Bicyclists provide feedback for Cape Coral bike-friendly plan

CAPE CORAL, Fla. – Riding a bike can be dangerous sometimes, says commuter Lee Waller.

Some areas in Cape Coral are just fine, but others present real challenges for bicyclists.

“No bike lanes, if they have sidewalks some of them are very old,” Waller said.

Cape Coral was designated a bicycle-friendly city in 2015, but city officials have partnered with the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization in efforts to create a master plan that will improve conditions for bicyclists.

In March, they asked for feedback on their plan and on Wednesday Waller attended a Cape Coral meeting as part of a public comment portion of the city’s bicycle and pedestrian master plan. The city was interested in hearing people’s needs as they related to safety and connectivity.

In North Cape Cape Coral, the master plan would add sidewalks, while enhance older sidewalks and connect more paths so people can walk and bike to school, restaurants and parks.

Jodi Walborn, a local parent, said that in addition to adding more sidewalks, she would like the city to ensure that children have safe bus stops.

Last year, at least two men were hit and killed on Cape Coral roads. Waller hopes the master plan comes to fruition, making the roads safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

“They are going through a lot of effort to get all of our input to put this plan together, so hopefully that all won’t be wasted,” he said.

There are more than 90 mules of bike routes that currently exist in Cape Coral. To submit feedback online visit http://wikimapping.com/wikimap/Cape-Coral-Bicycle-Pedestrian-Master-Plan.html.