bicycling Advisory Committee is comprised of seven members, representing cyclists of all ages and abilities. Its general purpose is to advise the County Commission and its staff on all matters related to bicycling.
Since its inception the BAC has been involved in a wide variety of bicycling issues and projects When considering the issues the BAC is guided by the principles that:
Bicycles are vehicles.
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist.
Bicyclists' abilities vary and that a variety of facilities need to be developed to serve them.
To solve the problems facing bicyclists the BAC works on projects in four categories:
Engineering & Planning: Broward County's roads are constantly changing and the BAC works closely with state and county implementing agencies to ensure that roadways are developed to meet the needs of bicyclists. In addition to the roadway network, the BAC strives to provide bicycle access along canal banks which will be usable as linear parks.
Education: The Bicycling Advisory Commiteee strives to educate the bicyclist and the motorist of their rights and responsibilities as roadway users, as well as how to interact with each other. They also work to educate our elected officials, their staff, and law enforcement officers on what makes an area bicycle friendly.
Encouragement: Making the bicycle useful as a healthful non-polluting form of transportation is an important function of the BAC. However, the BAC also promotes bicycling "just for the fun of it". Whether it is track racing, mountain bike riding, bicycle commuting, or a trip to the store or the beach, the BAC works to make the bicycling experience more enjoyable.
Enforcement: The BAC encourages enforcement of traffic laws for both bicyclists and motorists.
What could you and the BAC do to make your bike ride better?
The BAC's Major Accomplishments and Contributions
- An In-School Bicycle/Traffic Safety Education Program in the Broward County Public Schools
- The Hiring of a Full-time Bicycle Coordinator
- Bicycle Sharing Roadway Signs on S.R. A1A and the Intracoastal Bridges
- The Construction of the Brian Piccolo Park Velodrome (Florida's only banked bicycle racing track)
- Mountain Bike Trails at Markham Park
- National Certification of Eight Broward County Residents as Bicycling Instructors
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If You Have a Vision for Bicycling the BAC May Help You Realize It.
The BAC meets at 7:00 PM once a month at the Broward County Governmental Center, at 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. Your attendance and input is welcomed and desired. If you have an idea for a monthly bicycling event or good spot for a bicycle/pedestrian bridge bring it to the BAC; it is good place to start.
Additionally, the BAC has a tax deductible trust fund which has been used to help fund traffic safety education programs, construct the Safety Town at Tree Tops Park, and print bicycle safety brochures.
If you would like to make a contribution to the trust fund, make your check payable to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. The memo on the check should read "Bicycling Advisory Committee Trust Fund." Send your donation to:
The Broward County Bicycle Coordinator
115 S. Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
For more information on the BAC or its Trust Fund call 954 357-6641. |
