Secrets to Enjoying Island's Shared Use Paths

Marco Island’s impressive network of shared-use paths seems to get busier and busier with each passing day. In their purest form, Marco’s shared-use paths provide safe spaces for us all to move about the island. You can go almost anywhere on the Island using the shared-use path network for your entire journey. As a longtime heavy user of Marco Island's shared-use paths network, I’d like to share some common sense tips to help make your next shared-use path experience pleasurable.

On any given day on Marco’s shared-use paths you’re likely to encounter cyclists, runners, exercise walkers, dog walkers, strollers, stand-up electric scooters, and lawn service workers.

If you like a challenge, try using the shared-use path on either side of South Collier Blvd. any morning during the winter season. The hazards are numerous, and traffic on the shared-use path is heavy. One thing that makes this shared-use path treacherous is the volume of vehicles that are constantly crossing the shared-use paths while entering and exiting driveways along both sides of Collier Boulevard. 

My suggestion to cyclists? Avoid the South Collier Blvd. shared-use path during busy times of day—which is all day long during the winter season. There is an in-road bike lane on Landmark Street that parallels Collier Boulevard. Landmark Street runs between San Marco Road and Winterberry Drive. If you’re a beachgoer, Landmark Street will get you from Residents’ Beach to the city’s beach access point at Winterberry Drive. 

I urge pedestrians to turn off their earbuds and take off their headphones, especially if the shared-use path is busy. People wearing earbuds or headphones usually do not hear the ring ring of a bike bell. Consequently, the cyclist must deliver a verbal announcement such as “on your left.” The rub is that most cyclists using the shared-use paths are very inexperienced. It’s a volatile combination.

Cyclists need to communicate effectively with pedestrians and travel at their speed on shared-use paths. There is nothing more frustrating - or dangerous - than having an unannounced cyclist whiz by you. A bell is an excellent choice for announcing your presence on a bicycle. The trick is knowing when to deploy the ring ring sound to announce your presence. Many feel a bike bell is superior to a bike horn because it is easily recognized. I recommend a double ring when you’re close enough for your bell to be easily heard. Be sure to ring your bell early enough for the person you’re passing ample time to adjust their path. But don’t overuse your bell. Be courteous - and make absolutely sure the person you’re passing acknowledges that you’re there.

The City of Marco Island Bike Path Committee 2024 Marco Island Bicycle Paths map offers two tips for cyclists when riding on sidewalks or shared-use paths. 1) Bikes must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and paths. 2) Give an audible signal (bell or voice) when passing.

The Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide states that “When riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk, a cyclist has the rights and duties of a pedestrian. Therefore, he may ride in either direction. Sidewalks are not designed for bicycle speeds, but bicycle use is permitted where not prohibited by local ordinance. A cyclist riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible warning before passing. Vehicles may not be propelled by other than human power on sidewalks or bicycle paths.”

The proliferation of e-bikes - some capable of traveling at 28 mph - is a hot-button item for shared-use path users. It seems riders of all age groups are taking to the Island’s shared-use paths on electric bicycles in large numbers. 

Florida Statute 316.20655 addresses electric bicycles: “An electric bicycle or an operator of an electric bicycle shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle. An electric bicycle is a vehicle to the same extent as a bicycle. However, this section may not be construed to prevent a local government, through the exercise of its powers under s.215.008, from adopting an ordinance governing the operation of electric bicycles on streets, highways, sidewalks, and sidewalk areas under the local government’s jurisdiction or to prevent a municipality, county, or agency of the state having jurisdiction over a bicycle path, multi user path, or trail network from restricting or prohibiting the operation of an electric bicycle on a bicycle path, multi use path, or trial network. Manufacturers of bicycles shall apply a label that is permanently affixed in a prominent location to each electric bicycle. The label must contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bicycle. An operator may ride an electric bicycle where bicycles are allowed, including but not limited to streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or multi use paths.”

Tour de Marco 14 is on Sunday, March 3. This year’s event was rescheduled from February 18 after Marco Island was inundated with an all-day rain event. Kudos to the Marco Y for being on top of the situation and rescheduling the popular bicycle tour days before the event. 

Tour de Marco 14, Sunday, March 3

30 Mile Ride: Check-In: 7:00 AM, Start 8:00 AM.

15 Mile Ride: Check-In: 8:00 AM, Start 9:00 AM

Cost: $45 per rider. 

Tour de Marco starts and finishes at the YMCA of Collier County South Campus, 101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island, FL  34145.