The community seems to be split down the middle on this topic. Pedestrians say it’s too dangerous to have to contend with motorized vehicles while they walk the island. Bikers say drivers do not pay attention, making it dangerous for them in the street, especially between the Library and Times Square. They say they know how to safely mingle and pass those who walk on the sidewalks.
On Monday, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council will consider changing their ordinance and allowing e-bikes traveling a maximum of 15 MPH on sidewalks. The current ordinance does not allow e-bikes on any sidewalks (or the beach).
Before the town considers the ordinance change Public Safety Committee Chair Dawn Thomas will recommend the town rescind its ebike ordinance and allow ebikes on sidewalks. She will also recommend the Town Council pursue dividing up the sidewalks from Times Square to Red Coconut. They want the town to draw a dividing line, taking 30% of the sidewalk, closest to the inside, marked for all bike traffic with images that have the bike going with the flow of traffic. The other 70% of the sidewalk, closest to the Boulevard, would be for pedestrians and show pedestrian markings. There would also be signs showing it’s a shared sidewalk.
The committee will also recommend the town install additional signage close to Margaritaville, and in the highly congested areas, that there is no bike riding on the sidewalk.
Lee County owns both Estero Boulevard and the sidewalks from Times Square to the Big Carlos Pass Bridge on the south end of the island. Enforcement of this ordinance would fall to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. The town does not have its own police department and there is no other town department that has the authority to enforce the ordinance. It would be nearly impossible for an LCSO deputy to know exactly how fast an ebike is traveling.
If you are passionate about this issue you should attend the meeting and speak at public comment or send an email to Town Council members at council@fmbgov.com.
Tomorrow after our show at Margaritaville we’re going to take a test ride with an ebike on both sides of the sidewalk between Margaritaville Beach Resort and The Island’s Pancake House. Kim will be the rider and I will follow livestreaming her ride. On Monday the Fort Myers Beach Town Council will begin debate on allowing ebikes on sidewalks at a max speed of 15 MPH (Kim will NOT be riding that fast. That speed is WAY too fast for sidewalk riding in that area). Our goal is to use common sense bike etiquette and see how the pedestrians respond. The bike is equipped with a bell and Kim will be riding on the right side of the sidewalk, which is where the Public Safety proposes the bikes ride. We will then interview pedestrians to see what they think of the new plan.
Kim’s sweet bike is being provided by Current Riders FMB. Check them out online HERE for ebikes, kayaks, beach equipment and much more.
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