The committee’s discussion centered on the usage of sidewalks for biking and the challenges of coexisting with pedestrians and cars. Public comments from local residents and business representatives highlighted the need for a more bike-friendly environment, with suggestions ranging from regulating bike speeds on sidewalks to expanding sidewalk areas and creating segregated lanes for different users. The idea of allowing pedal assist ebikes on sidewalks was supported by some, citing the need to keep up with traffic and accommodate those with physical limitations. A retired Marine suggested segregating beachside and non-beachside sidewalks for pedestrians and bikers to alleviate congestion.

In response to these concerns, it was noted that the Sheriff’s Department had been effectively enforcing regulations regarding bikes on sidewalks, with a focus on electric bikes. The need for public education and enforcement to prevent accidents was underscored, and there was talk of revisiting the bike ordinance to potentially designate specific areas for bike usage on sidewalks. It was acknowledged that most pedestrian and bike incidents involved collisions with vehicles, and the importance of providing a report on these accidents to the council was discussed.

The need for infrastructure improvements was also a key topic of conversation. The committee expressed interest in exploring ideas from a pedestrian and bicycle master plan, which could include creating bike paths, boardwalks, and additional amenities like bike racks and water stations. The potential for modifying sidewalks and repurposing streets on the beach side for biking was discussed, along with the idea of incentivizing property owners to allow the expansion of sidewalks.

Concerning disaster preparedness, the committee discussed the implementation of the Code Red system to establish two-way communication with individuals staying on the beach during a hurricane. The plan involves compiling a list for first responders to prioritize house checks and provide medical attention if necessary. The committee was piloting the system and planned to educate residents and guests about signing up.

Additionally, there was a discussion about engaging rental properties, including Airbnb and rental management companies, in providing information about the number of people staying in their units during a hurricane. The committee considered how to collect and report this data and discussed the need to include condos and hotels in these efforts.

Public safety campaigns were brought up as a means to address the issues of electric bike usage and crosswalk safety. The promotion of the prohibition of electric bikes on sidewalks was deemed important, along with the consideration of installing blinking lights at crosswalks to increase pedestrian visibility. There was also interest in using technology to track the number of people crossing specific crosswalks to evaluate safety.

The upcoming construction of a roundabout at the base of the bridge by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDoT) was anticipated to present challenges, especially during the peak tourist season. The potential impact on businesses and traffic flow was a concern, with discussions about implementing barriers along the sidewalk and the use of pedestrian traffic-tracking technology in collaboration with the fire department.

The committee also reviewed a survey intended to gauge public input on improving safety on Fort Myers Beach. The survey addresses awareness of safety measures, reporting safety issues, and participation in a neighborhood watch program. It sought to rank various safety areas, including beach and water safety, bike safety, and street lighting. The suggestion to proactively promote the neighborhood watch program and to include traffic flow as a safety concern in the survey was made.

Lastly, the committee considered having a public safety segment on a local radio show to disseminate important information to residents and visitors. The meeting concluded with plans for the next meeting, scheduled for May 21st, which will include a presentation from an organization called FOT on the agenda.