BikeWalkLee: Support strong for trails… with or without rails

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, June 30, 2022
by Ken Gooderham

Gulf Coast Trail (as planned)

When it comes to the south county rails-trails proposals, the public has spoken: They like trails with or without rails – but not next to roadways.

That was the result from the June 2 public meeting seeking comments on the three proposed alternatives to enhance bike/ped options between Alico Road and Bonita Beach Road, part of a project by the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

To recap: In March 2021, the MPO (partnering with the City of Bonita Springs and the Village of Estero) commissioned a study on the long-term feasibility of a public multi-use trail within the Seminole Gulf Railway corridor south of Alico Road or alternatively in the adjacent surrounding areas. The study is funded by a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation’s Sun Trail Program with local matches from the City of Bonita Springs and the Village of Estero.

Three alternatives were outlined:

• Alternative 1: Rail-to-trail, where the existing railway tracks would be replaced by a multi-use bike/ped pathway.
• Alternative 2: Rail-and-trail, where the path and the tracks would share the right-of-way.
• Alternative 3: Trail and roadways, where a bike/ped path would go along the road rights-of-way.

A public meeting to solicit input was held in Estero on June 2… and they got plenty of it. More than 100 people attended, along with comments submitted online and by mail. So far, the response has been:

• Alternative 1: 44
• Alternative 2: 20
• Alternative 3: 3
• Alternative 1 or 2: 9
• No choice: 22

A couple of things worth noting here:

That’s a pretty impressive turnout for a Thursday evening in early June – and with a tropical cyclone lurking offshore to boot. Congratulations to all those who took the time to share their opinions.

Second, the support for a dedicated path was very clear… or, rather, that lack of support for a roadway option was brutally evident (just 3 comments out of 98, and even those weren’t too enthusiastic).

Third, A lot of the comments pointed to successful trail projects elsewhere as a model worth emulating here – including the Legacy Trail in Sarasota County as a nearby example (check it out at https://www.friendsofthelegacytrail.org/map-page-2/).

 

Fourth, the option of keeping rails resonated with some (for its potential in future mass transit) and repelled others (more crowded and noisy, both for users and neighbors).

Finally, there was a widespread recognition of this offering a unique opportunity to improve our area (and its bike/ped choices) that should not be lost.

The MPO will be accepting comments on the proposals through late October, so there’s still time for you to add your thoughts to the mix. Details are at https://leecollierrailtrail.com/ and comments or questions can be submitted at info@LeeCollierRailTrail.com.

The Estero Council of Community Leaders has also developed a somewhat exhaustive look at the issue; you can check it out online at https://esterotoday.com/action-alert-bicycle-and-walking-paths-along-the-seminole-railway-through-estero/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed trail alternatives 1, 2 and 3 (click to enlarge)

 ●●●

EVENTS

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• 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.
• Tunnel to Towers 5K, Saturday, Sept. 10, FSW campus, Fort Myers.
• Downtown Dash 1 Mile Run, Friday, Sept. 16, downtown Fort Myers.
• Fort Myers Cops & Joggers 5K, Saturday, Oct. 8, downtown Fort Myers.
• Cape Coral Fire Department Fueled by Fire 5K, Saturday, Oct. 15, Tarpon Point, Cape Coral.
• 10K F.I.S.H. race, Saturday, Oct. 22, Sanibel Island.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.
• Friends of Foster Children Forever Labor Day 5K, Monday, Sept. 6, Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
• Gulf to Gulf 80 Mile Relay, Saturday, Oct. 22, Naples to Sanibel and back.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.
• Naples Distance Classic Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K, Saturday, Oct. 8, Eagle Lakes Park, Naples.
  

CYCLING

• July 5-9, 12-16 and 26-30: Wheel Lee Fun, 8-11:30 a.m. Help your kids learn bike safety and maintenance (and much more), with riders from learning to ride all the way to advanced. Three-one-week sessions 

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

• Fort Desoto Sprint or Olympic Tri, Sunday, July 17, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/ or runsignup.com)
• Siesta Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, July 30, triathlon, duathlon and swim/run, Siesta Key (Sarasota).
• Top Gun Sprint Triathlon, Saturday, Aug. 6, Pinellas Bayway, St. Petersburg (www.thunderboltmultisport.com/Events/Top-Gun-Triathlon or runsignup.com)
• Fort Desoto Sprint or Olympic Tri, Sunday, Aug. 21, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/ or runsignup.com)
• Fort Desoto Sprint or Olympic Tri, Sunday, Sept. 18, St. Petersburg (fortdesototrilogy.com/ or runsignup.com)
• City Island Tri, Sunday, Oct. 9, Sarasota (https://run941.com/ or runsignup.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.

BikeWalkLee: Share your thoughts on south county trail

BikeWalkLee Column ‘Go Coastal’
The News-Press, June 2, 2022
by Ken Gooderham

Gulf Coast Trail (as planned)

A new bike trail is coming to southern Lee County… and officials want your thoughts about where and how it should run.

The Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is holding a public meeting tonight (June 2) at 6 p.m. to hear your thoughts on where and how a north-south multi-use trail should go.

The MPO has developed three alternatives for public consideration, all running from roughly U.S. 41/Michael C. Rippe Parkway and Alico Road south to roughly Bonita Beach Road and Old U.S. 41. Eventually, this trail will continue into northern Collier County.

The three options are:

1. A rail-to-trail path that follows the Seminole Gulf right-of-way… replacing the existing tracks with a trail.
2. A rail-and-trail alternative that also follows the railway right-of-way, but puts the path next to the railbed (and keeps the tracks intact).
3. A path that instead uses existing road rights-of-way running east on Alico to Three Oaks Parkway, south on Three Oaks to eventually turn westward and tie into Broadway, south on Sandy Lane and Via Coconut Point to eventually tie in to Old U.S. 41 at Strike Lane and ending at Bonita Beach Road (approximate directions… go to the meeting to get the specifics).

This input is part of a feasibility study commissioned by the MPO (along with the City of Bonita Springs and Village of Estero) to look at putting a multi-use path in the railroad right-of-way vs. using road rights-of-way instead. The study is funded by a Florida Dept. of Transportation SUN Trail grant, with matches from the two municipalities.

Getting a new multi-use path in southern Lee County is good news by itself (hey, getting one anywhere is welcomed), as this growing area of the county is underserved by true paths separate from the roadways.

But the better news is that this will eventually be part of the much larger Gulf Coast Trail, a 336-mile-long corridor running from Pinellas to Collier. The trail will incorporate existing and proposed pathways to link the seven Southwest Florida counties, and will also connect into the statewide SUN (Shared Use Non-motorized) Trail network that will eventually run from the Panhandle to the Keys (and coast to coast).

If you have an opinion about the most appropriate route for the proposed trail, this is your time to speak up. But even if you simply support the idea of the trail regardless of route, might be good idea to share that with the MPO as well. Interest at any level is better than apathy when it comes to keeping projects such as this on track.

The public meeting will be held at the Estero Recreation Center, Estero Rooms 103 A & B, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Boulevard, Estero (off Corkscrew Road west of Via Coconut Point). The meeting starts at 6 p.m. Thursday, with the formal presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Can’t attend? Don’t worry… comments are being accepted into October and can be emailed to info@LeeCollierRailTrail.com

More information is available at https://leecollierrailtrail.com/ or https://leempo.com/. Complete meeting details are at https://leempo.com/wp-content/uploads/Lee-MPO_Rail-Trail-Newsletter-FINAL.pdf.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proposed trail alternatives 1, 2 and 3 (click to enlarge)

 ●●●

EVENTS

FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB (ftmyerstrackclub.com):

• 2022-23 FMTC Annual Meeting & Membership 5K Fun Run, Sunday, June 5, 6:30 p.m., Eastwood Golf Course, Fort Myers. Kindergarten through fifth grade, limited space.
• 2022 S.H.A.R.C Youth Running Camp, June 6-10, 8-11 a.m., Bishop Verot High School track, Fort Myers.
  
• 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.
• Tunnel to Towers 5K, Saturday, Sept. 10, FSW campus, Fort Myers.
• Downtown Dash 1 Mile Run, Friday, Sept. 16, downtown Fort Myers.
  

GC RUNNERS (gcrunner.org):

• 2022 Firecracker 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Lake Park, Naples.
• Friends of Foster Children Forever Labor Day 5K, Monday, Sept. 6, Lowdermilk Park, Naples.
  

ELITE EVENTS (runeliteevents.com):

• USA Independence Day 5K, Monday, July 4, 7 a.m., Hertz Arena, Estero.
• Naples Distance Classic Half-Marathon, 10K and 5K, Saturday, Oct. 8, Eagle Lakes Park, Naples.
  

CYCLING

• Sunday, June 4: First Annual CRBC Pride Ride, 40+ mile ride from Bike Bistro to northern end of Captiva and back, starts at 7:30 a.m. Variety of speeds accommodated, including a no-drop ride that includes a “Ding” Darling loop. Donations welcomed to support Equality Florida and Cape Coral Pride.
• July 5-9, 12-16 and 26-30: Wheel Lee Fun, 8-11:30 a.m. Help your kids learn bike safety and maintenance (and much more), with riders from learning to ride all the way to advanced. Three-one-week sessions 

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

• 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.

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.

Save the date! Public meeting SUN trail Cape Coral

On behalf of the City of Cape Coral, you are invited to a public meeting regarding plans for the City's Florida Shared-Use Non-motorized (SUN) trail, a bicycle and pedestrian multi-use trail connecting Burnt Store Road and Del Prado Boulevard.  The project involves construction of a new 12-foot wide multi-use trail and three new pedestrian bridges. The purpose of this public meeting is to receive public input from the local community.

MEETING INFORMATION
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cape Coral Public Works Building
Large Conference Room A200 (Green Room)
815 Nicholas Parkway East, Cape Coral

The meeting will be held as an open house format, with a formal presentation at 6 p.m. Participants may review study information and discuss the project with City staff at any time during the meeting.
 
 

Save the date! Stakeholder meeting SUN trail Cape Coral

You are invited to the stakeholder meeting/presentation on September 25th, beginning at 5PM for the Florida Shared-Use Non-Motorized (SUN) Trail Van Buren Pkwy/El Dorado Blvd/Kismet Pkwy Burnt Store Rd to Del Prado Blvd in Cape Coral.

The Stakeholders Meeting is essentially a meeting for the internal/external stakeholders. At this meeting, we will discuss the scope of the project and 30% plans developed with the local governments, utility companies, affected agencies, and key external stakeholders. The purpose of this meeting is to solicit information from these stakeholders.

The meeting will be held at the City of Cape Coral Public Works Large Conference Room A200 (Green Room) located at 815 Nicholas Parkway East, Cape Coral. 

 

Bonita-Estero Trail segment restored to FL Greenways and Trails Map

All the hard work to get the Bonita-Estero Trail segment restored to the Florida Greenways and Trails Map paid off.  On Jan. 11th the Florida Greenways and Trails Board, part of Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and its Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT), met to make final decisions on what to include in the FL Greenways and Trails Plan Maps, and voted to restore the Bonita-Estero Trail, based on the strong community support.  Why is this important? Because being a "Priority Trail" gives you priority for SUN Trail funds. Below is the Estero Council of Community Leaders News (1/15/18), with thank you's posted from ECCL, the Lee MPO, and BikeWalkLee.  A special thanks to Bonita Deputy Mayor, Peter O'Flinn, Estero Village Council member, Nick Batos, and Don Scott, Lee MPO Executive Director, for their leadership, AND thanks to all the residents and advocates who sent letters in support. YOU made a difference!

Background

Since BikeWalkLee's inception in 2009, it has been a strong supporter of the vision of a connected and integrated statewide trail system throughout Florida. [BWL 2016 Letter ] While a statewide trail map was developed in 1998, the initiative gained momentum beginning in 2014 when the State Legislature provided annual funding ($25 M/year) for the SUN Trail program that uses the Florida Greenways and Trails Plan and maps to prioritize funding for the system. This Plan and maps (last updated in 2015) will guide implementation of the connected statewide trail system from 2018 through 2022. Since 2015, the Lee MPO has proposed several new segments for the trail, which need to be incorporated into the updated maps.

The revised statewide trail maps contained in the draft FGTS update, released in September 2017, deleted the Seminole Gulf Railroad right of way corridor between Bonita Springs and Estero that has been on the FGTS map since the beginning as the primary spine for the Southwest Coast Connector (aka Gulf Coast Trail) in Lee County.  

Related BikeWalkLee Blog Posts:

Oct. 17, 2017: Public comments needed in support of Bonita-Estero Trail in Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor

Sept. 19, 2017: Updated Action Alert: Support Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor trail between Bonita Springs and Estero

March 1, 2017: Estero-Bonita holds first joint workshop on SUN Trail Program  

Feb. 13, 2017: Gulf Coast Trail: Dream Trail Closer to Reality (NP 2/12/17)

Dec. 21, 2016: Regional cooperation links us to our neighbors and the rest of the state--Moser 12/21/16 column 

Public comments needed in support of Bonita-Estero Trail in Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor

 If you haven't acted already,  please provide comments to the State on its draft FL Greenways and Trails System Maps, urging the state to restore the Bonita-Estero Trail to priority status. Last week the Estero Council of Community Leaders (ECCL) heard a presentation by Bonita and Estero Council members urging citizens to support this effort.  Click here to see the PowerPoint presentation about the Bonita-Estero Trail and to see a sample comment letter.  Below is an excerpt from ECCL's latest newsletter reporting on this meeting.

For background information, see BikeWalkLee's earlier blog posts on the topic:

• 9/19/17: Updated Action Alert: Support Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor trail between Bonita Springs and Estero--Ask State to restore trail to Priority Florida Greenways and Trails Map

• 10/5/17: New Schedule for Florida Greenways and Trails Plan Workshops

The ECCL Report: October 2017
Executive Summary: 164th meeting of the Estero Council of Community Leaders

SUN TRAIL/ RAIL CORRIDOR - Nick Batos and Peter O’Flynn

The Florida SUNTrail Path Network was the subject of the first joint meeting between the Estero and Bonita Springs councils. This statewide system has been designed with regional connectors from coast to coast and throughout the state. The Florida legislature has committed about $100 million to this system of bike and walking trails. The Gulf Coast connector runs from St. Petersburg to Naples. The Seminole Gulf Railway right of way could be used to connect Estero to this massive trail system.

“The councils collaboratively decided this should be a priority,” stated Bonita Councilman Peter O’Flynn.  However, the state has now made the Coastal Loop, which runs along Fort Myers Beach down to the Bonita Beach area, the main Gulf Coast connector. The Bonita-Estero Trail, which runs along the rail corridor through Estero, has been downgraded from a priority trail to an “opportunity trail.”The Coastal Loop bypasses Estero.

The ECCL is asking its members to send a letter to the Florida Department of Environmental Protections’s Office of Greenways and Trails urging the state to restore the Bonita-Estero Trail to priority status. More information and a sample letter may be found here.

Action Alert: Support Seminole Gulf Railroad corridor trail between Bonita Springs and Estero--Ask State to restore trail to Priority Florida Greenways and Trails Map

Background

Since BikeWalkLee's inception in 2009, it has been a strong supporter of the vision of a connected and integrated statewide trail system throughout Florida.  [BWL 2016 Letter ] While a statewide trail map was developed in 1998, the initiative gained momentum beginning in 2014 when the State Legislature provided annual funding ($25 M/year) for the SUN Trail program that uses the Florida Greenways and Trails Plan and maps to prioritize funding for the system.  This Plan and maps (last updated in 2015) will guide implementation of the connected statewide trail system from 2018 through 2022.  Since 2015, the Lee MPO has proposed several new segments for the trail, which need to be incorporated into the updated maps.

We are concerned that the revised statewide trail maps contained in the draft FGTS update have deleted the Seminole Gulf Railroad right of way corridor between Bonita Springs and Estero that has been on the FGTS map since the beginning as the primary spine for the Southwest Coast Connector (aka Gulf Coast Trail) in Lee County,.  It is critical that this trail be added back as a Priority trail before the update is finalized.  Why is this important? Because being a "Priority Trail" gives you priority for SUN Trail funds.  Bonita and Estero officials have been working jointly over the past 8 months to move this "rails-to-trails" project forward, with strong support from their communities. 

Please submit comments in support of this project as requested in the Lee MPO's email request (see below), or attend next week's public workshop in North Port (9/14) to express your support in person.  Thank you! 

 

Introduction (by Office of Greenways and Trails)

"The Florida Greenways and Trails Plan establishes the vision for implementing a connected statewide system of greenways and trails for recreation, conservation, alternative transportation, healthy lifestyles, a vibrant economy, and a high quality of life. The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) is updating the FGTS 5-Year Plan and holding 14 public open houses throughout the state. "

Lee MPO Email 9/5/17:
URGENT: Please Submit Comments to Office of Greenways and Trails to Restore the Seminole Gulf Alignment to the Priority Trails Map

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has released itsFinal Draft Priority Trails Map for the Southern Region that includes Lee County, and it is disappointing to see that they have removed the Seminole Gulf Railroad (SGLR) alignment from the Draft 2018-2022 Update of the Priority Trails Map. This is inconsistent with the Lee MPO Board resolution that was adopted back in February 17, 2017 which urged the Florida Greenways and Trails Council to (1) add the proposed Coastal Loop to the Priority Trails Map while (2) maintaining the SGLR Right of Way as the primary spine for the Southwest Coast Connector (aka Gulf Coast Trail) in Lee County, and thereby continuing to maintain that alignment in the Priority Trails Map. That resolution was transmitted to the FDEP Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) staff on the same day it was adopted by the Lee MPO. 

Staff had subsequent discussions with OGT staff where we had consistently and repeatedly urged OGT staff to recommend that the SGLR alignment be maintained while adding the Coastal Loop in the Draft Priority Trails Map Update. They had said that the OGT Council would not approve loops in urban areas, yet OGT staff went and added a proposed loop trail requested in Sarasota Manatee County in the draft Priority Trails Map for Council consideration, but denied our request. The Sarasota loop trail can be found in the West Central Florida Region Map.

A Joint Resolution was adopted by the Central Florida MPO Alliance and the TBARTA MPO Chairs Coordinating Committee in June 16, 2017, that had endorsed the Lee and other MPOs proposed changes to alignments in their respective counties to the South West Coast Connector (aka Gulf Coast Trail).

Please fill the attached comment sheet [Comment Form]:

asking OGT Council and staff to restore the SGLR ROW alignment in the Southern Region Draft Priority Trail Map. Make sure that you ALSO write in the comment sheet expressing your thanks and support to OGT staff for adding the Coastal Loop and the SR 78/80 Corridor in Lee County to the Draft Priority Trails Map. 

 In addition to Samantha Browne, please cc OGT Council Chair Brian Smith at smithozona@gmail.com . We would like you to send your comments as soon as possible, and if possible attend one of the public open houses either in Sebring or North Port for input on the draft priority map for the Southern Region to express your concerns in person. The open houses in Sebring and North Port are as follows:

9/6/17 UPDATE: SEPT. WORKSHOPS POSTPONED DUE TO HURRICANE IRMA

 

"The Public Workshops scheduled for September (see below) will be rescheduled for a later date due to the potential of Hurricane Irma impacting the state.  This will allow individuals to focus on preparing their communities and families for the storm.  The Office of Greenways and Trails will send out more information once new dates have been confirmed."

Thursday, September 14 – North Port

Morgan Family Community Center, Meeting Room A/B
6207 West Price Boulevard, North Port, FL 34291
4:00-7:00 ET

Monday, September 11 - Sebring
Bert J. Harris, Jr. Agricultural Center, Conference Room #2
4509 George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33875

4:00-7:00 ET

Related BikeWalkLee Blog Posts:

March 1, 2017: Estero-Bonita holds first joint workshop on SUN Trail Program  

Feb. 13, 2017: Gulf Coast Trail: Dream Trail Closer to Reality (NP 2/12/17)

Dec. 21, 2016: Regional cooperation links us to our neighbors and the rest of the state--Moser 12/21/16 column 

October 12, 2016: Cape Receives $1.8 Million SUN Trail Grant to Design Multi-Use Trail in North Cape

March 9, 2016: Moser Column: Cross-country bicycling network offers local benefits

March 7,2016: BikeWalkLee supports Southwest Coastal Regional Trail

Feb. 22, 1016: BWL Letter in support of Southwest Coastal Regional Trail

Report by Darla Letourneau

Action Alert: Support the Able Canal Trail project in Lehigh Acres

If you live, work, or play in Lehigh and support the proposed 5.5 mile pathway that will connect Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park, to the Lehigh Acres Community Park and the Harnes Marsh, allowing residents and visitors to bike or walk between these popular destinations, now is the time to make your voices heard. You are asked to sign a petition in support of the proposed project that will be transmitted to FDOT. Come out to the Lehigh Spring Festival March 10-19 to sign the petition, or read about how else you can sign on in support of this project.

History
The Lehigh Acres community, a sporadically developed 94-square miles area in the eastern part of unincorporated Lee County, is an underserved area for walking and biking accommodations and parks. Starting in 2008, the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department purchased on abandoned golf course and turned it into the Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park, which opened at the end of 2013.  This Trailhead Park includes a half-mile paved multi-use trail that encircles a 3-acre replicated prairie. From the beginning, the County planned for this facility to function as a trailhead for a greenway corridor along Able Canal, with the first section of the greenway to connect Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park to Lehigh Acres Community Park and Harnes Marsh.

This plan was reflected in the County's Greenways and Trails Master Plan, which envisions a multi-purpose recreational trail system on the Able Canal right-of-way.  A portion of the County's Greenways Master Plan has now become part of the statewide SUN Trail system's planned Gulf Coast Trail. In 2013, FDOT funded a study of the proposed Able Canal Pathway, which is a 5.5-mile shared-use pathway proposed to run along the Able Canal right-of-way.  (See FDOT project description.)

 The FDOT project development and environmental study currently underway is scheduled to be completed by May 2018.  After the study is completed, the Lee MPO will consider requesting FDOT to fund the design and construction of the facility.  One factor that FDOT considers in determining whether to move forward with a state-funded project is whether it is supported by the community.  A new Lehigh group has formed --Able Canal Trail Ambassadors--which is gathering signatures on a petition in support of this project.

Project Description

The long term plan is for this 5.5 mile pathway to connect to the Gulf Coast Trail that will create a connected trail from Collier County in the south to Tampa Bay in the north that will bring bike tourism and its positive economic benefits to Lehigh, Lee County, and all of SWFL.
In addition to serving as a recreation opportunity, it will provide a critical connection between nearby residential areas and parks. Other amenities being considered are wayfinding signage, information kiosks, boardwalks and pedestrian bridges.

FDOT held a public kickoff meeting for the study on Dec. 15, 2016.  Those with concerns about the proposed pathway were the most vocal at the meeting, leaving the erroneous impression that the Lehigh community opposed the project. *
At the FDOT kickoff meeting, some residents who live close to the canal expressed fears that the proposed pathway could hurt property values and compromise safety.  These are common concerns expressed whenever trails are proposed in a community, but both concerns have been proven to be wrong by documented research on trails that have been constructed throughout the country.
Here are the facts:
1.  Crime:  Many adjacent landowners assume crime will go up if a trail is built.  In fact, those fears are unfounded.  As the Chief of Police said in one community: "..The trail has not caused any increase in the amount of crimes reported...We have found that the trail brings in so many people that it has actually led to a decrease in problems we formally encountered..."

2.  Property Values: Many adjacent landowners assume property values will go down if a trail is built.  In fact, the exact opposite is true. Homes near pathways and trails have an increased value of roughly $5,000 per home.  Paths are also smart economic bets because they attract millennials who want to live in walkable/bikeable communities.

3.  Opposition Turns to Support when Pathways Completed: Experience from communities across the country that have already put in trails demonstrates that most of the landowners who originally opposed the trail, become supporters and champions of the trail after it is completed, as they see the economic and quality of life benefits that they experience as a result of the trail.

Opportunity for Action

After the Jan. 10th article appeared in News-Press,  Lehigh residents in support of the project  organized a group called the Abel Canal Trail Ambassadors to demonstrate the community's support for the project.  As a first step in the process, the group is circulating a petition in support of the project throughout Lehigh  which will be presented to FDOT.   The kick-off to the petition drive will take place at the Lehigh Spring Festival March 10-19 at Veterans Park, 55 Homestead South, Lehigh Acres.   Look for the Kiwanis booth and a BikeWalkLee banner (see photo below) and stop by to sign the petition. 

Abel Canal Trail Ambassador at Spring Festival

  Other groups in Lehigh will be circulating the petition for signature, and if you'd like to circulate one in your neighborhood or organization, click here for the link to a petition form for you to use.

If you live, work, or play in Lehigh, and can't attend the Festival, there are several other ways to sign on.  

1. Print out the petition form, sign it and email it back to Robert Leap:  rjleap@yahoo.com. 

2.  Or you could write a personal email to Steve Walls (FDOT District 1, Fort Myers area Director expressing your support for the project: steve.walls@fdot.fl.us

Thanks to Robert Leap for organizing this effort.  For further information, contact him at:  rjleap@yahoo.com, or 814-279-8139.

PETITION IN SUPPORT OF ABLE CANAL TRAIL

We the undersigned support the construction of the Able Canal Pathway which will provide the residents of East Lee County and the Lehigh Acres community with a much needed recreational resource  that will connect the Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park, the Lehigh Acres Community Pool, and the 578 acres Harnes Marsh preserve which is home to snail kites, limpkin and more than 140 species of animals.  The Pathway envisioned as a multi-use scenic trail will promote a healthy lifestyle and provide a safe non – motorized corridor for pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists and fitness enthusiasts. The Pathway is part of the State of Florida Greenways and Trails System. Once it is completed and is connected to other regional trails in SW Florida and in the rest of the state, it is envisioned that bicycle tourism will grow that will lead to small business growth and economic development in Lehigh Acres.

Other ways to show support:

· Write a letter to the editor (mailbag@news-press.com)
· Write your County Commissioners (Commissioner Mann represents District 5 (where Lehigh is located): dist5@leegov.com, 239-533-2225)
· Attend the next FDOT public meeting on the project. (No date yet)

BikeWalkLee will provide information about the next public meeting as soon as it is available.

*Links to background articles:

·         News-Press Jan.10, 2017: "Some Lehigh residents fear bike path could hurt property values" by Bill Smith

·       Dan Moser's Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 2/15/2017  "Support is needed for four Southwest Florida outdoor projects "

BikeWalkLee commentary: "Tale of two different cities on safe The News-Press, 2/28/2017 by Ken Gooderham

Links to learn more about the benefits of Trails:

Crime, Property Values, Trail Opposition and Liability Issues (PowerPoint) 

More resources on the benefits of trails available from the national Rails to Trails Conservancy.

Also see the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation website.

Report by Darla Letourneau