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Fort Myers panel revisits ban on bicycles, scooters and skateboards on downtown sidewalks
Summary
Transportation staff told the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board on April 16 that previous downtown signs banning bicycles, scooters and skateboards had been vandalized or removed; the board discussed replacement, placement and federal mounting-height guidance.
The City of Fort Myers Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board discussed replacing downtown signage that prohibits bicycles, scooters and skateboards from sidewalks, after staff reported earlier signs had been vandalized or removed.
Transportation Engineer Carl Karakos told the board that prior installations were not staying in place and that staff are coordinating future replacement and communications strategies to make the prohibition effective without creating new safety hazards.
The discussion focused on where to mount replacement signs. Board member Timothy Dennis argued for lower-mounted signage to increase visibility for users at eye level. Karakos responded that federal guidance requires signs to be mounted so the bottom of the sign is 7 feet above the sidewalk, limiting how low the city can install them.
Board members discussed complementary approaches including targeted outreach, physical barriers, enforcement coordination and signage design to reduce vandalism and improve compliance. Engineering staff noted that sign location, durability and messaging would need to be coordinated with enforcement partners to ensure effectiveness.
The board did not adopt a new policy at the meeting but placed continued review of downtown sidewalk signage on future agendas.
