Thursday, November 12, 2026
Marco Island Police Captain Dave Ennis talks about ebike safety with City Council, who approved an ordinance on second reading to limit bicycle speeds to 12 miles per hour throughout Marco Island sidewalks and shared-use paths.
Marco Island City Council approved an ordinance on Monday night that limits the speed of electric bicycles and traditional bicycles to 12 miles per hour on city sidewalks and shared-use paths. The ordinance received unanimous, 7-0, approval, after some discussion on whether the speed limit should be 10 mph or 15 mph and whether it should only be limited to the busier, larger streets. But, after discussion, the regulations will take effect city-wide.
Marco Island Police Captain Dave Ennis presented Council with data indicating 15 mph might actually be safer.
“Most bicycles are designed as speed increases, stability increases,” Ennis said.
Councilor Bonita Schwan, who serves on the Collier County Metropolitan Planning Organization and reviewed the similar county ordinance recently passed, urged a slower speed to minimize risk of serious injuries, including brain injuries. Schwan’s son died in a pedestrian crash, she has said.
Kevin Dohm, who served on the Marco Island bike path committee before it was dissolved and also serves on the MPO as a citizen advisory, lauded the 10 mph, saying slower is almost always safer. It was the second reading of the ordinance and education components are included.
Other matters during the Council meeting included:
Residents Plea for Reinstatement of City Employee
Several residents vied for City Council do to all they could to lead toward the reinstatement of City Parks and Recreation Supervisor Dawn Snyder, who also has other family members who work for the city and was recently acknowledged for her five years with Marco Island.
Snyder was terminated on Tuesday, July 15 and it was not immediately clear the reasons for her termination.
City Manager Mike McNees said the city process allows for a hearing to appeal the termination and he has meeting(s) on the matter this week to hear what he called “both sides of the story.” Residents lauded Snyder for making their time with Parks and Rec feel like a family.
“I hope you strongly reconsider hiring her back she deserves nothing less than that,” said Shelly Schwarz, who was among several residents who made similar comments to Council. She was among about 200 people who signed a petition as of Monday night, July 21, requesting the reinstatement of Snyder.
Other News
Approved on second reading an ordinance to amend police officers' pensions.
Awarded a contract to Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc. to begin leasing versus owning city vehicles.
Awarded a $1.4 million contract with Eaton Corporation, Electrical Engineering Services and Systems for upgrades to the South Water Treatment Plant.
Discussed how the city and Collier County may work together to mitigate Marco Island’s water quality issues by working with Isles of Capri and Goodland for them to convert from septic tanks to sewer.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for 5:30 PM Monday, August 4.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here