Sidewalk Rules Needed

As a 15-year resident on Marco and an avid, daily five-mile-a-day walker (and biker) from the Esplanade to Cape Marco, I feel that my input could be useful.

I would like the City to adopt, clearly communicate, and enforce sidewalk rules requiring bikers to ride on the sidewalk on the right side of the road (with traffic). The walkers should use the sidewalk on the left side (against traffic). That way all walkers see what is coming at them at all times as opposed to having bikes and e-bikes run up behind them. 

Currently, what I see is bikers and e-bikers dodging each other. The city painted the mph rule on the sidewalks (in green), along with a picture (if the biker can read the painted info correctly while passing over it, they know they are traveling on the correct side; if it’s upside down, they are not riding correctly).

Education is just as important as enforcement. Every rental residence should be required to display a clearly written sheet explaining these rules where guests who use the rental units’ bikes will see. Furthermore, all the same info should be on the paperwork at the bike rental shops when they rent a bike.

A further enhancement would be signage on Collier stating the side to ride or walk on. It could take a bit for all this to sink in (publicly) but it would also help the city explain to folks that they are doing their part to maintain safety on the sidewalks.

Personally, I would love to eliminate the e-bikes on sidewalks. But even if they adhere to this rule, it will help reduce the amount of accidents.