Complete Streets: Moving from concept to implementation

On Nov. 10, Lee County Commissioners approved a Complete Streets resolution as part of a comprehensive Smart Growth initiative that should improve things for all users of our public right of way.

In the opinion of many, myself included, their action came not a moment too soon.

“Dangerous by Design,” the latest edition of the report formerly known as “Mean Streets” that rates the state of the pedestrian environment in communities throughout the U.S., indicates that the Fort Myers/Cape Coral metro area has improved somewhat from our third most dangerous-place position in the last ranking, but our Pedestrian Danger Index is still off the charts, as is the case for so many Florida communities.

What the report tells us isn’t anything new; “Dangerous by Design” merely documents the problem. And the solution being put forth — that government — in particular, transportation departments — must change the way they design and develop our public rights of way and reform land-use policies — isn’t much different from the two previous documents’ conclusions. So, even with the recent commission decision directing county staff to move toward complete streets, League of American Cyclists denying us even the lowest level Bike Friendly Community designation, and “Dangerous by Design” confirming again that we have a major problem, the question still remains: Will key department leadership do what is now clearly laid out before them or will they continue to find ways to continue to do business as usual?

You can view the “Dangerous by Design” report at http://t4america.org/ resources/dangerousbydesign/. For an in-depth look at the local situation, BikeWalkLee’s corresponding report is at http://www.bikewalklee.org/pdfs/ BWLPedreportFINAL.pdf. Thanks to Darla Letourneau, Margaret Banyan, Mindy Collier and other BikeWalkLee members who worked hard to compile this report in time to coincide with “Dangerous by Design” publication.

BikeWalkLee Update

As is usually the case on a beautiful Sunday, Lakes Park was teeming with people engaged in all kinds of physical activity, enjoying the unique surroundings of these former rock quarries. BikeWalkLee was there as well, asking anyone who dropped into “Turing our Mean Streets into Complete Streets” what they thought of our county’s built environment for getting around outside one’s car. Maps and literature were offered, refreshments were served, and representatives of agencies that plan and build our roads and trails were on hand to answer questions, listen to suggestions, and socialize with people who enjoy being active and outdoors.

Although the surveys BWL asked attendees to complete weren’t analyzed as of the time of this column’s deadline, it was quite evident from comments and discussions that folks really want to be able to take advantage of our area’s assets: weather, natural environment, flat terrain, outstanding parks and recreation opportunities and extensive road system. Results of the survey will be posted on www.bikewalkle.org soon, perhaps by the time of this being published.

With improvements to the infrastructure — changes that make it safer and more appealing to all users — perhaps we’ll see a change for the better in behavior by everyone, something I think is vital for Lee County to become an LAB Bike Friendly Community and to significantly reduce our Pedestrian Danger Index in the next “Dangerous by Design” report. It’ll take a while, but it looks like we’re finally on the right track.

Until next time, I’ll look for you on the roads and trails. 

— Dan Moser is a league cycling instructor/trainer and program manager for the Florida Bicycle Association who cycles, runs and walks regularly for transportation, recreation and fitness. He may be contacted at dan@ floridabicycle.org or 334-6417.

Upcoming Events

Running/Walking:
>>30th annual Turkey Trot 5K: Thursday,
Nov. 26, 7:30 a.m., Cape Coral Hospital (www.
ftmyerstrackclub.com)
>>River Run 10K Run & 2 Mile Walk*: Saturday,
Dec. 5, 8 a.m., Centennial Park, Fort Myers
(www.ftmyerstrackclub.com)
>>Rotary Park 5K Run & Walk*: Saturday,
Dec. 12, 8 a.m., Cape Coral Rotary Park (www.
ftmyerstrackclub.com)
>>Cape Coral 10 Miler: Sunday, Dec.
13, 7:30 a.m., Oasis Charter Middle School
(www.3dracinginc.com)
*Official Florida Senior Games Qualifiers

For info on running events, check with the Fort Myers Track Club (www.ftmyerstrackclub.com) and 3-D Runners (www.3dracinginc.com). For Naples running info, it’s the Gulf Coast Runners (www.gcrunner.org). Charlotte County running information is at www.zoomersrun.com.

Cycling:
>>Caloosahatchee River Ride: Sunday, Nov
22, Alva (http://crca/caloosahatchee.org)
>>Joe Bonnes Turkey Ride: Sunday, Nov.
29, North Collier Regional Park, Naples (www.
naplespathways.org)

Visit Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club at www. caloosariders.com, Florida Mudcutters at www. mudcutters.org; Naples Pathways Coalition at www.naplespathways.org; and Naples Velo at www.naplesvelo.com for more information on local bicycling activities, including weekly rides. The Florida Bicycle Association (www.floridabicycle. org) is your source for statewide happenings.