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Residents urge county to pause Sun Trail plan on A1A, citing e-bike speeds and safety gaps
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Summary
Dozens of residents on April 20 asked commissioners to slow or rework the Sun Trail plan where it runs along A1A Beach Boulevard, raising concerns about e-bike speeds, 56 access points and missing safety studies; the board said the trail will appear on a future agenda with more information.
Dozens of speakers told the Board of County Commissioners on April 20 that the Sun Trail alignment proposed for A1A Beach Boulevard raises safety and outreach concerns, particularly because of the proliferation of high-speed electric bicycles and multiple access points along the corridor.
Dave Hinton, representing the St. Augustine Beach board (speaker 33), said the east-side alignment now creates 56 egresses along a 2.5-mile stretch and "presents 56 opportunities for accidents, injuries, and even fatalities." Mary Grace Drucker (speaker 29), who cited fire-station callout statistics, said the trail would introduce conflict points where emergency vehicles must cross the route and urged the county to reconsider placing the trail along the most crowded beach frontage.
Heidi Hanstein (speaker 39) and Linda Hover (speaker 40) told commissioners that e-bikes traveling at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, silent and heavier than conventional bikes, create an acute risk when a 12-foot shared path meets frequent access points. "We've asked the planners and engineers for the safety study — it's not available," Hanstein said, asking staff to make that documentation public.
Board members and staff acknowledged the volume of public input and said the Sun Trail will be scheduled as a regular agenda item with supporting studies and condensed materials. Commissioner Christian Whitehurst asked staff about the location and availability of the Sun Trail planning material; county staff said the full 249-page study is public record and could be posted or condensed for board presentation.
Why it matters: The Sun Trail is a multi-use network that county planners and the Florida Department of Transportation advance in segments; the choice of alignment and design affects pedestrian safety, emergency-vehicle access and tourism-driven traffic along A1A. Residents asked for clearer outreach, an accessible safety analysis and consideration of alternatives.
What's next: Commissioners directed staff to make planning materials available and to present the trail on a future agenda so the public can review safety studies and alternatives prior to final decisions.
