We've heard from several cyclists about bad experiences that they have had while cycling across the Matanzas Pass Bridge to Fort Myers Beach. Dan Moser followed up and got the following response:
Mike Horsting, LeeTran Principal Planner
"Thank you for bringing this to our attention. You are right, bicyclists are allowed to use the trolley lane when crossing the Matanzas Pass Bridge towards Fort Myers Beach and trolley drivers are instructed to yield to bicyclists in the trolley lane. We will reiterate this with Operations staff to ensure that we are carrying through with our responsibilities of sharing the lane with bicyclists. As both you and Debbie have mentioned, we are working with FDOT towards the installation of railings on the western wall of the bridge along the trolley lane."
From Debbie Tower, Public Info Director, FDOT:
"Signs that existed at each end of the bridge (“No bicycles on sidewalk”) actually were replaced yesterday with signs saying, “Walk bicycles on sidewalk.” The department decided to update these signs based, in part, on some of the things you mentioned in your e-mail. Allowing cyclists to walk bikes on the sidewalk is good for those who may not be able to ride the bridge and who may not be comfortable using the paved shoulders. You’re right that we’re working toward installing railings on top of the western bridge wall."
If you have any other questions or concerns about the bridge, share your comments below.
thanks dan, mike, and debbie for pursuing this item to make the bridge safe for those of us who enjoy bicycling to the beach. i and others appreciate your hard work.
ReplyDeletetom kelly-lexington country club bike club