The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is an all volunteer committee that is part of MetroPlan. If you are not familiar with MetroPlan, read this post.
I am an avid cyclist and ride to work every day to my job at UCF. I think our roads are not cyclist or pedestrian friendly and I intend to make a difference starting at UCF and moving out from this hub making our roads and drivers more aware of cyclists who may want to use our roadways for commuting or pleasure.
If you want to follow my post, Follow me on Facebook at both FixMyRoadway and my new Facebook page at BikeSafeCFL.
The emails below are in reverse order so start at the bottom.
From: rj@rjmueller.net [mailto:rj@rjmueller.net]
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2015 9:37 PM
To: ‘Mighk Wilson’
Cc: ‘Cathy Goldfarb'; ‘Cynthia Lambert’
Subject: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Mr. Wilson,
I would like to volunteer my services to serve on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
I have always rode bicycles but started cycling seriously about 15 years ago while training for triathlons. One thing led to another and I started riding with groups around the area. I rode with the B group out of Lakemont Elementary on Saturday mornings and now ride with the Winter Park group. Riding with other cyclists peaked my interest in cycling and now that I live close to where I work I ride to work on my commuter bike every day.
I work at UCF and live a couple of miles away. Even though it is a short distance I have ridden to work every day for the past 5 ½ years and have never driven to work in a car. I ride rain or shine, hot or cold. I believe more people should ride to work on bikes and save the roads for those who have a longer distance or simply can’t ride bicycles. I also believe people who do work farther away and could use mass transit should be able to ride to the bus or train and be able to load their bike on the vehicle and use it for transportation from the station home or to work.
We have a long way to go here in Orlando to truly make our community bike friendly. As an example I was very dismayed when Alafaya Blvd was four-laned from Lake Underhill to Avalon Park and there was no bike lane on the roadway. There is a wide sidewalk but a good cyclist knows that it is more dangerous to ride on the sidewalk than on a bike lane. I would like to see every new road or every improved road have a true bike lane. This should be mandatory going forward.
I would also like to see all mass transit vehicles have areas to store bikes.
I know these ideas are in the works already so I am not telling you anything new so consider me an advocate for these ideas and any other ideas that will make Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties a safer and bike friendly place to leave.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
RJ Mueller
From: Cynthia Lambert [mailto:CLambert@metroplanorlando.com]
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2015 4:16 PM
To: ‘rj@rjmueller.net’
Cc: Cathy Goldfarb; Mighk Wilson
Subject: RE: Information on how to get involved with MetroPlan
RJ,
Thank you for your interest in helping improve our community! Good to hear from you again. There are a couple of opportunities to get involved with us and give regular input into the transportation planning process.
You already mentioned the first option, which is the Citizens’ Advisory Committee. These seats are appointed by local governments. So in your case, you would contact Orange County and let them know of your interest. They have an online application that you can fill out here (please indicate that you’re interested in serving on the MetroPlan Orlando Citizens’ Advisory Committee when you fill it out): https://apps.ocfl.net/Secure/mmrb/BoardApplicationPartOne.asp
The second option is our Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which may be a good fit since you mentioned your interest in cycling. We are actually now accepting applications for open positions on that committee. These particular seats are appointed by the MetroPlan Orlando Board, so our staff handles the process. More info here, including instructions on how to apply: http://www.metroplanorlando.com/news/open-volunteer-positions-on-bpac-721/
We have pages on our website that tell a little more about what each committee does:
• Citizens’ Advisory Committee – http://www.metroplanorlando.com/board-committees/citizens-advisory-committee-CAC/
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee – http://www.metroplanorlando.com/board-committees/bicycle-pedestrian-advisory-committee-BPAC/
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Cynthia
Cynthia Lambert, APR
Public Information Manager
MetroPlan Orlando
One Landmark Center ♦ 315 East Robinson Street ♦ Suite 355 ♦ Orlando, Florida 32801
P: (407) 481-5672 Ext. 320
C: (407) 758-2592
F: (407) 481-5680
Email: clambert@metroplanorlando.com
www.metroplanorlando.com
Connect with MetroPlan Orlando on our website, Facebook, and Twitter!
*Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from local officials regarding organization business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
From: rj@rjmueller.net [mailto:rj@rjmueller.net]
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2015 7:43 PM
To: Info
Subject: Information on how to get involved with MetroPlan
Hello,
My name is RJ Mueller and I live in Orange County on the east side next to UCF. I have been working to improve the traffic situation in East Orange County by communicating with my commissioner, Commissioner Edwards as well as the mayor and other commissioners. I have spent several morning down at the BCC chambers talking about the issue and have recently spoken during public comment at both MetroPlan and the Expressway Authority. My focus is to help make a positive change and help residents understand the plans that are being worked to improve traffic. I would like to become part of the Citizens Advisory Committee and would like to know the steps involved to do this. I am also an avid cyclist and bike to work every day so I am also interested in being involved in helping to get our roads more bike friendly and safer for cyclists.
Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
Regards,
RJ Mueller