The Haile Residents Association and Business Association have escalated their attempt to reverse fully-funded and democratically approved bike lanes on _publicly owned_ easements in their neighborhoods. They have placed "nuisance cones" (hundreds) along the future bike path to scare residents with prospects of construction and the (oh so evil!) bike lanes. I've received fifteen emails and several phone calls from club members, mostly Haile Residents. My message: Haile is speaking on your behalf against forward-thinking transportation reform.

A deputy is currently (Sunday morning) on the scene with a traffic expert assessing how and if he can remove the cones. It is illegal to place objects, advertisements, or political flyers in the public rights of way.

The Associations are declaring war on the commons and attempting to undermine the democratic process that went into designing and funding the "Archer Braid" bike lanes that will run from Archer to Haile to UF to Shands. The GCC is the front line, and only big line, in this battle--we need letters, phone calls, attendance at public meetings.

First contact the County Board of Commissioners at bocc@alachuacounty.us (Haile IS NOT IN THE CITY LIMITS). This is read daily by each Commissioner, their staff, and the media. State your profession, where you live, that you are a registered and active voter, mention that you drive/walk/ride/bus, and be brief. Do not attack anyone or any idea. Be positive ("The lanes are for public safety and ease of getting to work, school, church, and play").

If you want to know more, and be among fellow advocates who can give you some tools for change, please join us Tuesday evening for fun and organizing at Napolitano's, on Tower Road near I-75 and or at next-next Tuesday's County Commission meeting. My door (phone/email) is always open to your questions.