Public input requested for Fort Myers Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

The City of Fort Myers and the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization are asking the public to join a virtual meeting on Monday, July 27 to discuss the Fort Myers Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Register for the virtual meeting here.

The goal of the meeting is to gather input from the public on the master plan.
For more information about the development of the master plan, please visit the website at www.cfmbikepedmasterplan.com.

April 30th is last chance to provide input to the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan

Since February, the City of Sanibel has been working on the update of its Shared Use Path Master Plan, and the period of public input ends on April 30th.  If you live, work, or play on Sanibel, please take advantage of one or all of the channels and opportunities for participating in the update of the City’s Shared Use Path Master Plan.  www.sanibelbikeped.com Public input is important for developing a visionary plan (with a 10-20 year time horizon) for one of the community’s crown jewels—its shared use path system.  Be sure to check out the cool Interactive Comment Map online, which is easy to use (see step by step instructions below) http://www.sanibelbikeped.com/interactive-comment-map/

Background

The City of Sanibel’s Shared Use Master Plan was adopted in 2009 and has guided the implementation of updates to our shared use path system over the past decade. The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is currently updating the Sanibel Shared Use Master Plan. The Master Plan Update is being conducted to recognize the improvements completed over the past decade and will guide the long-term vision for the Shared Use Path system. During this process the City and MPO will solicit and receive public comment through a variety of channels including Open Houses, surveys and emails. A webpage has been created just for the Update of the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan project now underway. www.sanibelbikeped.com

How to Participate:

There are three ways you can still provide your input to Sanibel's Update of its Shared Use Path Master Plan:

1. On Monday, April 22, 2019 the community is invited to drop-in any time between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to share citizen input and recommendations to date for the Shared Use Master Plan Update . The Open House is being held at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

2. You can respond to an online survey with the click of your mouse.
3.  Input comments about specific locations on Sanibel where you have comments, concerns, or suggestions by using the Interactive Comment Map.
4. The project website www.sanibelbikeped.com also has links to the Project Calendar, Resources (which includes previous studies and source documents related to the Master Plan), and a “Contact Us” button to allow you to communicate with the project management team.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INTERACTIVE COMMENT MAP

This is an excellent online tool for using the map of Sanibel to indicate specifically where you have concerns, comments, and ideas.  You can also see everyone else’s comments and can comment on their comments.  It is easy to use, once you have a few instructions:

1. The link to the website is: www.sanibelbikeped.com. This site includes links at the top (orange icons) to the following components:

2. Click on orange icon, "Interactive Comment Map". http://www.sanibelbikeped.com/interactive-comment-map/

3. Then move to the Green heading below and click on the tab "About and Help".

4. A drop down menu will appear. Click on "Instructions" tab.
 

5. Instructions for using the Map:

• To begin the comment process; please zoom to your location of interest.
• Once you have identified the location, click on the “Issues and Concerns” tab in the header.
• Click on the map at the location that you wish to identify as an issue or concern – a comment box will appear for you to describe the specific issue or concern.
• Once you are done entering your comments, please click on “Submit.”
• If someone has already identified a similar issue at the same location, you can click on the icon to view the respective comment.
• If you wish to Agree or Disagree with the comment or want to add an additional comment, please click the Show Comments/Surveys button to provide your input.
• Click “Add Comment” once you have completed your entry.

Don't forget to participate before April 30th!

On March 25th Plan to attend Estero's final Bike/Ped Workshop

Visit our website Council News Plan to attend Estero’s final Bike/Ped workshop  on Monday, March 25, 2019 When: Monday March 25, 2019 5 - 7 p.m. Where: Estero Community Park Recreation Center Want to learn about the preliminary results and findings of Estero’s first Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan? Please plan on attending the final public workshop at 5 – 7 p.m., Monday, March 25, at the Estero Community Park Recreation Center. The workshop will provide a brief summary of the overall project. But the focus will be on the preliminary results and recommendations of the master plan.  Topics will include: Public Engagement Results Bicycle & Pedestrian Vision and Goals Draft Recommendation Residents will have time to provide input and feedback about each topic as well as any interests related to bicycle and pedestrian facilities within Estero.  Hope to see you there.

Share your comments on Sanibel’s Shared Use Path at Feb. 19th Open House, Interactive Comment Map, and Online Survey

If you live, work, or play on Sanibel, please take advantage of one or all of the channels and opportunities for participating in the update of the City’s Shared Use Path Master Plan.  www.sanibelbikeped.com Public input is important for developing a visionary plan (with a 10-20 year time horizon) for one of the community’s crown jewels—its shared use path system.  Be sure to check out the cool Interactive Comment Map online, which is easy to use (see step by step instructions below) http://www.sanibelbikeped.com/interactive-comment-map/

Background

The City of Sanibel’s Shared Use Master Plan was adopted in 2009 and has guided the implementation of updates to our shared use path system over the past decade. The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is currently updating the Sanibel Shared Use Master Plan. The Master Plan Update is being conducted to recognize the improvements completed over the past decade and will guide the long-term vision for the Shared Use Path system. During this process the City and MPO will solicit and receive public comment through a variety of channels including Open Houses, surveys and emails. A webpage has been created just for the Update of the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan project now underway. www.sanibelbikeped.com

How to Participate:

There are three ways you can provide your input to Sanibel's Update of its Shared Use Path Master Plan, which is now underway:

1. On Tuesday, February 19, 2019 the community is invited to drop-in any time between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide your input directly to the team preparing the Shared Use Master Plan Update. The Open House is being held at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

2. You can respond to an online survey with the click of your mouse.
3.  Input comments about specific locations on Sanibel where you have comments, concerns, or suggestions by using the Interactive Comment Map.
4. The project website www.sanibelbikeped.com also has links to the Project Calendar, Resources (which includes previous studies and source documents related to the Master Plan), and a “Contact Us” button to allow you to communicate with the project management team.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INTERACTIVE COMMENT MAP

This is an excellent online tool for using the map of Sanibel to indicate specifically where you have concerns, comments, and ideas.  You can also see everyone else’s comments and can comment on their comments.  It is easy to use, once you have a few instructions:

1. The link to the website is: www.sanibelbikeped.com. This site includes links at the top (orange icons) to the following components:

2. Click on orange icon, "Interactive Comment Map". http://www.sanibelbikeped.com/interactive-comment-map/

3. Then move to the Green heading below and click on the tab "About and Help".

4. A drop down menu will appear. Click on "Instructions" tab.
 

5. Instructions for using the Map:

• To begin the comment process; please zoom to your location of interest.
• Once you have identified the location, click on the “Issues and Concerns” tab in the header.
• Click on the map at the location that you wish to identify as an issue or concern – a comment box will appear for you to describe the specific issue or concern.
• Once you are done entering your comments, please click on “Submit.”
• If someone has already identified a similar issue at the same location, you can click on the icon to view the respective comment.
• If you wish to Agree or Disagree with the comment or want to add an additional comment, please click the Show Comments/Surveys button to provide your input.
• Click “Add Comment” once you have completed your entry.

Participate in Sanibel's Online Survey re: Shared Use Path Master Plan Update

 

Here's your chance to provide input with the click of your mouse, to Sanibel's Shared Use Path Master Plan Update process.  If you live, work, or play on Sanibel, please take a few minutes to have your voices heard. 
If you're on island on Feb. 19th, you can also provide input at their day-long Open House at the Rec Center.

Feb. 8, 2019 Press Release: City of Sanibel
Shared Use Path Survey Open

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SURVEY


Citizen input is an important component of decision making by our local government on Sanibel. Historically, our citizens participate at significant rates when we conduct surveys. As of today, we are soliciting public input regarding the City's Shared Use Path Master Plan. All citizens, including motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, are welcome and encouraged to participate in this important survey. Throughout the Shared Use Master Plan update process, public input will be solicited through various means. In addition to this survey, all residents and path users are also welcome to attend the Shared Use Master Plan Update OPEN HOUSE which will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

The current version of the City's Shared Use Path Master Plan was adopted in 2009, and has guided the implementation of updates to the shared use path system for the past decade. The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is currently updating the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan. The Master Plan update is being conducted to recognize the improvements completed over the past decade and will guide the long-term vision for the Shared Use Path system.

If you have questions about the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan Update or Project Advisory Committee meeting, please visit the project website at www.sanibelbikeped.com: 
Sanibelbikeped@mysanibel.com or contact Keith Williams, P.E., Director of Community Services Department, at (239) 472-6397, ext. 507. 

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS SURVEY

Sanibel Feb. 19th Open House: Public Input on Shared Use Path Master Plan Update

City of Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan Update OPEN HOUSE BRING YOUR INPUT!

Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road Sanibel, FL 33957

02/05/2019 01:34 pm


The City’s Shared Use Master Plan was adopted in 2009 and has guided the implementation of updates to our shared use path system over the past decade. The City of Sanibel, in collaboration with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is currently updating the Sanibel Shared Use Master Plan. The Master Plan Update is being conducted to recognize the improvements completed over the past decade and will guide the long-term vision for the Shared Use Path system. During this process the City and MPO will solicit and receive public comment through a vareity of channels including Open Houses, surveys and emails.

On Tuesday, February 19, 2019 the community is invited to drop-in any time between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to provide your input directly to the team preparing the Shared Use Master Plan Update. The Open House is being held at the Sanibel Recreation Center, 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957.

If you have questions about the Sanibel Shared Use Path Master Plan Update or the Open House Meeting, please visit the project website at www.sanibelbikeped.com or contact Keith Williams, P.E., Director Department of Community Services, at phone (239) 472-6397, ext. 507.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, TO INCLUDE HEARING IMPAIRMENT, SHOULD CONTACT PAMELA SMITH, CITY CLERK, NO LATER THAN ONE DAY PRIOR TO THE PROCEEDINGS AT (239) 472-3700. FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IF HEARING IMPAIRED, TELEPHONE THE FLORIDA RELAY SERVICE AT 711.

Sanibel Island wins gold for attention and care for cyclists, pedestrians

Florida Weekly 'Outdoors' column, 12/19/2018
danMOSER
bikepedmoser@gmail.com

Bike parking is not overlooked at Sanibel’s Farmers Market. Darla Letourneau / Courtesy Photo.

Congratulations to the city of Sanibel for achieving gold-level Bike Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists, a designation that was announced earlier this month. After being awarded bronze and then silver status the last two go-rounds (re-certification is required every four years) a very strong application resulted in moving up a notch to the next-to-highest platinum level.

Anyone who lives on or has visited Sanibel Island can attest to the functionality and beauty of its pathway network. Some of the improvements made in the last four years include widening of two miles of pathway, a new path to Bowman’s Beach (one of the best beaches on the gulf, in my opinion), removal of unnecessary/inappropriate STOP pavement markings (getting that done was like pulling teeth), additional and enhanced crosswalks, repair and resurfacing of much of the network, an ongoing robust public-private campaign promoting the use of the pathway network as an alternative to driving and safety awareness aimed at both users and motorists.

Also added was a new unpaved path running parallel to Periwinkle Way from Causeway Road at the Island Welcome

Center to Roadside Park, just beyond the historical Bailey Homestead, which is accessible from the trail. It’s more of a foot trail but bikes are allowed. This nature trail is a real gem and has free parking/ trailheads at both ends, something very rare on the island. There are also many other equally wonderful unpaved trails on the island, most being within various parts of J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.

While the pathway network is world-class, there remains a glaring lack of on-road facilities and bike-friendliness for those who ride bikes too fast for pathways. Although there will probably never be significant roadway accommodation due to limited right-of-way space, signage and pavement markings (i.e., sharrows) making clear to drivers that cyclists are to be expected as part of the traffic flow and an overall acceptance of on-road cycling by city leadership would go a long way.

Making roadway operation a practical and welcoming option for those who routinely hit speeds of 18-22 mph would also make it safer for pedestrians and novice/inexperienced/shaky cyclists on the paths — many of whom are riding bikes for the first time in many years as part of their vacation experience. A safe pathway speed is no more than 15 mph, much slower when congested and where frequent driveway openings exist, two common conditions on many parts of the network.

In terms of the pedestrian environment, Sanibel may want to consider applying for Walk-Friendly Community status, which is modeled after LAB’s Bicycle Friendly Community program and is operated by the University of North Carolina’s Highway Safety Research Center, one of our country’s most respected bike/ped research institutions. WFC is also supported by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, a national clearinghouse on bicycling and walking funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Preparing the application for WFC status would perhaps lead to ideas and policies that would benefit pathway users and on-road cyclists alike.

Sanibel actually has an opportunity to consider applying for that designation as it begins an update of its Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan, an effort that’s funded through Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization and is just now getting off the ground. As was the case with the BFC application process, Sanibel Bike Club will be a major player. But just as relevant in developing the BPMP is the inclusion of nonclub residents and visitors (i.e., daytrippers and island-based tourism professionals who will represent non-local visitors). That vital element should include both a formal stakeholder committee (a requirement of the funds being used) and robust outreach beyond the usual one or two in-person input sessions (think online opportunities). Considering that Sanibel was able to move from being a bronze BFC to silver and now to gold in three consecutive cycles, it’s very likely it will do a great job in updating its Shared Use Path Master Plan. You can find Sanibel’s current plan (from 2009) at mysanibel.com and bikewalklee.blogspot.com. ¦


- 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: April 26 project advisory meeting and public workshop, Fort Myers Beach Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

Fort Myers Beach bike-ped master plan reaching final stages

The News-Press, 4/18/2017
Craig Handel

Fort Myers Beach is two months away from having
a master plan completed for cyclists and pedestrians.
(Photo: Kevin Derrick, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For decades, Fort Myers Beach officials have wanted to improve their roads and crosswalks for cyclists and walkers.

Some quality work has been done on the beach but it hasn’t been extensive.

In about two months, Fort Myers Beach will have a master plan for bike-ped use. In June, an eight-month analysis of the area will be completed.

In addition, Estero Boulevard is undergoing a county-funded bike, pedestrian and transit enhancement. At a cost of more than $50 million, this project could run from 3-5 years.

In the past three years (2014-16) on Fort Myers Beach there have been 67 bike/ped related crashes, but no fatalities, according to Brian Raimondo, Lee MPO using Signal Four Analytics.

Construction employees work along Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach near School Street.
(Photo: The News-Press file photo)

 On April 26, residents and Fort Myers beach goers have another chance to speak about what kind of improvements they’d like to see.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach, in partnership with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization will hold an interactive, community workshop from 5:30-7 p.m.at Town Hall in the Council Chambers. There also is aproject advisory meeting from 10-11:30 a.m. that the public is invited to that day.

The workshop will include a presentation, interactive exercises to collect ideas for plan recommendations and time to talk with town staff and project team members about ideas to improve walking and biking on Fort Myers Beach.

The master plan is being done by Jacobs, which specializes in architecture, engineering and construction operations and maintenance, as well as specialty consulting. Ron Gogoi, a transportation planning administer with MPO, said the focus is on the East-West roadways and the location of the crosswalks.

Town officials will be asking attendees such questions as:

What does it mean to you to walk and bike in Fort Myers Beach?

How can we improve bicycling and walking in Fort Myers Beach?

What would encourage you to walk and bike more?

How can we better connect you to your destinations?

Past meetings have had little attendance. Bruce Butcher, a former BikeWalkLee steering committee member now on the town council, hopes that changes now that there’s less traffic.

“It’s a quality life issue, the way I look at it,” he said. “The master plan is a supplement to Estero Boulevard to make the experience better for bikers.”

Better means safer and better means a potential boost in tourism. Studies have shown families take trips to areas based on which are considered the most bike and pedestrian friendly.

In addition, there are plans to include a 300-mile bike path from Clearwater to Naples, which Fort Myers Beach would be part of.

“From a master plan side, the impetus is on safety but there also have been some requests about infrastructure improvement, like sidewalks and roadways” said Don Scott, executive director of the MPO. “It’s a prioritization process and there are different funding sources. Safety funds can be obtained quicker.”

Rendering of changes to be made on Estero Boulevard. (Photo: ReFreshFMBeach.com)

The Estero Boulevard improvement is being done in five different segments, Scott said. One segment already underway will be from 8-9 1/2 feet wide in those sections of the boulevard where constrained rights-of-way won't allow bike lanes or would permit only sharrows. The latter are those shared road markings, often with a picture of a bike, reminding motorists that cyclists have a right to use regular road lanes.

The Lee County five-year Capital Improvement Program in the fiscal year ending in 2015 allocated $50 million to DOT for Estero Boulevard improvements. The plan was to do the project in phases with a segment done every other year in order to make the funding work based on  projected revenues.

In order to proceed more efficiently and minimize long-term disruption, the Department of Transportation was  directed to continue the project as a single phase, shortening the timeframe by at least six years. By accelerating the project, the entire project cost is now contained in DOT's five-year Capital Improvement Program with the fiscal year end of 2021 at $59 million. An additional $22 million in utility work brings the total to $81 million.

“The redo of Estero Boulevard has been considered for a long time,” Scott said. “The county got serious the last few years and approved the money.”

Scott said improvements also need to be made in street lighting.

There also have been some serious injuries.

Naples bicyclist Milton Quinonez suffered a brain injury during a crash on Fort Myers Beach on July 12, 2014. They were heading off Fort Myers Beach on San Carlos Boulevard near Buttonwood Drive in the outside travel lane.

That’s why Scott and Gogoi say improvements must be made to the corridors as well as the beach itself.

“Our intention is to put together a bike-ped network,” Gogoi said. “We want to enhance bike-ped mobility as well as enhance the safety for bicyclists.”

What: The Town of Fort Myers Beach, in partnership with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is developing the town’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

When: Project advisory meeting, 10-11:30 a.m.; Public workshop, 5:30-7 p.m. The public is welcome to both sessions

Where: Town Hall, 2525 Estero Blvd.

April 26th: Fort Myers Beach Community Workshop on Bike/Ped Master Plan

 If you live, work, or play in Fort Myers Beach, your input into the Town's first Bike/Ped Master Plan is really needed!  Mark your calendars now, and plan to attend the April 26th meeting from 5-7 p.m. at the FMB Town Hall. 

4/4/17 Press Release:                   Town of Fort Myers Beach to host 
Second Community Workshop on the Town’s
First Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan

Fort Myers Beach, Fla. — The Town of Fort Myers Beach, in partnership with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), is developing the Town’s first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. It is an exciting project that promotes a healthy, vibrant, and safe community through cycling and walking. We want you to help the Town plan for bikeways, walkways, trails, and other related biking and walking projects.

Please join the Town, your friends, and neighbors at an interactive, community workshop on Wednesday, April 26 at the Town Hall (2525 Estero Blvd, Ft. Myers Beach, FL) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  

The workshop will include a presentation about the project including a description of the needs assessment and initial programs, project, design, and policy recommendations. The consultant team of Jacobs Engineering and Alta Planning & Design will provide interactive exercises to collect opinions on the plan recommendations, and time to talk with Town staff and project team members about your interests and ideas to improve walking and biking in Fort Myers Beach.

For more information about the project, please check the Town’s website (fortmyersbeachfl.gov) for regular updates.

 Contact: Chelsea O’Riley, Town of Ft. Myers Beach
239-765-0202 x1701
Chelsea@fortmyersbeachfl.gov

Master Plan Presentation PowerPoint 3/27/17

Cape Coral Council takes actions in support of its complete streets policy and receives award from FBA

Cape Coral's City Council meeting on April 3rd highlighted the City's ongoing progress in implementing complete streets in the Cape.  There were three items on the agenda related to these efforts. 

FBA's Afonso, CM Szerlag, Mayor Sawicki, PW's Zambrano, CCBP's Conant, Swanson, and Aubuchon

First, The Florida Bicycle Association's (FBA) Executive Director, Becky Afonso presented the FBA 2016 Bicycle Friendly Community of the Year award to the City of Cape Coral, recognizing both City officials and Cape Coral Bike-Ped group.  
 
 Second, the Council approved the City's first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  Third, the Council approved the project design for the SE 47th Terrace Streetscape Project, which focuses on revitalizing this area by making it a "complete street", making it a safe and welcome place for pedestrians.  Kudos to the City Council, City staff, and the Cape Coral Bike-Ped group for their outstanding efforts, and to FBA for bringing statewide recognition to these local accomplishments.  Below is an article reporting on yesterday's Council actions, along with links to the Master Plan, and previous BWL blogs about these initiatives.

April 4, 2017 CapeCoral.com blog:  5 Things to Know from the Cape Coral City Council Meeting (Apr. 3)  

[excerpts below--#3 and #4]

#3:  Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan approved

The city's first Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is now official.

During Monday night's meeting, the city council unanimously approved the plan that will add 93 miles of sidewalks, 22 miles of multi-use paths, and 138 miles of on-street bike paths over the next 15 to 20 years.

The plan was created to provide a cycling network safe for bicyclists and pedestrians that will spread throughout the city.

The cost to construct the network is estimated at $63 million.

Alta Planning and Design, the company hired by the city to create the master plan, recommended the city seek state and federal grants, make the improvements part of the city's UEP and Road Repaving initiatives, as well as using future gas tax allocations to fund the projects. According to the firm, with those allocations, 30% of the proposed bike and pedestrian projects would be funded through Fiscal Year 2022.

The city has already utilized an over $3 million grant it received from the state to begin construction of a multi-use path along Kismet Parkway.

In related news, at the beginning of Monday's meeting, the City of Cape Coral and the Cape Coral Bike-Ped organization received the 2016 Bicycle Friendly Community Award from the Florida Bicycle Association.

The non-profit organization was created to promote bicycle safety throughout the state of Florida and annually recognizes contributions to accomplish that goal. Florida Bicycle Association President Becky Afonso was on hand at the meeting to present the city and Bike-Ped the award, and commended both for their partnership to create a network of bicycle paths in the city making it safer for both bicyclists and pedestrians.

#4: Council/CRA approves SE 47th Terrace Streetscape Project design
Before Monday's regular meeting, the city council, acting in their roles as CRA Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss whether or not to approve the proposed design plan for the SE 47th Terrace Streetscape Project.

Called a "legacy project" by City Manager John Szerlag, the $8.5 million initiative will completely revitalize the look of SE 47th Terrace from Del Prado Boulevard to Coronado Parkway.

According to the proposed design, the project will include brick paver expanded sidewalks on both sides of the road, new landscaping, custom street lighting, elimination of on-street parking, and a roundabout at the intersection of SE 47th Terrace and Vincennes Boulevard.

It has been the roundabout that has caused the most publicity since the design plans have been released, with some concerned the roundabout could cause traffic issues on the busy street.

However, city traffic engineer Bill Corbett explained during Monday's presentation that roundabouts provide a safer option for both pedestrians and drivers reducing traffic crashes by 48% than other traffic calming options on the average.

Regarding the size of the roundabout, Corbett also assured the board of commissioners that the city has enough land in the surrounding right-of-ways to accommodate for the roundabout.

In addition to the aesthetic upgrades, the project will also include water and sewer upgrades. The $1.9 million cost for those upgrades will be paid through the city's water and sewer fund. The remaining $6.6 million cost of the project will be shared by the city and CRA. Szerlag says the current plan is for the city and CRA to equally share that cost. However, as time comes closer to pay for the construction that could change depending on the financial health of both entities. Meaning if one fund has a stronger financial setting, it could cover more of the cost burden for the project.

After hearing the presentation, the commissioners unanimously voted to approve the design, and later during the regular city council meeting, council members once again unanimously approved the design moving the project to the next phase.

Szerlag says the goal is to have shovels in the ground later this year to begin the project with a projected construction timeline of nine to twelve months to complete.

 Related Links:

Cape Coral Bike Ped Master Plan--approved 4/4/17

Agenda Pkg for Cape Coral Council 4/3/17 Meeting

BWL 2/17/17 Blog:  Cape Coral selected as 'Bicycle friendly community of the year' by Florida Bicycle Association

BWL 4/22/16 Blog: Cape Coral residents share ideas for improving walking and biking

Feb. 15th Fort Myers Beach Community Workshop on Bike/Ped Master Plan

 Want to improve walking and biking in the Ft. Myers Beach?  This is your chance! Please join the Town, your friends, and neighbors at an interactive, community workshop on Wednesday, February 15 at the Town Hall (2525 Estero Blvd, Ft. Myers Beach, FL) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

We want you to share with Town staff: What does it mean to you to walk and bike in Fort Myers Beach? How can we improve bicycling and walking in Fort Myers Beach? What would encourage you to walk and bike more? And how can we better connect you to your destinations?

The workshop will include a presentation about the project, interactive exercises to collect ideas for plan recommendations, and time to talk with Town staff and project team members about your interests and ideas to improve walking and biking in Fort Myers Beach.

 

 Ft. Myers Beach, in partnership with the Lee County MPO and Lee County, is undertaking the development of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  In addition to the community workshop, the project team has developed an online Community Input Map. This interactive map allows you to note walking or biking issues and/or make comments on improvements to the network you’d like to see, such as a particular bike route you’d like built, attention to a missing link, etc.  The results will be used to identify and prioritize projects during the planning process.

Click on this link to access the map.  Instructions are provided at the link for using the interactive map.

Please feel free to share the online map link and information about the community workshop.  We would like to gather as much input as possible.

LINKS:

Link to map.

Link to information on the Town's website about the project.

Want to improve walking and biking in Fort Myers Beach? Share your ideas online on Community Input Map

Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Underway

Ft. Myers Beach Community Input Map is first opportunity for input

Want to improve walking and biking in the Ft. Myers Beach?  This is your chance! The Ft. Myers Beach Community Input Map is the first step in a larger effort to improve walking and biking in the Town.  Ft. Myers Beach, in partnership with the Lee County MPO and Lee County, is undertaking the development of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.   This interactive map allows you to note walking or biking issues and/or make comments on improvements to the network you’d like to see, such as a particular bike route you’d like built, attention to a missing link, etc.  The results will be used to identify and prioritize projects during the planning process.

Click on this link to access the map.  Instructions are provided at the link for using the interactive map.

In addition to the online map, there will be other opportunities to provide your input in person and help shape the goals for the project. 

Please join the Town, your friends, and neighbors at an interactive, community workshop on Wednesday, February 15 at the Town Hall (2525 Estero Blvd, Ft. Myers Beach, FL) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. We want you to share with Town staff: What does it mean to you to walk and bike in Fort Myers Beach? How can we improve bicycling and walking in Fort Myers Beach? What would encourage you to walk and bike more? And how can we better connect you to your destinations?

The workshop will include a presentation about the project, interactive exercises to collect ideas for plan recommendations, and time to talk with Town staff and project team members about your interests and ideas to improve walking and biking in Fort Myers Beach.

Please feel free to share the online map link and information about the community workshop.  We would like to gather as much input as possible.

Thank you for your contribution toward this effort.

LINKS:

Link to map.

Link to information on the Town's website about the project.