New Path on San Marco will be Smoother for Cyclists

Responding to feedback from bicyclists, the City of Marco Island changed a construction method that caused the multi-use path on San Marco, from Barfield Drive to Marco Island Academy, to be bumpy for cyclists and other micro mobility users. Crews are actively pouring cement for the new shared use path from Marco Island Academy to Goodland Drive.

An article in the Coastal Breeze News, “New San Marco Shared Use Paths is Bumpy for Cyclists” on December 30, drew attention to the tooled contraction joints that were making the path bumpy for cyclist and other micro mobility users. Several citizens attended the next City Council meeting urging the city to request saw cut contraction joints when constructing shared use paths.

The city is going back to the saw cut contraction joints for the balance of the path from Marco Island Academy to Goodland Drive. Sources at city hall said that futures bids for shared use paths will specify saw cut contraction joints for shared use paths.

City Councilman Rich Blonna visited the site Monday morning.

“I think the input that you had with the city and the bike path committee really kind of showed that there are options and different ways to construct these paths,” Blonna said. "I always feel that’s what we want. We want open dialogue between citizens and staff. If we can find a better way to do something - and especially if it doesn’t increase cost - then why not try it.”

Blonna regularly rides the shared use path on San Marco Road.

"I ride on the path,” he said. "I think this is going to be just an incredible addition to the city. To be able to bicycle on a multi-use path from Collier Boulevard, all the way into downtown Goodland, and never have to get out on the road. It’s as beautiful of a ride as you’re going to find anywhere. I live on San Marco Road. The ability to do this any time I want, to go out in the morning, watch the sun come up and go along the wetlands - I pinch myself."