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Florida Vehicle Code Change
To Require 3-Feet Minimum
Safe Passing Distance   

Governor Bush on June 22 signed House Bill 7079 to incorporate language into Section 316.083 of the Florida Statutes designating minimum safe passing distance for vehicles overtaking bicyclists. The last-minute resolution was adopted as an amendment to the Senate bill sent to the Florida House of Representatives.

The wording is “The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.” The language is effective October 1.

The Fowler Avenue pedestrian bridge officially opened on August 24, 2006. The bridge is the first free-standing, public pedestrian bridge in Hillsborough County, and connects the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) to the University of South Florida and Pizzo Elementary School. The bridge allows school children and college students the ability to cross Fowler Avenue through a crossing separate from the street.

Hillsborough County, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation, the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization, MOSI, USF and the Hillsborough County School Board worked together to build the bridge.

Walk, Bike, Carpool, or Ride the Bus
Commuter Choices Week, 2006

                               Commuter Choices Week (CCW) is an annual event in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties designed to remind the public of the various options for commuting to work other than driving alone – such as carpooling, vanpooling, riding the bus, bicycling, walking, teleworking, and alternative work hours programs.

Events will be held in Hillsborough counties during the week of September 25-29. Contact Bay Area Commuter Services (BACS) at (800) 998-RIDE or visit their website at www.tampabayrideshare.com event information.

 Bicycle Event Celebrates Cycling

The first “Bicycle Bash by the Bay” will be held on Sunday, October 29 at the St. Pete Times Forum from 11 am to 5 pm. Bicycle bash festivities include bicycle stunts, exhibits and displays along with free water bottles and helmets for kids. For further information visit www.bicyclebash.com or contact Alan Snel at bikesnel@tampabay.rr.com.

Neal Joins Advisory Board

Terry Neal has recently joined the New North Transportation Alliance as an Advisory Board member. Mr. Neal works as a freelance technical writer and currently serves as the president of the Temple Crest Civic Association, Vice-Chair of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Cable Advisory Board, and Chair of the Block 7 Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee.

Terry moved to Florida from his home state of Indiana in 1990. Prior to his freelancing career, he served as a District Sales Manager for Random House Publishing Company. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Indiana University. He is a veteran, and served in the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman.

Want to save money & make better use of your time by carpooling or vanpooling-
but don't know anyone to share the commute with?
We may be able to help! Join the regional rideshare database by following the link on the Commuter page of our website, www.newnorthalliance.org,  or by calling 813-974-9799 to speak with a New North Transportation Alliance representative.