Fw: Making a Difference. One Cyclist at a Time.
Tom Saunders
Safer bicycling communities are usually built one person, one connection, and one ride at a time.That message stood out to me again, as I recently attended the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.. Throughout the meetings, presentations, and conversations it became clear: meaningful change often starts locally, one rider to another, whether child or adult. National organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups all play important roles, but nothing replaces the impact of life on life.
My own journey began not in a boardroom or at a conference, but in my neighborhood while teaching my son how to ride his new road bike. As we rode together, I began to realize what I had observed many times before, but never fully processed. Riders of all ages want to enjoy riding a bicycle. Yet, many either lack the confidence, skills, or instruction to ride safely. Maybe, I thought some simple instruction, encouragement, fun, and a little community support could prevent crashes, close calls or anything worse. At the time, I was just another cyclist who cared about my family and my community. I was not trying to start a statewide initiative or become deeply involved in bicycle safety. I simply wanted to help. My First Step Was to VolunteerIt began with a back-to-school youth bicycle rodeo in partnership with the Sarasota Police and the YMCA. We set up a simple skills course for kids. We taught helmet safety, practiced stopping and signaling, and tried to make learning fun.
Some of them arrived nervous or unsure of themselves. By the end of the event, they were riding obstacle courses, laughing with friends, and asking questions about how to ride safely. Parents thanked us for volunteering and taking time to teach their children. I realized in that moment something important: positive learning experiences can build confidence in kids and safe practices for a lifetime. One event led to another. Eventually I became a certified instructor through the League of American Bicyclists and began collaborating with community organizations, law enforcement agencies, schools, and advocacy groups, including the Florida Bicycle Association, to promote and conduct bicycle safety events.
Eugene Rider, light blue, brings together Sarasota Police to promote bike safety.
Along the way, I learned that improving bicycle safety in Florida is not just about infrastructure or policy. While those are important, teaching riding skills, proper helmet fit, and hand signals to a child or adult is paramount.
At the National Bike Summit, I met people from across the country working to improve safety in their own communities. Some were planners, some were advocates, and some were simply local riders who decided to volunteer at an event or help organize a safety class. What connected all of us was the belief that individual actions matter and have a significant effect on bicycle safety.
You do not need to be an expert to make a difference. You do not need to lead an organization. Sometimes helping with a local ride, volunteering at a youth rodeo, mentoring a new cyclist, or simply encouraging safer riding habits can have a lasting impact on someone else. That is the message I hope cyclists remember during May, which is National Bike Month. If each of us does a little in our own communities, together we can help make Florida safer and more accessible for everyone who rides. Ride with joy. Ride with confidence. Cheers. Eugene Rider Board Member/VP, Florida Bicycle Association and Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club(SMBC) Editor’s Note: Our thanks to Eugene for sharing his story about making a difference. You can contact Eugene at SMBC about how to be involved in your community at a youth bicycle safety rodeo.
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