On August 8th, I am leaving MS to further my education in Philadelphia, PA. My heart had always been for the church. I believe the church is ill-equipped to handle many of the problems it faces today. I believe CCEF (Christian Counsel & Education Foundation) has devoted much time to examine the current condition of the church and offer Biblical, thorough counsel. I look forward to not only attending one of the most prestigious seminaries in the country but also being a part of the work at CCEF.

Change is never an easy thing. We become comfortable in our current conditions and the unknown makes us nervous… at least it does for me. I have always lived in MS, and now the Lord has called me to move to a huge city. It’s definitely going to be a huge change but a great one though.

There is so much to see and do. Philly is located near NYC, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. Everything is accessible by train. One of Philly’s greatest appeals is public transit. It makes travel so convenient.

I look forward to returning home often, to cycle with dear friends and see family. My dear friends, Chris and Amy Green, are giving birth to their first child, Liam Green, in September. I can’t wait to come home, just to see him; I’m so excited!!!

Stay tuned. I will update my blog as often as possible!

Josh L. Sullivan

Below is a letter that I wrote to tv stations, reporters, and newspapers across the state…

I am writing to you about an important matter concerning cyclists and the safety of cyclists throughout the state of MS! As of Thursday, July 1st, Mississippi now stands out as a leader in the cycling world. We are one of the few states in the nation to adopt a 3 Feet Law, which clearly defines the relationship between motorists and cyclists. The bill was named after John Paul Frerer. He was a young man in north MS. He was on a training ride one morning before school and was struck by an automobile, resulting in death. As an avid member of the cycling community and a instance that demonstrates the dangers we face as cyclists, we thought it was only appropriate to name the bill after him.

Several of us have worked tirelessly to promote the bill, from within the capital to newspaper articles. I never realized the amount of effort it takes to accomplishment such a task, but I am thankful to have been a part of it.

The bill serves two purposes: to call cyclists to be responsible as an alternate form or mode of transportation on the road by obeying all traffic laws and taking the appropriate precautions and to call motorists to acknowledge cyclists presence on the road and offer the utmost respect by safely passing allowing 3 feet between the car and bicycle. Its primary purpose, in conjunction with already existing law concerning cyclists, is to further define that relationship as cycling continues to grow in the metro Jackson area and other parts of the
state.

With the initiation of the new law, the city of Ridgeland created a sign and strategically placed them throughout the city. It is a square sign made the highest grade reflective material available. It clearly states that it is a “state law” and then diagrams the relationship by placing a bicycle and car with an arrow between them and the words “3 Feet Minimum”.

You can view the sign and members of Jackson Metro Cyclists by clicking here: http://flic.kr/p/8f6i1Y. You can also view Joe Mangino, ranger for the Natchez Trace Parkway, showing off his sticker, as the first government vehicle with one by clicking here: http://flic.kr/p/8fN8Xh. You can also contact me or anyone listed in the carbon copy section. With your efforts, we can spread the word to increase awareness for cycling and the growing demand to be a health-conscience community. Now is the time to change the national image of MS, and it is only possible with your help.

Josh L. Sullivan

President

Jackson Metro Cyclists

Yesterday was a historic day for cyclists and the cycling community in the state of Mississippi; the John Paul Frerer Bicycle Safety Act went into effect. Many of us have pushed for the bill for several years now, working with legislators and tweaking it along the way.

This year, we gave it a specific name. John Paul was a cyclists in north MS. He was riding his bicycle one morning, during a training ride and was struck by a truck and died.

By giving the bill a name, it signified the reality that cycling is a dangerous sport.

However, the law further defines the relationship between cyclists and motorists. It puts stipulations upon cyclists and their responsibility to obey traffic laws, and it also requires respect from motorists. Rather than treating cyclists as a separate entity, with no rights to the roads, the bill acknowledges our right to the road and further requires that motorists provide “3 Feet” when safely passing.

Ridgeland has made great strides to make the city a safer place to enjoy cycling. Just this year, it was named “Bike Friendly” through the League of American Bicyclists. David Williams, city engineer, created a sign to bring awareness to motorists and cyclists about the new law. They are strategically placed throughout the city.

I am working with other cities and organizations to adopt the sign as a state standard. A group of Jackson Metro Cyclists members gathered together yesterday to have a photo shoot with the new sign.

As motorists and/or cyclists, we have a responsibility to uphold safety to the highest degree. Yesterday was a call to everyone in the state of MS to acknowledge that responsibility in light of a growing cycling community.

On a side note, we are only one of fifteen or sixteen states with such a law. It is a huge accomplishment for us as a state, and we should be very proud.