BikeWalkLee Blog: Bicycling Infrastructure

Showing posts with label Bicycling Infrastructure. Show all posts

Thursday, April 21, 2022

BikeWalkLee: A question of supply and demand

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, April 21, 2022
by Ken Gooderham

Daniels Parkway, Fort Myers (Google street view)

Looking out my office window, I can see a portion of a nearby bike path still under construction… a condition it’s been enduring for a few months now, as various drainage and grading and paving projects shamble towards some measure of completion.

Yet, almost since the day the bulldozers first carved out the curving path, people have been trying to walk or bike on it. That’s how eager they are to put it to use.

They’ve been warned not to travel on it, that it’s still under construction and not ready for prime time. All that accomplished was keeping people off the path while workers toiled on its various parts during business hours. Early morning, evening and weekends? There’s almost always someone traversing its half-mile stretch… even when the gaping holes were large enough to swallow bike and rider in a single gulp.

Why? Because given the choice between a glorified dirt pathway and a narrow two-lane road with no shoulders and plenty of ditches, there was no choice.

When it finally opens for actual business, I have no doubt it will be populated with peds and pedalers almost every daylight hour. It connects to another new path (which likewise is almost never empty), which then connects to the greater bike/ped path system that covers most of the county.

I have ridden the road in question many times, since it’s the only way to get out to the great cycling system beyond my doorstep. So do many other riders in this corner of the world, willing to take their changes playing in traffic rather than being trapped in their one small community.

But when cyclists of all skill (and bravery) levels are given the option of a bike path separated from vehicle traffic, you’ll see a lot more of them being willing to venture out – especially during season, when vehicle counts along this roadway go through the proverbial roof.

If you build it, they will come… because they’re already there, just waiting for a safer option.

That’s the part some people don’t understand – the ones who worry that improving the bike/ped facilities will attract more people from other places to use said facilities, an “attractive nuisance” of a sort.

“Attractive”? Yes. Nuisance? Depends on your perspective.

If you don’t like cyclists and pedestrians using the roadways, then perhaps “nuisance” fits… except for the fact that they are allowed to use those roads by law.

Giving them a safer place to ride and walk? No “nuisance” there… and many of the people who’ll use these new paths and lanes are neighbors and visitors from right down the street. They just haven’t felt comfortable biking or walking on that street until they got a little place (or at least space) of their own.

Bike paths and lanes usually don’t create demand, they simply meet the demand that’s already there. They also make it safer for all road users – especially motor vehicles – by giving all of those users distinct spaces in which to move.

I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve heard drivers express their concerns over possibly hitting a cyclist or pedestrian who’s traveling down the side of the road (usually along a very narrow shoulder).

Want to alleviate those fears? Support building more bike paths and lanes along our area roadways, or back making the existing ones better if possible by making them wider, more separated and more connected (so people who want to can actually go places by bike).

If the path outside my door is any indication, the demand is there. We just need to increase the supply.

●●●

EVENTS

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

GiGiFit Acceptance Challenge, Saturday, April 23, 5K, 1-mile walk and kids’ dash, 9 a.m., Estero Park.
Lovers Key Turtle Trot 5K, Saturday, May 14, 8 a.m., Lovers Key Park, Fort Myers Beach.
Priority Business Solutions Freedom 5K Run/Walk & Gunterberg Charitable Foundation Kid's Fun Run, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce..

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

Tropicool 5K, Saturday, May 14, downtown Naples.
Park to Pier Swim, Sunday, May 29, 8 a.m., Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
SNIP Collier, Monday, May 30, 7:30 a.m., Cambier Park, Naples.
2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

Paradise Coast Half Marathon, Sunday, April 24, North Collier Regional Park, Naples.
USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.

CYCLING

Thursday, May 18: Annual Ride of Silence, to honor those cyclists who have been killed or injured on our roadways. Details at caloosariders.org.

The Caloosa Riders are offering member rides, but some are open to non-members (and it wouldn’t hurt you to join the club); check their ride calendar (caloosariders.org) for a description of the distance and speed, and to see if the ride is open to all.

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides. Check out their line-up online (www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times (and to make sure the ride is still rolling).

SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers.
Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Saturday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
NE Lee Critical Mass ride, third Friday of the month. Gather in the Winn Dixie parking lot on Palm Beach Blvd. about five miles east of the Interstate; gather at 7 p.m. and roll at 7:30 p.m. for a slow ride through Fort Myers Shores.
Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.

TRIATHLONS

St. Anthony’s Triathlon, Olympic and sprint, Sunday, May 1, St. Petersburg (satriathlon.com/).
2022 Game On Suncoast Olympic & Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, May 21, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (GameOnRaceEvents.com)
Naples Fitness Challenge, reverse sprint triathlon, Sunday, June 5, Naples (thefitnesschallengetriathlon.com/)
Heartland Triathlon, sprint and Olympic tri, duathlon and aquabike, Sunday, June 5, Sebring (heartlandtri.com/).
Fort Desoto Triathlon Series Race #1, Sunday, June 19, Olympic & sprint triathlon, Fort Desoto Park, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/). Also July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18.
Siesta Key Sirens & Merman Triathlon, Sunday, June 26, Siesta Key (run941.com/).

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Ken Gooderham writes this on behalf of BikeWalkLee, a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County — streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at bikewalklee.blogspot.com.

Thursday, November 19, 2020

BikeWalkLee: Rail right-of-way a path to success

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, November 19, 2020
by Ken Gooderham

Collier County and the cities of Bonita Springs and Estero are studying the possibilities of acquiring miles of railroad rights of way connecting all three, for eventual re-use as multi-use pathways and public transit.

So why is this a good opportunity and a great idea?

Simple… it’s a unique possibility to capture a swath of property adjacent to already developed (or developing) areas, guaranteeing a lot of potential users right next door.

It would give these governments the opportunity to create a multi-use and multimodal transportation corridor from the ground up, where designs and needs could be planned and integrated, instead of retrofitted and accommodated.

It could create a higher-speed public transit option away from the congestion and confusion of U.S. 41 and Interstate 75 – and close to homes, shops, businesses and government offices.

And it could be a building block to expand a similar multi-use corridor northward along the same corridor, creating a potential bike/ped/transit pathway that could stretch from northern Collier County to Charlotte County and beyond.

The Elliot Bay Trail in Seattle, Washington (wikipedia.org)

Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t – but it will take commitment, courage and (of course) cash to become reality.

The three governments are working with the nonprofit Trust for Public Lands on the acquisition, which is still in the study-and-negotiation stage… so a long way from reality. Still, you have to start somewhere.

Also, right now Collier is more focused on public transit, while Estero and Bonita are looking at the bike/ped options more seriously. Both are needed, and we can hope that, if this idea comes to fruition, both bike/ped and transit stay on the table.

The idea itself is not new, having been thoroughly explored in a 2013 study of the Seminole Gulf Railway corridor sponsored by the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT). A number of options for the right-of-way were discussed, along with the opportunities and obstacles in each.

Would it be easy? No. Would it be worth it? Absolutely.

Creating a convenient and uncongested public transit corridor would be a real asset for our area, giving people a real alternative to automobiles at a considerably reduced cost (because you’re building from scratch and working with clear right-of-way). You could even consider multiple transit options… starting with bus rapid transit (just like it sounds, buses making fewer stops and covering more distance) to light rail and even commuter rail as the population (and potential users) grew.

You would still have sufficient space to create a safe and convenient bike/ped path system that could allow people to bike north and south in relative security – another great asset as well as a valuable amenity for nearby neighborhood.

Let’s face it: This area is going to continue to grow, and we’ll never be able to build enough roads if everyone has to rely solely on cars to get around. As roadways get more and more congested, viable mass transit is going to become more attractive to users – and more crucial to maintaining our quality of life.

Similarly, recreation and transportation focused on bike and pedestrian facilities will also continue to grow, so providing a safe and functional network of paths will be another quality-of-life asset. And, as anyone who has watched bile/ped facility in this area knows, if you build it they will come.

So kudos to these three government entities for pursuing this very prudent possibility. We hope the studies and discussions end up make this plan a reality. If that happens, we also hope that Lee County and the City of Fort Myers build on this momentum by launching their own look into expanding this transportation corridor northward.

It’s a great idea that could be a game-changer for our area. Let’s hope the pieces come together.

Turkey Trot? Not!

Another victim of the coronavirus is the traditional Thanksgiving Turkey Trots… at least some of the in-person events. The venerable Cape Coral Turkey Trot (celebrating its 41st year) is virtual only, as is the FGCU Gobbler 5K. The Gulf Coast Runners’ Trot has been shortened to 2 miles (from the usual 5K) – but it’s both virtual and in-person (at Naples’ Cambier Park). If it just won’t be Turkey Day without your 5K Trot, head to Hertz Arena in Estero for the Elite Events’ run at 7 a.m. on Nov. 26. Just don’t forget your mask!

EVENTS:

Here’s what is scheduled for organized running and biking events locally… but confirm with the organizers and be flexible in case conditions change and large-group activities are limited. Of course, wear a mask and act appropriate to your age, condition and concerns.

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

Cape Coral Turkey Trot 5K, Sept. 17-Nov. 26 (virtual)
City of Palms River Run 10K, Sept. 17-Dec. 5 (virtual)
Lazy Flamingo Half Marathon & 2-Person Relay, Sept. 17-Dec. 20 (virtual)
Strides for Education 5K, Feb. 6, 2021 (in-person and virtual)

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 26 (in-person & virtual)
Naples Daily News Half Marathon, Saturday, Jan. 17 (in-person & virtual)

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, Naples, Saturday, Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Walk, Estero, Thursday, Nov. 26
Naples Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 5
Naples Distance Classic 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, Sunday, Dec. 6
Sarasota West Coast Half Marathon and 5K, Sunday, Dec. 20
Venice Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021
City of Palms Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021
Paradise Coast Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, March 27, 2021

OTHER RUNS:

FGCU 10th-Annual Gobbler 5K, up to Nov. 26 (virtual) – runsignup.com
Publix Run to the Arts 5K run/walk – in person on Feb. 7, 2021, or virtual Jan. 30-Feb. 7 runsignup.com or runtothearts.com

CYCLING:

SW Florida Critical Mass is offering their usual slate of family-friendly rides, although the NE Lee ride seems to be lacking a leader and thus is not on the calendar. The options are below, and you can check out their line-up online (http://www.meetup.com/Biking-SWFL/events/) for details and times.

SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers.
Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Tuesday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.

If racing is not your thing but you’d like to support their return nonetheless, consider volunteering to help out at the few in-person offerings ahead. With Covid concerns still corralling some of the club’s usual volunteers, a few new helping hand would certainly be welcomed.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Thursday, October 22, 2020

BikeWalkLee: A good time to invest in bikes

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, October 22, 2020
by Ken Gooderham

Government revenue is down. There’s no clear end to the pandemic. Uncertainty reigns, with confusion close by its side.

So why is it a good time to invest in bike/ped infrastructure? Let me tell you why.

Demand is high, and the need should continue to grow.

The pandemic pushed people outside as a safe place to meet and move. That pushed bike sales to record highs, as well as getting people out walking and running in growing numbers. And now, even as governments strive to force open the economy by relaxing Covid clampdowns, a lot of people are keeping up their open-air exercise routines… both out of habit, enjoyment and health concerns.

More users need more paths and lanes on which to safely ride, run and walk. That can accommodate them today and encourage them tomorrow to turn something healthy into a habit even when the pandemic panic subsides for real.

It’s a good economic jolt, growing jobs by building something that adds value to communities.

There are a lot of people out of work, a lot of companies struggling. An influx of infrastructure spending could counter that at a time when the economy needs a lot of encouragement… and too many parts of our local, state and national infrastructure is aging and in need to repair or replacement.

So let’s make some of that infrastructure bike/ped focused. Why? Because people will use it, which creates value in the neighborhoods it serves, which boost home values, which increases property taxes, which helps to fund local government and build local businesses. There aren’t a lot of investments that can claim that.

People are rethinking how they live, increasing the focus on fitness and family. Bike/ped suits this new normal.

The pandemic has shown some people which community amenities are necessities vs. extravagances. At a time when people are spending more time together (families) and apart (friends), amenities that won’t close but will allow distancing (and which can get you from Point A to Point B to boot) and which are nearby and accessible become more attractive – and more essential.

Money is as cheap as it will ever get… so use it, don’t hoard it.

Investing in infrastructure usually means borrowing the funds you need now to build now, and paying it back by creating value that generates revenue (see above). This equation works best with the cost of borrowing is lower rather than higher… and right now, interest rates are as low as they can go (perhaps). So investing in things a community needs and which enhance values makes a lot of sense.

This is a great time to make this area into a place that draws people, not just tourists... that creates assets, not just attractions.

Southwest Florida has a number of things working in its favor… beaches and boating, natural beauty and world-class weather (if you like it on the warm side). It’s a natural fit for bike/ped as well, with the terrain and climate that should draw people from around the globe. But those people need more than just flat land and sunny skies – they need places to safely ride, run and walk. And those have been hard to find over the year in Southwest Florida.

A positive note: When communities have invested in bike/ped facilities that are safe and functional, people have come to use them. Sanibel Island is a prime example, of course, but the growth of bike/ped facilities in Cape Coral and Estero (among others) and the investment in networks that connect paths and lanes into a viable recreation/transportation system throughout Lee County is an asset in attracting visitors and residents who want to be more active and less tied to motor vehicles.

Are we there yet to make this a cycling/walking destination? No, but at least you could argue that we can see that off in the distance now, as opposed to it being a speck on the horizon 20 years ago. A serious and focused investment in bike/ped infrastructure that builds on the current improvements to enhance access, safety and function, could give this area an asset that would build on its outdoor attributes in a very positive way.

There may be an opportunity to do something special here. Let’s give it some thought..

EVENTS:

Below is what’s scheduled for organized running and biking events locally… but confirm with the organizers and be flexible in case conditions change and large-group activities are limited. Of course, wear a mask and act appropriate to your age, condition and concerns.

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

Sanibel Island 10K Race 4 F.I.S.H., Aug. 18-Oct. 31 (virtual)
Cape Coral Turkey Trot 5K, Sept. 17-Nov. 26 (virtual)
City of Palms River Run 10K, Sept. 17-Dec. 5 (virtual)
Lazy Flamingo Half Marathon & 2-Person Relay, Sept. 17-Dec. 20 (virtual)

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

Halloween Monster 5K (Naples), Saturday, Oct. 31 (virtual)
Old Naples 10K, Saturday, Nov. 7 (in-person & virtual)
GCR Thanksgiving 5K, Thursday, Nov. 26 (in-person & virtual)
Naples Daily News Half Marathon, Saturday, Jan. 17 (in-person & virtual)

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

Fall Classic Half Marathon and 5K, Naples, Saturday, Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Walk, Estero, Thursday, Nov. 26
Naples Christmas Glow Run 5K, Saturday, Dec. 5
Naples Distance Classic 5K, 10K and Half Marathon, Sunday, Dec. 6

OTHER RUNS:

2020 LCEC Goblin Gallop 5K, Oct. 31, Jaycee Park, Cape Coral (in-person) (active.com)
Run for Foster Kids, Oct. 1-31 (virtual) (runsignup.com)

CYCLING:

SW Florida Critical Mass ride, first Friday of the month. A family-friendly slow night ride through Fort Myers. Front and rear bike lights required. Helmet and lights required, meet in the parking lot at 2180 West First Street, Fort Myers.
Sanibel Critical Mass night ride, second Tuesday of the month. Gathers at Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way, on Sanibel. Lights required, helmets recommended.
Cape Coral Critical Mass ride, fourth Friday of the month. Gather at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street for a family-friendly night ride through the Cape; helmets and lights required.
Saturday Morning Slow Roll, fourth Saturday of the month. Meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Landscaping transforms Alliance for the Arts

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, March 25, 2020
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Looking south toward Royal Palm Square Boulevard at the Alliance for the Arts.

What was always an active and aesthetically appealing corner property but lacking an important feature is finally becoming the complete package. Appropriately located along McGregor Boulevard at Alliance for the Arts, a sidewalk and landscaping project is transforming what would otherwise be common 5-feet wide ribbons of concrete into a functional and beautiful piece of outdoor art.

While this project may not be the only example of infrastructure as public art — nearby and adjacent to the Midpoint Bridge overpass is a military display built into the infrastructure that’s also quite inviting — it has special significance for me. The reason I’m so pleased to see the Alliance project is as much about the basic sidewalk as the creativity that makes it special.

From the beginning of my involvement in bike/pedestrian advocacy many decades ago, the two missing pieces of infrastructure that were most important to me were Gladiolus Drive around Lakes Park, and McGregor Boulevard. Gladiolus has had a pathway on one side between Summerlin and U.S. 41 since it was widened well over a decade ago but there remained this one last section of McGregor lacking a sidepath in front of the Alliance until very recently.

The view looking north along McGregor at the Alliance for the Arts.

I used to live on the corner of Gladiolus and what was then the southern terminus of Summerlin. My concern began as self-serving because I had just jumped headfirst into the running craze and was looking for places to run, especially from my front door. Summerlin had a pathway but there was no shade (which is still the case). The newly opened Lakes Park was a perfect place and less than a mile away but getting to the entrance was almost impossible because the only (official) access point at that time was on Gladiolus. It was then a treacherous two-lane road with no side path, or even shoulders, and a killer curve to boot. That particular situation led me into the local bike/pedestrian advocacy world. Eventually the county widened all of Gladiolus and included bike/ped accommodations. Lakes Park added what was intended to be a temporary non-motorized access along Summerlin while road construction was taking place but that has since become a very popular permanent access for pedestrians and cyclists. No such luck in getting the sidepath on McGregor at the corner of Colonial, even as roadway improvements took place more than once around Alliance for the Arts.

Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian
advocate and traffic safety professional
who cycles, runs and walks regularly for
transportation, recreation and fitness.
Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com
and 239-334-6417.

The Alliance property was previously the Schultz Farm and the area was originally known as Toad Town. The Schultz farmhouse and property was donated to Lee County in 1976 for use as a cultural center. Over the years the open space on the corner of McGregor and Royal Palm Square has been the site of many field sports, concerts, festivals, summer camps and other activities. A permanent open air stage gets regular use and the very property is home to the weekly GreenMarket. A couple of large sculptures have graced the area for some time and they are now integrated into the landscape project.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Dan Moser shares thoughts on Fort Myers Beach bicycle lanes

Image: refreshfmbeach.com

Avid bicyclist Dan Moser, a founding member of BikeWalkLee and current chair of the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinating Committee, shared his thoughts on the Fort Myers Beach bicycle lanes to date, along with bicycle safety 'Do’s & Don’ts'.

“Remember when you drive a car, you are a threat to take someone’s life. If a car going 30 miles-per-hour hits a bicyclist, the biker only has a 50/50 chance of survival; at 40 mph, that drops to roughly 15% and those who live will most likely endure a life-long, life-changing physical condition, so please keep that in mind, especially on Fort Myers Beach where cars, bicycles and pedestrians are so close together in large numbers and tight conditions."

Read the entire interview at fortmyersbeach.news.

Dan Moser

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Project list for bike-pedestrian improvements sorely lacking

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, December 18, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

The enormous cost of adding pedestrian access ways rather than including them up-front is the best argument of doing it right the first time.

Lee County government and its various municipalities have on the books unmet infrastructure needs, some of which are also included on the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s project list, which includes over $200 million worth of projects. Unmet SUN Trail needs amount to another $ 7.6 million.

Lee County’s list is made up of those in unincorporated parts of the county as well as on Lee County roads that run through the various municipalities. None of the bridges linking Fort Myers with Cape Coral and Sanibel that are under the county’s jurisdiction allow pedestrian access nor are facilities to address the need to change that fact among 125 identified projects, or even acknowledged as a need. Retrofitting the bridges could add $5-$30 million for each structure, perhaps much more for the Midpoint Bridge and Sanibel Causeway structures because of their length (the estimate is based on FDOT’s U.S. 41 bridge, which is approximately one mile long).

The enormous cost for adding such features, rather than including them upfront, is the best argument of doing it right the first time, whether it be a bridge or road project. That’s exactly what a Complete Streets policy does. So, in reality, Lee County’s needs are much more expensive than $160 million.

The city of Cape Coral, which was just awarded a three-year renewal of its Bronze-level Bike Friendly Community designation from League of American Bicyclists, estimates $63 million to complete its current bike/ped master plan list, a conservative estimate that doesn’t include associated design, right-of-way acquisition, stormwater elements, or even specific bike/ped safety projects such as intersection improvements.

Another way Cape Coral looked at its needs is related to the tragic deaths last school year of two students who were waiting at or walking from their bus stops. Because of those events the city did a remarkable thing: it conducted a study to determine what the needs and cost estimates would be for various levels of sidewalk installations throughout the city as well as streetlighting, seating and enhanced signage around all the bus stops and the two-mile walking distance to each school.

The study found that to provide sidewalks on the 1,250 miles of roads within the city that currently don’t have them (meaning approximately 90% of streets) it would cost over $1 billion in today’s dollars for 5-foot sidewalks on both sides of all major roads and one side of all local roads. It goes up to over $2 billion if the local roads have sidewalks on both sides rather than just one. The estimates only include 5-foot sidewalks and does not consider wider shared use paths or bike lanes where appropriate, both of which are features included in the city’s bike/ped master plan.

The village of Estero lists 17 projects with a cost estimate of $63 million, quite significant for a new entity with a very small annual budget. The town of Fort Myers Beach did an excellent job turning the portion of Estero Boulevard that’s under its jurisdiction (Times Square to Bowditch Park) into a Complete Street a few years back. Now the rest of Estero Boulevard is undergoing a full rebuild that includes bike/ped features. Still, the town has around $200,000 in bike/ped needs on its list.

I wasn’t able to get accurate data from Fort Myers, Bonita Springs or Sanibel, but even without needs and cost estimates there are at least $360 million in identified unmet bike/ped needs within the county.

By contrast, new roads and improvements to existing roadways that will primarily benefit motorists have $1.8 billion in funding identified to be constructed by 2040, meaning approximately $90 million per year dedicated to those projects.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦

Highway bridge with bus lane and guard-railed bidirectional bike lane (source: Google)

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Infrastructure for non-motorists isn’t aging; it’s lacking

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, December 4, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

City bridge with bi-directional bike path, sidewalk, bus lane, and motor vehicle lanes (source: Google)

It’s generally agreed upon that America’s aging transportation infrastructure is in need of significant repair and upgrades. To most, that means everything from our bridges to highways and airports; here in Southwest Florida, however, things aren’t as dire as they are in many other parts of our country, primarily because much of our area was developed post-WWII and is relatively “new.”

But that’s doesn’t mean we don’t have critical needs — especially where infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists is concerned. It’s not that we need to replace/repair aging facilities, but that we need to provide the basics where none has ever existed.

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (www.leempo.com) has a list that includes more than $200 million in projects to accommodate non-motorists awaiting design and construction. Some of the most significant are:

Shared use paths, or SUPs, on both sides of Estero Boulevard on the islands that connect Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach. This will allow non-motorized access to Lovers Key State Park, one of our area’s natural gems. The estimated cost is $3.5 million.

SUPs on both sides of Bayshore Road in North Fort Myers from where the pathways currently end just west of the I-75 overpass to SR-31 (just under $4 million) and SR-31 from Bayshore Road across the drawbridge to Palm Beach Boulevard ($1.6 million).

In east Lee County, SUPs on both sides and bike lanes along parts of Orange River Road ($3.1 million) and sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of segments of Buckingham Road ($7.7 million).

In Lehigh Acres, sidewalks and bike lanes along parts of Joel Boulevard ($9.3 million) and sidewalks on Bell Boulevard from Joel Boulevard to SR 82 ($2.3 million).

In southwest Fort Myers, bike lanes along McGregor Boulevard from Cypress Lake Drive to south San Carlos Boulevard ($5.7 million).

Many of these are only a portion of a full project. And there generally are no “bells and whistles” on any of them.

Another list MPO keeps is for our portion of the statewide SUN Trail network for which we’re seeking trail-specific dollars to build. One of three segments along Kismet Parkway in Cape Coral (from Del Prado Boulevard to Nelson Boulevard) is in the design phase and will cost almost $5 million; the two additional segments that will close the gap from Del Prado to SE 24th are estimated at $2.6 million.

Across the river in Fort Myers, the next phase of John Yarbrough Trail (from Colonial Boulevard north to Hanson street) comes in at $1.8 million. But a pedestrian bridge spanning Colonial to meet the existing trail is estimated at another $3.27 million, bringing the cost to just over $5 million.

I’ve pointed out many times Lee County’s critical shortcoming in the complete lack of pedestrian access on all but one of our major bridges. Those on foot cannot cross the Sanibel Causeway, the Cape Coral Bridge, the Midpoint Bridge or the Caloosahatchee River Bridge. The southbound span of the Edison Bridge is the only structure a pedestrian can legally traverse.

As part of a SUN Trail grant application, some type of facility is being considered for the Caloosahatchee River Bridge that would serve pedestrians and cyclists. But the cost to add such access to any of those bridges — the estimate for retrofitting the Caloosahatchee River Bridge is around $30 million for 8-foot cantilever structures and $5 million$ 8 million to narrow travel lanes to make room for 5-foot sidewalks and raise the railings — means we’ll likely only see this happen when new bridges replace existing ones. And even that might be a risky assumption, considering three of the offending bridges have been constructed in the relative recent past without those features.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦

Highway bridge with (electric) bus lane and guard-railed bidirectional bike lane (source: Google)

Thursday, September 26, 2019

BikeWalkLee: Cycling with confidence

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, September 26, 2019
by Ken Gooderham

What makes someone good at riding a bicycle? Confidence, and communication.

Not what you were expecting? Then you need to read “How I learned to cycle like a Dutchman,” published recently in The New Yorker magazine. Writer Dan Kois, on a three-month assignment in Delft, decides he and his family will ride like the local do – everywhere, all the time.

The results are enlightening, in more ways than you’d think.

The pedaling proclivity of the Dutch is well known… it’s what you’d expect from a country where there are more bicycles (22 million) than residents (18 million). It’s a practice that carries from birth (child seats galore) almost to the grave (e-bikes for those too pooped to pedal outsell adult standard bikes there).

And the abundance of bike infrastructure – bike lanes abound and roundabouts are often designed so that cyclists will not have to stop to traverse them – is also expected. The surprise? It wasn’t always that way.

The eighteen million residents of Holland own, in total, more than twenty-two million bicycles.
Image: The New Yorker

In the postwar Netherlands, car usage boomed and bike usage plummeted – from 1950 to 1970 the percentage of trips done by bike dropped from 80% to 20%.

As car use spiked, so did road deaths – especially among children. That sparked outrage, followed by protests, followed by action. Road projects (which usually involved razing old historic neighborhoods) were stopped, cycling activists were elected to office and a culture that valued bicycling was reborn.

As more people biked, more drivers became cycling sensitive – because they also rode, a lot. This changes the driving culture in dramatic ways (as chronicled by Kois):

“Most days, (the driver pass you on the bike lane) would be biking next to you, unprotected from cars except by custom, respect, and the forethought that comes from being able to think like a cyclist. In the Netherlands, drivers don’t turn right without checking their blind spots. They don’t park in bike lanes, not even just for a minute, to drop something off. And no Dutch cyclist ever half-waves at a driver for making a required stop—they assume that drivers will see them and obey the law.”

The Dutch also used the law to promote safety. After studies showed that a cyclist hit by a car traveling at a speed greater than 30 kph (that’s 18.64 mph) was unlikely to survive, the speed limit for motor vehicles in every living area of the country was maxed at 30 kph. That’s one reason why even though no one wears bike helmets there, the cyclist fatality rate is six times less than in the U.S.

The revelation Kois and his family came away from this experience with, however, may not be one you’d expect: Confidence and communication are key to safe cycling.

Confidence comes both from knowing that motor vehicle operators are not out to get you, and from knowing that your cycling skills are strong enough to carry you through any circumstance. That’s equally important whether you’re navigating a busy roundabout or getting in the flow of some serious cycling traffic.

Kois recounts the chaos he and his family – showing the shaky cycling skills you’d expect from a suburban U.S. clan – created among the skilled and swift Dutch riders (who clearly expected that if you were on a bike you’d know how to handle it without wobble or weave).

Communication? A Dutch cycling expert put it this way:

“If you are not able to anticipate what other people will do, you will have lots of small accidents, or near accidents,” he said. “You must be communicating with your eyes to the other riders in the street. Your decisions must be based on what is best for the flow of traffic, not what is best for your trip in particular.

‘“Think of it this way. Car drivers behave like a bunch of geese. They have the same distance from each other and fly at the same speed, and move almost in military formation.’ He put down his tea and made a series of regimented gestures with his hands. Then he moved them around together, in an elegant dance. ‘Cyclists move like a swarm of sparrows. There are thousands of them moving in chaos, but there are no collisions. They turn a little bit; they change their speed. You must do the same.’”

The lessons that Kois learned can be a guidepost for your cycling as well – even if the roads of Southwest Florida never reflect the skills and safety of the Netherlands. Working to build your confidence and communications over time will make you a stronger and safer rider, and playing by the rules of the road when you’re sharing the road can inspire drivers to treat you with the confidence you deserve. (This, however, does not eliminate the need to practice defensive cycling on the roadway or path.)

And if a car-crazy Netherlands can learn to embrace the bike… well, maybe, we can too.

Ready to ride or run?

Run? Fort Myers runners can lace up for the Busey Bank 5K on Oct. 5 or the Cops & Joggers 5K on Oct. 12 (both in downtown Fort Myers). Upcoming Collier events include the non-timed 5K Corporate Run on Oct. 3 and the Rocktoberfest 5K/10K on Oct. 6. Details at 3dracinginc.com, ftmyerstrackclub.com, gcrunner.org and runeliteevents.com, respectively.

Ride? Critical Mass has these regularly scheduled rides on tap:

Friday, Sept. 27: Cape Coral Critical Mass ride. Gather at 7:30 p.m., start at 8 p.m. at the Southwest Florida Military Museum parking lot at 4820 Leonard Street.
Saturday, Sept. 28: Saturday Slow Roll 8 a.m. meet-up at 2160 McGregor Blvd. Recommended for inexperienced/young riders. Distance is 6 miles, includes group ride instruction.
Friday, Oct. 4: SW Florida Critical Mass ride. A family-friendly slow ride through Fort Myers gathering at 7:15 p.m. and starting at 8 p.m. Meet in the open field next to Publix at First Street Village, 2160 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers.

Lights required for night rides, helmets recommended for all, details at meetup.com.

Both? The lone local-ish event is the Longboat Key Triathlon/Duathlon, with both Olympic and sprint distances on Nov. 17; details at trifind.com or trisignup.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Fort Myers Beach bike project makes riding safer

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, September 25, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Four fitness stations mysteriously popped up along McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers recently. (photo: Dan Moser)

A number of projects and initiatives are underway to make Lee County more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

The complete reworking of Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach is coming along, although those who must traverse it on a regular basis are likely thinking it’s happening much too slowly.

I recently had an opportunity to ride my bike from the Park & Ride lot on Little Carlos Island just across the bridge to Bowditch Park south through the just completed Estero Boulevard segment from Lovers Lane down to Strandview Avenue.

It was a pleasant ride throughout, thanks to bike lanes on the town’s well-established section north of Times Square and on the newest segment south of Red Coconut/Lovers Lane.

Sharrows painted on the roadway reminding drivers that bikes would be using any part of the travel lane where there is no room for bike lanes from the foot of the bridge to Red Coconut/Lovers Lane made riding there comfortable as well. In that segment the side paths are nine feet wide so those on bikes who don’t want to ride in the road can opt for that option, although I found road riding to be safe and stress-free.

I was especially impressed with the transition design between side path and bike lane where that occurs at Red Coconut/Lovers Lane: a parallel curb ramp allows southbound cyclists to seamlessly get off the side path when the bike lane begins or jump onto the side path where the bike lane ends for those traveling north. One problem, however, persists: some side path bike riders do not understand that they must warn pedestrians and others on bikes when passing, operate at slow speed and must behave in a way that doesn’t put others at risk. As well, e-bikes are not allowed to travel under electric power on side paths but some do, and at inappropriately fast speeds.

As for any kind of bike, except for children or those who aren’t physically capable of operating on the road, the combination of sharrows and a middle turn lane that allows motorists to easily pass makes road riding in the segment with no bike lanes safe and more efficient than the sidepath.

What seemed to be a double-super-secret project that appeared earlier this year but to no announcements or even a mention on the city’s website (at least until after an exhaustive search that finally resulted in finding one city staffer who knew about this project’s background), the “Steel Challenge Course,” a multi-station outdoor fitness course, has popped-up along McGregor Boulevard between the Alliance for the Arts and a mile north of Fort Myers Country Club.

Unlike those in Cape Coral along North Del Prado Boulevard and others found in a few of our parks, this one has only four stations along this two-mile stretch of McGregor (three of the four are on either end), meaning it has far fewer stations and they are located much farther apart than what would seem to be more appropriate.

Besides the city’s failure to let its residents and visitors know it even exists, I’m thinking the tax money used for a project like this, especially in this particular part of town, makes little sense (it’s not like it’s an underserved area in any way other than for cyclists who would rather use the road than sidewalk). Why not instead have used the funds to install public bike repair and air pump stations where they’d be most utilized, or for fixing sidewalks that are in disrepair and building them where they are sorely needed? Oh, well, at least it was well-intentioned.

Although not infrastructure projects but rather vital planning tools, bicycle/pedestrian plans (or plan updates) for a number of our municipalities were either recently completed or are in the works. Along with the existing overall Lee County Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan and Lee County Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (also soon to be updated) these local government plans combine to create a complete overview of the needs, feasibility, and costs for creating a much needed improved environment for non-motorists. Also, our current third edition bike map that was created in 2014 is long overdue for updating to a fourth edition, so I’m hoping that will be coming soon. Check-in with Lee MPO (www.leempo.com) for details.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Hazards for cyclists, walkers include behavior of others

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, August 28, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

It’s no surprise that bikes are never seen parked at this rack near downtown Fort Myers. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

I regularly hear from folks complaining about behavior from others on our roads and pathways.

In particular, cyclists passing on narrow sidewalks without warning and pedestrians not hearing or acknowledging warnings and obstructing the path. The latter is especially problematic when pedestrians walk dogs and the leash becomes a hazard. The former — cyclists not warning when passing — is much too common as so many people ride bikes on narrow sidewalks. The obvious solutions to each of these problems is to remain aware of one’s surroundings and to always have consideration for others.

With the new school year comes the usual problems created by parents and other adults who drive their kids to school or wait with them at the bus stop — parking on or otherwise blocking sidewalks and bike lanes. Unfortunately, based on reactions of those who are guilty of this when it’s pointed out, all that matters is their own convenience. There’s no way to really measure the frequency of this behavior but based on my observations it’s extremely common and rarely addressed by either law enforcement or school officials.

Leaf blowers, mowers and weed eaters can be quite daunting when the operator is unaware of those who must pass by them. The dirt and dust from leaf blowers are especially problematic. In general, professional landscapers are very courteous but because there are so many of them it can be like playing whack-a-mole this time of year. Lawn sprinklers are another pesky element of a daily walk, run or bike ride. Although they shouldn’t be on during daylight hours, they often are. Often, they are misadjusted so are watering the sidewalk and roadway more than the grass, causing folks to avoid them by sometimes making erratic and risky detours. Just recently the sprinklers came alive in the park in front of Lee Memorial Hospital at 3:30 in the afternoon, scrambling folks sitting on park benches. I saw one hospital worker leave behind her shoes as she hastily abandoned her seat. Why there’s any need to water at all this time of year is beyond my understanding.

Uneven, broken or missing segments of sidewalks; road hazards like potholes, open storm drains, spilled and hardened concrete; shoulder drop-offs; and construction taking place in the right of way are hazards we face on a daily basis. Sidewalks along U.S. 41 are frequently closed or restricted due to utility construction beneath them, sometimes resulting in both sides being impassible. The contractor reworking 41 between Winkler Avenue and downtown Fort Myers is actually doing a good job of ensuring pedestrian (and bicycle) access, but the same can’t be said of those doing work along 41 from College Parkway to points south, work that seems to be in a perpetual state.

I think anyone who uses his bike on a regular basis will agree that adequate bike parking is something our part of the world is sorely lacking. Even our most urbanized and updated areas, (Fort Myers River District, Fort Myers Beach, South Cape Coral) do not provide it to the degree necessary and surely not enough to attract others who might ride a bike to the destination rather than drive there. Even where it is provided it’s usually spartan and hardly enticing. Locating them under cover and close to obvious destinations would be nice but it’s a rarity here. Utility poles, signposts and landscaping features are where you’ll see most bikes parked and locked. But thanks to them being designated Bike Friendly Communities, Sanibel is somewhat of an exception and Cape Coral is making strides.

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

BikeWalkLee: Safety? Think inside the box

BikeWalkLee Column
The News-Press, July 18, 2019
by Ken Gooderham

Motorists and cyclists who frequent the Daniels Parkway-Treeline Avenue intersection will see some changes in the weeks ahead – hopefully changes for the better.

Courtesy Florida Dept. of Transportation

As part of an ongoing resurfacing project contractors with the Florida Dept. of Transportation (FDOT) are planning to install bike turn boxes at this high-volume (for both cars and cyclists) intersection. This is a pilot project partnered by FDOT, the county DOT and the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

It’s another step in the slow evolution of local roadways to better accommodate on-road cyclists and motorists sharing the same asphalt – by ensuring everyone has a space on which to travel in a way that’s safer for both users.

In this instance, the test bike boxes are meant to make it easier for cyclists making left-hand turns at intersections such as this one – multi-lanes, lots of signals and traffic, plenty of potential for confusion. These green-colored boxes make it clear where and when cyclists should go to safely turn. Here’s how it works:

Cyclists heading east on Daniels (and wanting to turn north onto Treeline) approach the Treeline intersection using the “keyhole” lane (the narrow lane at an intersection between the right-hand turn lane and the right-hand straight lane of traffic). If the light is red, they gather in the green box in front of the right-hand lane of eastbound traffic (but clear of the right-turn lane leading south on Treeline).
When the left-turn signals turn green, vehicles from both directions on Daniels make their left-hand turns. Cyclists wait.
When the straight-ahead signal turns green, vehicles proceed east and west on Daniels. Cyclists leave the first green box and cross the intersection to gather in the green box on Treeline in front of the right-hand lane of traffic (but, again, clear of the right turn lane from Treeline to Daniels).
After the left-turn signals for Treeline onto Daniels have cycled through and the straight-ahead green comes on, cyclists proceed north on Treeline with the northbound vehicle traffic.

Trust me, explaining it in writing is confusing, seeing this work in a graphic or video (one is in the works) is easier to understand.

So how is this better for everyone moving through the intersection?

Cyclists: The keyhole lane gives them a safe way to approach the intersection from the bike lane without impeding motor vehicles wanting to turn right onto Treeline. They can gather in front of vehicles and out of the crosswalk (and pedestrian traffic), and move across the intersection with traffic to the northbound Treeline box – again, out of the crosswalk and the Treeline left-turn lane. Once the Treeline signal turns green, cyclists can proceed with traffic north on Treeline to the bike lane. It might end up taking a little longer for cyclists to make the turn, but it will be a whole lot safer.

Motorists: By giving cyclists their own space at the intersection, motor vehicle traffic can continue on its merry way in concert (not in conflict) with cyclists. Right- or left-hand turns can proceed based on traffic, and crosswalks will be reserved for pedestrians only – which, to be blunt, already are an endangered species at this and many other SW Florida intersections. For the most part, motorists will be able to proceed at the same forward speed cyclists or no cyclists… just not so much season (snowbirds) or no season.

By moving with traffic, cyclists are safer. By creating distinct and separate spaces for cyclists with a clear path to proceed, drivers can worry less about sharing the road with bikes and more whether that big truck pulling up behind is really going to stop.

A brief shout-out to keyhole lanes, which are being added to more and more intersections locally. If you’re up to riding on the road to begin with (a big IF for some cyclists), these lanes are a much safer way to go through intersection by moving with traffic – rather than hoping a driver sees you in the crosswalk, or doesn’t pull so far forward to see oncoming traffic prior to a turn that they block the crosswalk altogether. Let’s hope Lee DOT keeps adding these lanes wherever possible, and thanks.

Nevertheless, these boxes are a safe solution for intersections such as this – lots of lanes and lights, not much opportunity for cyclists to proceed with traffic safely, and plenty of both bicycles and motor vehicles trying to get from Point A to Point B. (Both Daniels and Treeline are popular with road cyclists both because of their bike infrastructure and because they tie in to other bike networks well used by local (and serious) cyclists.)

At smaller, less frantic intersection, cyclists can still act like vehicles when approaching and traversing… pulling into the left-hand turn lane (if one exists) to turn left with the other traffic, or using the keyhole land (if one exists) to proceed straight ahead. It’s only the big, busy intersections that benefit from thinking outside (or, rather, inside) the box.

Want to find out more about the boxes? Download the explanatory handout at FDOT.

Ready to ride or run?

Run? A pretty empty calendar for organized events, as you’d expect given the weather… with only two Elite Events offerings through the end of August – the Eagle Lakes 5K on July 27 at Eagle Lakes Community Park, Naples, and the Rampage 5K on Aug. 24 at North Collier Regional Park (runelitevents.com).

Ride? Critical Mass amasses tomorrow (July 19) for the NE Lee ride, July 26 for Cape Coral ride, and July 27 for the morning Slow Roll through downtown Fort Myers. For the night rides, front and rear bike lights required; helmets recommended for all (meetup.com). Next week is the final session for the Wheel Lee Fun camp for ages 8-15, details at caloosariders.org.

Both? Upcoming events include:

Sunday, Aug. 4: Siesta Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon (trifind.com)
Monday, Sept. 2: Venice Sprint Tri, Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice (trifind.com)
Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 7-8: Galloway Captiva Tri. Sprint on Saturday, kids’ events Sunday (https://www.gearedup.biz/captiva-triathlon)
Saturday, Sept. 21: The Original Siesta Key Tri, sprint (runsignup.com)
Willing to drive? Check trifind.com or active.com for tris around the state.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIDE:

Have a favorite route you like to bike, or a unique walk you’d like to share with others? Tell us about it at info@bikewalklee.org, and maybe we can feature it in an upcoming column.

# # #

Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Trails, greenways are important community assets

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, June 19, 2019
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

A sign at Colonial Boulevard and Ortiz Avenue marks a trailhead park and linear trail. DAN MOSER / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Being an admitted hyper-critic of our environment for pedestrians and bicyclists, I can still nonetheless recognize the good things happening and understand the potential we can achieve.

For example, at a recent Healthy Lee steering committee meeting, the keynote speaker was Dale Allen, president of Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation, an organization that wields significant sway in our state for projects and funding related to the foundation’s namesake. This is not Mr. Allen’s first visit to Southwest Florida or his only presentation to a room full of heavy-hitters. Mr. Allen’s message was to convince committee members that embracing trails and greenways for non-motorized uses benefits everyone in many ways.

Before getting into the advantages, I’d like to define the kind of trail I’m writing about: paved, non-motorized shared-use paths, 10 feet to 14 feet wide, preferably not adjacent to a roadway but if so, separated with a significant buffer. John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail is an example.

Trails like these exist in much of Florida and include networks such as SUNtrail (Shared-Use, Non-motorized Trails). SUNtrail traverses the state from Pensacola and Jacksonville to Key West and includes many inland counties. One important segment of it which is soon to be complete is the Coast-to-Coast Regional Connector that runs from the Tampa Bay area to the Space Coast.

There are also a number of Railsto Trails facilities throughout Florida, including one in Lee County on Gasparilla Island. As well, parts of the East Coast Greenway and U.S. Bicycle Route System are within Florida.

So, trails are no stranger to our state, although ones of significant distance and substance are relatively rare here in Southwest Florida. We’re missing out on the many benefits they represent.

Naysayers who believe trails are a waste of money and serve only a small segment of those who pay for them overlook their multitude of economic, safety, health, quality of life, transportation and environmental benefits. Some benefits are obvious, such as improved health among users and providing transportation options other than driving, something that benefits both the individual taking advantage of it and the overall environment by keeping cars off the road.

Transportation equity and safety for those who can’t afford or otherwise don’t have access to motor vehicles is another advantage. For those only looking at dollars, the purely economic pluses are many, from increased property values near trails to savings on healthcare and transportation for society and individuals.

Regarding job creation, a high quality of life is a key factor necessary to attract skilled employees when businesses are opening or relocating; nearby access to trails is one of the elements known to improve that factor. As for small businesses, many mom-and-pops — from bike shops to cafés — spring up along trails, especially in rural areas.

And lower income areas that are frequently where rail corridors exist — whether active or abandoned — are positively impacted once a trail is established with business growth, lowered crime rates and improved transportation equity.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s “Florida’s Greenways and Trails System Plan, 2019-2023” includes a detailed overview of the many benefits as well as excellent maps and other useful information. It can be found on their website at www.floridadep.gov.

There’s really no downside to having a robust network of trails as part of our infrastructure. But misinformation and misperception too often equate to NIMBYism, a phenomenon that has resulted in shooting down trails and other bike/ped infrastructure on a regular basis. And elected representatives and other government officials who are not well educated about the value of them sometimes look only at the cost or cave in to NIMBYism rather than examining the benefits.

But from what I witnessed when Mr. Allen came to town and made the case for including trails as an integral part of our community, I’m hopeful that our elected officials and others who have influence make that a reality. One example is that there’s agreement among all the pertinent jurisdictions to buy out the lease Seminole Gulf Railroad has with CSX so the rail corridor that runs down the middle of Lee County can be turned into a rail-to-trail or even a rail-with-trail that includes a light passenger train. John Yarbrough Linear Park/Trail runs adjacent to over five miles of that, with another two-mile segment to be added to Hanson Street. Extending it to the Collier County line would go a long way in completing our segment of SUNtrail. Wouldn’t that be a great asset for residents and tourists alike?

To learn about this topic and more, visit bikewalklee.blogspot.com and www.streetsaliveswfl.org.¦

- Dan Moser is a long-time bicycle/pedestrian advocate and traffic safety professional who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. Contact him at bikepedmoser@gmail.com and 334-6417.

For Lee County cycling and tri events visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club (caloosariders.org); Florida Mudcutters (mudcutters.org); and SW Florida Biking Meetup Group (meetup.com/Biking-SWFL). The Florida Bicycle Association (floridabicycle.org) is your source for statewide happenings. BikeWalkLee’s blog site has all the information you’ll need to stay abreast of advocacy efforts in Southwest Florida as well as statewide and nationally.