Chief among the concerns was pedestrian safety, particularly the visibility of crosswalks in construction areas where insufficient lighting poses a significant risk. A committee member noted the dangers pedestrians face when crossing in poorly lit areas, stressing the need for temporary lighting solutions and physical barriers to direct foot traffic safely. The committee agreed on the necessity of adding more signage to guide pedestrians through safe routes, especially in high-traffic areas near popular destinations such as the lighthouse and Margaritaville. Members emphasized the importance of detour signs and physical barriers to prevent pedestrians from crossing busy roads unsafely, a sentiment echoed by another member who stated, “people don’t read signs,” advocating for clear, visible detours to enforce safe pedestrian pathways.

The committee also reviewed recent survey results that underscored community concerns regarding safety on Fort Myers Beach. The survey revealed that nearly 70% of respondents prioritized pedestrian safety, with street lighting identified as a issue by 48% of participants. This feedback prompted the committee to consider employing more effective outreach methods, including the potential use of QR codes at strategic locations, to facilitate easy access to safety information for residents and visitors.

Parallel to the pedestrian safety discussions, the committee focused on the regulation of e-bikes and their interaction with pedestrians, particularly on sidewalks. Concerns were raised about the behavior of e-bike riders, with suggestions to regulate conduct rather than speed. There was a call for e-bike riders to yield the right of way to pedestrians, slowing down and even stopping when necessary. The committee discussed the challenge of enforcing such regulations, particularly distinguishing between genuine and “fake” pedaling. The need for public education on shared spaces and e-bike regulations was emphasized, with ideas for signage to inform both riders and pedestrians of their rights and responsibilities.

The committee recognized the importance of finalizing e-bike ordinances and developing educational campaigns to promote safe riding practices. There was a consensus on the necessity of establishing clear and enforceable guidelines that both residents and visitors could understand, fostering a safer environment on sidewalks and beaches.

In addition to pedestrian and e-bike safety, the committee addressed broader infrastructure concerns, such as the need for improved street lighting and the maintenance of bike lanes. Members discussed the potential for employing a grant writer to explore funding opportunities for projects focused on bicycle amenities and safety improvements. This initiative aimed to address the accumulation of sand in bike lanes, which poses a safety hazard and forces cyclists onto sidewalks.

Members expressed frustration with the absence of FDOT representatives in prior discussions and emphasized the need for their involvement to ensure community concerns are adequately addressed.