The meeting’s foremost issue centered around the traffic chaos experienced during large events, such as the recent sand sculpture festival. Attendees faced significant delays due to insufficient traffic control measures, with vehicles driving haphazardly and causing congestion. The lack of a dedicated traffic detail was noted, prompting committee members to emphasize the necessity of planning for traffic management in future events. Suggestions were made to recommend specific traffic control needs to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, especially for events like New Year’s Eve and the shrimp festival, where historical knowledge could inform tailored plans.

Discussions highlighted the permitting process’s shortcomings, where the sand sculpture event permit initially lacked a police request, leading to amendments but insufficient traffic control. The committee proposed establishing clearer guidelines for smaller events to avoid overlooking traffic needs, particularly spotlighting the bottleneck at Fifth Avenue. The need for effective barriers and signage was discussed, with updates on ordered signage expected soon. The committee underscored that placing the onus solely on event organizers may not be appropriate.

Pedestrian safety also emerged as a concern, especially in areas like Times Square. The high volume of pedestrians and lack of controlled intersections were identified as problematic, with near-miss situations occurring due to pedestrians crossing outside designated crosswalks. The committee discussed the possibility of installing temporary lighting to improve visibility and prevent accidents, particularly in areas affected by ongoing construction.

Electric bikes (e-bikes) were another focal point, with a recent incident involving an electric bike crash bringing attention to the need for clearer regulations. Proposals were made to restrict bike riding in high pedestrian traffic areas and potentially require cyclists to walk their bikes. The committee acknowledged the challenges of managing bike traffic in densely populated zones and stressed the importance of law enforcement support in enforcing new regulations.

Further discussions revolved around the need for data to support safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. The committee considered obtaining information from short-term rentals to understand visitor impact on local infrastructure better. Educating bike rental companies and short-term rental operators about local laws was also proposed, with the possibility of requiring proof of educational measures as part of the short-term rental licensing process.

Concerns were raised about narrow bike lanes during busy seasons and ongoing construction, with vehicles often encroaching on bike lanes and causing discomfort among cyclists. The committee expressed interest in pursuing grants to fund bike safety improvements, such as signage and educational programs, to encourage biking and alleviate automobile traffic.

Lighting improvements were also discussed, with ongoing projects on Estero Boulevard noted to be progressing, albeit slowly due to permitting issues. The need for more police presence on back streets was highlighted, as residents expressed concerns about speeding and the lack of enforcement beyond main roads. The committee acknowledged public comments prioritizing police presence, crosswalk safety, and bike lane improvements as critical areas needing attention.

The meeting concluded with discussions on hurricane preparedness, emphasizing the need for better communication and clearer information on evacuation plans. The committee proposed a separate hurricane response website to consolidate information and alleviate server burdens during emergencies. They also addressed the logistical challenges of scheduling future meetings to ensure discussions on pressing public safety issues.