Keeping walkers and cyclists safer in Fort Myers is a pressing concern for residents. On October 28, Officer Ryan Beiner of the Fort Myers Police took a local correspondent, Miyoshi Price, to a busy crosswalk on Cleveland Avenue, close to Coronado Middle and High School. This location epitomizes a common scenario in the city—where congestion meets vulnerability, especially for those on foot or cycling.
Daryl Shipp, an avid cyclist, shared his personal encounters with accidents in Fort Myers. His experiences reflect a broader issue, pointing to a fundamental lack of infrastructure. “There simply aren’t enough sidewalks,” Shipp contended. It’s not just the physical barriers that trouble him; it’s also the evident disregard some drivers have for those sharing the road. “Biking has the same rules as driving a car; cyclists should always ride on the right side,” he emphasized, expressing a mix of frustration and hope for change.
Hear from Daryl Shipp and Officer Beiner by clicking below:
Fort Myers Police is working to reduce pedestrian collisions
Officer Beiner highlighted the educational efforts his team is spearheading to tackle these safety concerns. He believes that connecting with motorists who dominate the road or commit driving errors can be more constructive than simply issuing citations. “It’s about having a conversation,” Beiner explained. “Correcting actions through dialogue benefits everyone.”
Beyond writing tickets, Officer Beiner’s traffic unit has taken to the streets with flyers distributed along Cleveland Avenue and Palm Beach Boulevard. These informative pamphlets, presented in both English and Spanish—with plans to soon include Creole—detail proper street crossing techniques and the importance of using designated crosswalks.
The initiative operates in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, aiming for a shift in community mindset, prioritizing education over enforcement. “This year, we’ve seen a decline in fatal pedestrian crashes compared to previous years,” Beiner noted, pointing to a positive trend. He anticipates that the ongoing road construction will further enhance safety, with new bicycle lanes emerging at key intersections.
Shipp expressed his eagerness about these improvements. “Safer pathways are crucial throughout the city. Every resident deserves the freedom to navigate their community safely, whether by foot, bike, or car,” he observed with a hopeful tone.
Interestingly, Fort Myers is not alone in its struggles with pedestrian safety. A recent study found that cities with a higher percentage of bicycle commuters tend to have lower accident rates, suggesting that when more people take to bikes, awareness and caution naturally increase. As Fort Myers moves forward, embracing infrastructure changes and community education, the hope is that cyclists and pedestrians alike will feel a greater sense of security on the streets.
