NEW BIKE PATH! Clear Lake Community Meeting

This meeting has been called by the City, except I only received it today through a forward email from someone in the Downtown.

Thank you for sharing!
JANUARY 31st, 5:30pm
(nice to see they are thinking about the public on this meeting time.)
at City Commission Chambers.
RSVP to 822-1435 or astelly@wpb.org

I believe this is important to us ALL,
not just the downtown residents.

This issue regards a bike path, which has already come before the City Commission, to connect Okeechobee to Banyan. I was at that meeting when it was addressed. The idea is based on providing a good alternative transportation source for bicycling. The only problem is, I feel it ignores a few common sense issues.
Here are a few thoughts to ponder:

1. There is a neighborhood on the north side of Banyan, Progressive Northwest Neighborhood, who definately would be best served by a connecting bike path to Downtown. To begin this project on the south end (which I think least needs it) seems a bit silly.
   
2. The intersection they want to connect to (Okeechobee and Australian) is scary, even in a car. How is the City going to provide the needed safety elements required for cyclist at such a dangerous intersection?
   
3. This bike path would wonderfully serve the new condos on Australian, except the residents will have to cross Australian to use it. I fail to see the benefit.

I love to ride my bicycle.

As a matter of fact many of you have seen me on my bike. I intend on riding my bicycle around to deliver some of my campaign signs. (Any one who wants to join me can sign up on my volunteer page.) I have also been known to ride my bike to coffee gatherings being hosted around town as well.

Recently, at the Northend Mayor's meeting held last Wednesday, I asked questions regarding bicycles. I was wondering if they were considering bike riders in their redevelopment efforts. (I was told yes, that they had plans for bike racks and a proposed designated bike lane.) I asked this question because I want to encourage a proactive attitude and direction about making our City fully accessible (and safe) to ALL cyclist.

The Downtown Development Authority has a very knowledgeable cyclist on staff named Raphael Clemente. I would hope they ask him for opinions regarding all cycling issues.

Please attend this meeting if you ride your bike in the City and let them know your thoughts and desires about travel paths through our City.

Oh, by the way... can anyone tell me what the significance is of the flag on the tree?

I always related skull and crossbones to pirates.

Am I wrong?