by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Shared Use Path Master Plan was developed in 2009 by the City of Sanibel to provide both residents and visitors a recreational and leisure way of transportation throughout the island. At the beginning and throughout its enhancements, the safety of shared use path users is one of the highest priorities in the City’s Master Plan.
In 2006 and 2012, surveys were conducted to assess traffic at notable intersections along the shared use path. Since then, two recent surveys have been conducted in 2024 and 2025 to evaluate usage trends and track the continued emergence of E-bikes on the SUP.
Total overall SUP users of all types have increased by 72 percent since 2024. Total bicycle riders on the SUP have increased by 48 percent since the original study in 2006 and more than doubled since 2024. One quarter of total bicyclists were observed at the Periwinkle and Casa Ybel Intersection.
Electric bicycles represent 15 percent of total riders on the SUP, with 588 observed. Forty-two percent of E-bikes were observed at the two intersections at San-Cap Road. For this study, the E-bike class was not recorded.
Total pedestrian SUP usage is up 51 percent since 2024.
Just 43 percent of bike riders were wearing helmets.
I have been biking in the US and Europe for over 40 years. US includes both Sanibel and CO. I have photos of the CO bike paths the many EV bikers use along the 43 miles bike stretch from Aspen to Glenwood Springs. I would like to share these with decision makers. Our bike paths are accidents waiting to happen and my photos will show that.
Part of the solution is a relocation of Billie’s Bikes. They provide a good service to the community but there is exit (bike path) from their property without having to cross our main road both coming and going. It is causing major issues at all intersections for everyone. Working out a deal and moving them further down the road to where a bike path is located on their side, or moving them across the road to the bike path would alleviate major problems, and traffic interruptions.
The condition of the bike paths and their ability to handle side by side passing of EV bikes is an accident waiting to happen. Also the intersection at Rabbit Road and SanCap needs to be modified. Have had so many beginners cause accidents due to the layout and their ignorance of biking rules. Have been involved in two when I was literally standing still with my bike. Can explain the simple modifications required to modify that crossing for safety sake.
Call me if you are interested. David Baum 239-472-7801, dsb@dsbtech.com
I still do not understand why e-bikes were approved of on Sanibel Island’s bike paths.
It was wrong from the get go!
The paths are too narrow, not in the best condition since all the storms, there is an older population on the Island, there are several walkers, runners, those who just want to relax, slow down and enjoy the charm of a beautiful, peaceful Island.
It’s difficult as it us when some folks haven’t a clue how to properly ride a bike, never mind the ‘danger’ of seeing someone on an e-bike, zip by, who hasn’t a clue what our Island is all about!
We need to STOP the usage of e-bikes.
Whoever pushed to have them on the would be better off in busier places, like Miami, Tampa, etc etc.
Make your money there and let our Island be a paradise that it was carved out to be!!!
I agree that e-bikes should be outlawed on Sanibel.
Sanibel….
Ebikes are todays bike. You should do everything to make them welcome. The Island wants and needs that income.
We are Ebikers from Ft Myers and love our Sanibel ride. We visit every month… We ride very respectfully… and for the record ride better then others on pedal bikes and those poor dog walking owners.
. We r a group of 16 in our 60’s. We spend thousands of $$ every vist. If you dont want us… I think big mistake.
We have dozens of other cities that love us. God Bless Us All.
I highly encourage the other cities who you say ‘love all of you so much, to welcome you with open arms, and leave our paradise alone’.
Don’t bully people.
We have enough of that in our political arena.
Respect the elders, those who simply want a pleasant walk or run on our bike paths which are too narrow for e-bikes!!!
Goodbye!