Commission Backs Pilot Bike/Ped Striping on Minuteman Causeway Multiuse Path, Delays Paint Pending Legal Review

The Cocoa Beach City Commission approved a pilot to add lane striping on the Minuteman Causeway multiuse path intended to separate bicyclists and pedestrians, and directed city staff to review signage and legal exposure before painting.

The project had an estimated cost of $2,090. Commissioner Hutchison and other commissioners argued the low-cost striping could reduce collisions and serve as an educational cue for users. "For the little bit invested to address a major public safety issue, we've got to start taking positive steps," one commissioner said.

Public commenters raised concerns that the path is too narrow to support two marked lanes and that e-bikes frequently travel at higher speeds. Rick Anderson, a resident, told the commissioners the sidewalk may be too narrow for two distinct lanes, saying, "I'm just wondering if it's actually wide enough for 2 distinct lanes." Police and legal staff warned the commission that enforcement would be voluntary unless an ordinance is adopted and that adding signage or markings could alter the city's liability profile.

Commissioner Jackson offered an amendment to fund the striping but postpone actual painting until the city attorney could examine indemnity and signage wording; that amendment passed and the main motion (as amended) passed unanimously.

The commission asked staff to coordinate with the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and local schools for education and to consider on-site signage that uses existing poles only. The adopted approach is a voluntary, pilot intervention with a legal review and signage plan before field work.