Club Helps City Conduct 2012 Path User Count
Under the 2009 Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan, the City of Sanibel, to be assisted by the Sanibel Bicycle Club, was to conduct an update to the Path user survey that was done in 2006 as part of the preparation work for the Master Plan. During two days in April 2012, that commitment was fulfilled. A total of 41 Club members participated in the effort which involved four separate two-hour shifts at each of seven locations around the Island. The effort was well supported by the City who conducted a safety and training session, supplied forms and clipboards and furnished vests and caps. The resulting data was submitted to the City and will be used to support requests for grant funding and to determine project priority. Thanks to all Club members who participated and especially to Bill Sartoris for his leadership. 2012 Shared Use Path Cleanup Day A Huge Success The Bike Club completed its annual Shared Use Path Cleanup Day on Wednesday, March 21st. The effort this year was ably led by Bill Madsen and Sue Ring. Area 'captains' included Norm and Helen Flemington, Walter and Methel Gale, Neal and Sherry Halleran and Merle and Eileen Kjonaas. A total of 39 Bike Club members participated, and over 55 bags of trash were collected. Thanks to all participants. The project also included, at request of the City, the annual inspection of path repair needs. Recently a list was 53 items was furnished to the Sanibel Department of Public Works. 2012 Bicycle Delivery to Immokalee Community
In March 2012, the Bike Club completed another distribution of used bycycles to the Immokalee Community. So far, over six hundred bicycles have been delivered to the people of Immokalee over the five years of this great program. Distribution was handled by the Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a social services agency serving that community. SBC was joined in this effort by local business people Billy Kirkland of Billy’s Bikes and Annie Nachtheim of Soon Come Contract Hauling. Special thanks go to Norm and Helen Flemington and George and Patti Sousa for their efforts in coordiating this project and to the many other Club members who contributed their time and effort in collecting and refurbishing the bikes. And special thanks to the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ for their significant assistance. Club Leads Ride to 'Sanibel Stoop' as Part of 'Shellabration'
As part of the Island-wide celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Sanibel Shell Fair and Show, the Bike Club led a February ride to Bowman's Beach of participants in the 'Sanibel Stoop' world record attempt. The successful effort established a new Guinness Book of World Records for the largest number of people participating in a treasure hunt. The entire event was organized by the Sanibel Community Association and commemorated the Shell Fair as the longest running shell fair and show of its kind in the United States. 2011 Delivery of Used Bikes For Immokalee--Collection Drive
Just before the 2011 Holidays, the Bike Club delivered another installment of used bikes to the Immokalee community. The program is in its fifth year and almost 500 bicycles have now been delivered. This latest batch went primarily to fifth and sixth-grace students of Immokalee Community School; none of the children that received bikes had previously owned one. Club Hosts Bingo Event at City New Year's Eve Party
For the third year, the Club hosted the Bingo Event that is held as part of the New Year's Eve celebration at the Sanibel Recreation Center. Besides offering an alcohol-free approach to welcome in 2012, the event helped raise funds which are used to assist youth of financially eligible families to attend the After School Program, Fun Days, Holiday and Summer Day Camp programs that are offered by the Recreation Center. Club volunteers this year included Doug and Jeanne Mallon, Bill and Karen Sartoris, George and Patti Sousa and Mike and Mary Miller. Participation in 2011 Bike Safety Course and Rodeo
Along with the Sanibel Recreation Center, Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club, Billy's Rentals and Finnimore's Cycle Shop, the Club participated in a Bike Safety Course and Rodeo held on May 12th at the Sanibel School. Participating children learned about safe bicycling schools including the need to always wear a helmet. Partipants were given a safety inspection and skill practice including starting and stopping, the safe way to exit a driveway, how to look for traffic, negotiate an intersection, and avoid common road hazards. One of the local TV stations interviewed SBC president Mary Miller regarding cycling safety. Participation in 2011 Fourth of July Parade
Undaunted by the Florida heat, ten brave members of the Club held the Club banner high, metaphorically at least, and bicycled at incredibly slow speed from Bailey's to Jerry's as part of the 2011 Sanibel Fourth of July Parade. A good time was had by all. |
