Sanibel nearing completion of removal of STOP markings on path system

It's great to see Sanibel implement recommendations from the Nov. 2015 "Shared Use Pathway Intersection Report" by TY Lin International, including the removal of STOP markings on the Sanibel path, which is almost completed, and Council's approval this week of the placement of  "3 feet please--it's the law" decals on city vehicles. Thanks to Sanibel City Council and Staff and the Sanibel Bicycle Club for their efforts over the past 3 years to bring this project to fruition.  Thanks also to the Santiva Chronicle for its continuing coverage of Sanibel's bike/ped issues. [See links to report and previous BWL blog posts below.]

SANTIVA TODAY: City in Process of Removing STOP Markings on Shared Use Paths

By DAVID STAVER, Editor
Thursday, December 08, 2016

 City workers prep a "STOP" for covering on the shared use path at the intersection of Albatross and Dixie Beach roads on Wednesday, Dec. 7. SC photo by David Staver

The City of Sanibel is nearing the end of its project of covering the old “STOP” marks on the city's 25 miles of shared use paths.

“We expect to complete the project in the very near future, and the city as well as the Sanibel Bicycle Club are sure the paths will be safer as a result,” Sanibel Public Works Director Keith Williams said.
The removal of the painted “STOP” markings that were prevalent all across the island were recommended for removal in the recent study of the shared use paths by TY Lin Inc.

“Based on several days of observation of pedestrian and cyclist behavior, we noted that these messages tend to be ignored by both cyclists and pedestrians,” the TY Lin study said. “In addition, they promote user disregard for real or apparent dangers and are specially prohibited in the Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices.”

A survey of citizen input by TY Lin revealed that 85 percent of the respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the Lin finding that the “STOP” marking should go away.

The Lin study was realistic in its assessment. Typically, neither bicyclists nor pedestrians should be required or encouraged to stop at every driveway and street crossing,” which was the case with all the painted “STOP” markings. Lin recommended appropriate marking and signs where they are really needed.

“At some locations with high traffic volumes, limited sight distances or other constraints, half-size “STOP” signs placed specifically for bicycles and pedestrians are appropriate,” the study concluded.
“Most of the “STOP” markings have been covered,” Williams said. “The rest of them are being prepped for covering and will be gone soon.”

Three Feet Please, It's the Law

In other cycling news, the Sanibel City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday, Dec. 6, to place bumper stickers on city police cars that remind motorists that they must yield three feet to cyclists. The “Three Feet Please, It's the Law” bumper stickers were another recommendation in the TY Lin report. The stickers are already on government vehicles in Naples, Tampa and Punta Gorda and on Lee County Sheriff's vehicles, and soon they will be seen on Sanibel.

See related BikeWalkLee blogs:

Dec. 12, 2016: SANIBEL CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PLACEMENT OF "3 FEET PLEASE-- IT'S THE LAW" ON CITY VEHICLES

Dec. 1, 2015: Sanibel City Council Approved Shared Use Path Funds; STOP Markings Going Away

Link to Nov. 2015 TY Lin International Report: Shared Use Pathway Intersection Improvement Study (see Sanibel City Council 12/1/15 Agenda item 8 for links to below documents)

• Final shared use path report
• Survey Matrix 
• Shared Use Pathway Survey Matrix 
• Survey Results
• Shared Use Pathway Survey Results 
• Staff Recommendations and Proposed Next Steps
• Funding resolution for first phase implementation