Whether it was the Dolphins, Christmas shopping to-do-lists, or the complete lack of coverage in the Miami Herald, Bike Miami did not see as many participants as it did last month. Nonetheless, hundreds of people came out and had a good time. An Announcement should be coming forth regarding the 2009 Bike Miami schedule. This will help us all plan a little better. In the meantime, check out some photos from yesterday’s car-free fun, and Rydel’s video over at Miami Bike Scene.
Finally, thanks to Tobacco Road and all who came out for the Transit Miami after party. ‘Til next time…
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9 Responses to Bike Miami Days II
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Though I agree that the unsettled weather, holiday season, and Dolphins game probably drew people away from the second Bike Miami, I can’t shake the idea that the event is not offering much to everyday people.
Other than a handful of activities in Bayfront Park, there was very little reason to stick around that area. At Mary Brickell Village, the restaurants and cafe’s were the only draw (unless you wanted to get your $3 Presidente groove on). The only band of the day was shoved way back into MBV where it was nearly impossible for a live act to achieve a decent sound, let alone a crowd.
I understand that from a logistical perspective arranging vendors and other attractions can prove difficult. Yet what realistic expectations could be had if there is no reason to make the trek downtown other than roaming Flagler Street and S Miami Ave on a bike?
The idea is a wonderful one – one that I truly hope succeeds – but without more substance it will never attract the people necessary to ensure its continuity. In the meantime, I will keep my fingers crossed and hope an effort is made to appeal to a broader base.
A huge thanks to all the volunteers for all the hard work.
i think y’all should change the name to something better. here in SF we call it Sunday Streets. NYC said Summer Streets. Chicago said Sunday Parkways.
A lot of my friends, who are avid bikers, who attend critical mass rides, made the same complaints.
“I don’t get it.”
“What are we supposed to be doing there?”
I tried defending it as a work in progress. The city feels so dead on Sunday, aside from the bikers. I think it will be important to get “things” happening on the sidewalks… cafes, bbq, art displays?
Andy and Tony, I hear you loud and clear. unfortunately, there are some asinine city code restrictions that prevent certain things from happening on the streets/sidewalks etc. We are going to work on breaking those down, because yes Andy, this is a work in progress.
I have forwarded your comments on to the Mayor’s office so they are aware of your input.
Do you think the expanded route will help with the boredom that ensues for more advanced bicyclists?
I think we should look to piggyback the event onto other things…
Stay in touch and please continue to support what is a big step in the right direction for Miami.
Bike Miami is not about racing through Downtown, it’s about being able to ride around Downtown, explore it on a bike, stop wherever you want, all without worrying about cars and such. I think there’s a segment of the cycling population that is not quite getting what Bike Miami is all about. The slogan says it: Explore the city in a new way.
That said, we need the support of newbie and experienced cyclists alike, so these are concerns that need to be considered for future events.
All in all, I thought it was great, and I had a lot of fun. To share, here are my Bike Miami Days Reports:
1- Slow Bike Miami Beach – http://dmperez.com/cycling/2008/12/15/bike-miami-days-20/
2- Miami Metblogs – http://miami.metblogs.com/2008/12/16/bike-miami-days-20-report/
I think to piggyback is the only thing that makes sense for Bike Miami right now. For instance, when Carnival is held at Bayfront Park, it would make sense to close the downtown streets, and extend the Carnival celebration through downtown. Or even something simple like when the library has its big book sale. Or the Miami Book Fair. What else?
I’ve participated in the November and December “Bike Miamis” on inline skates. My friends and I start in Miami Beach, skate over the Venetian Causeway, and then into downtown Miami, and beyond. We plan to turn it into a monthly skate tour that takes in the sights of downtown Miami, the Miami Circle, Bayfront Park, AA Arena, Circus, etc. – where ever there’s asphalt and something interesting to see. So far, it’s been great fun. My only suggestion would be to create a safe route to get from the Venetian Causeway to Bayfront Park. I think that would draw a lot more skaters and cyclists. Keep up the good work MIAMI!
Bernadette: “We plan to turn it into a monthly skate tour…”
What? BIKE Miami?
II remember Sometime ago, back in my country (Venezuela), we use to have an event every Sunday from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, the City of Caracas close certain Highway for everybody go jogging, biking, skateboard or just walk up and down the streets, what I am trying to say is that there is a perception that “Bike Miami” is just for Bikes, and in this way the event limited it self, It should be a day not only dedicated to explore downtown Miami in a different way, they could address the benefit to the health if you exercise, to the families that have a place and things to do together without expend to much, issue that I think is important these days and much more, without selling the event too short… just may two cents.