Nov. 19, Cyclists to Pedal 'Road to Responsibility' From FSU to UF in Support of DUI Enforcement

On Nov. 18, a press conference is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the FSUPD

They are rivals on the football field, but when it comes to drunk driving and high-risk drinking, The Florida State University and the University of Florida are partnering for a common purpose. The schools’ police departments, parents of students, and students themselves will be joining in a campaign called the “Road to Responsibility Challenge” to raise awareness about impaired driving and alcohol abuse that can sometimes be linked with festive weekends, such as those associated with big football contests.

The challenge begins before daybreak on Thursday, Nov. 19, with a grueling, single-day, 150-mile bicycle ride from Florida State to UF by FSU Police Department Major Jim Russell, 39, and Ritaann Becker, 54, the parent of an FSU freshman. They are expected to arrive at the UF Police Department and be available to media there by around 5 p.m. Russell calls the ride a symbol of the essential partnership between parents and police, literally dependent on one another to make a difference and united in their determination to keep students safe. The two cyclists will carry a message of alliance from FSUPD Chief David Perry to UF Police Chief Linda Stump on behalf of their respective departments, students and parents. FSU is pledging to join UF in the spirit of unified goals, and to support the strict enforcement of DUI and alcohol laws during the Nov. 28 Seminoles vs. Gators football weekend.

In advance of Thursday’s long ride, Russell has scheduled a 5 p.m. press conference at Florida State on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at the FSUPD headquarters. Members and affiliates of the Leon County Multi-Agency DUI Strike Force have been invited to participate.

“We know this isn’t just about our two police departments supporting one another in our efforts, it is also about our respective university families, both internal and external, voicing our unity in support of safety regarding drunk driving and alcohol abuse issues,” Perry said.

“People may ask, ‘Why bike 150 miles to get the message across,’” said Russell, founder of the ride. “The bicycle comes into play on a couple of levels. First, it is a symbolic representation of a messenger being sent from one opponent’s camp to the other’s with an important message. Secondly, it is a physical demonstration of the determination we have to get this message across. If we are willing to make such an effort just to get this message delivered, isn’t it a simple thing to be responsible and to not drive while impaired? In comparison, making responsible decisions is easy.”

Russell and Becker will have a police support vehicle with them all day Thursday for food, water and repair needs, and to enhance safety when necessary.

A competitive cyclist, Becker is a professional Licensed Massage Therapist and also works at Sunshine Cycles, a Tallahassee bike shop. Russell, the Assistant Chief of Police at FSU, oversees the FSUPD’s Support Services Division.