Bike Speed Limit

I am very disappointed in Marco Island City Council’s vote to limit the speed of all bicycles on Marco Island to 12 mph. This was in direct opposition to MIPD’s recommendation of a 15 mph speed limit, recommended based on tangible, factual data. Once again, the council fails to listen to the data presented before them and make decisions that show they are actively listening to the very city officials they employ. Not only so, but this bicycle ordinance will become the next “noise ordinance” in which citizens will feel the enforcement is not up to par. Financially, this new ordinance will cost significant money to implement, and add bicycle patrol officer(s), a project that the MIPD crash statistics showed is not a major, current concern on Marco Island. Though I, myself, am grateful for the ordinance itself, I feel that adhering with Naples’ 15 mph speed limit would have been appropriate on Marco Island as well. Only love and concern for your brother and sister will truly resolve these shared-use path concerns. We all must remember that shared-use paths are for shared use - be kind, courteous, attentive, and share the space with all.