With input from its Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), Lee County is committed to improving cycling safety and expanding its sidewalk infrastructure. While progress is being made, hundreds of projects are still awaiting funding. As a BPAC committee member, it’s a privilege to help prioritize these improvements to build a more connected and safer community.

This past February, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution declaring March 2025 as Bike Month in Lee County, reinforcing the need for safer cycling and recognizing BPAC’s contributions. It was an honor to be part of this effort, knowing our work is making an impact. March is now Lee County’s Bike Month and therefore aligns with Florida’s Bicycle Month - when many cities promote safer streets and healthier communities through cycling activities.

My involvement with BPAC began when I started attending meetings as a private citizen to stay informed about sidewalk projects, given DRMP’s work in nearby areas. After several meetings, I was encouraged by the Board to join and was later appointed by Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell. BPAC has been advocating for better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for more than 25 years, and I’m proud to be part of that mission.

BPAC is made up of seven members, including professionals and community members who are passionate about improving bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and safety. We review proposals for new sidewalk segments, prioritize them based on need, and submit recommendations to the County Commission for funding.

With 135 out of 160 sidewalk projects on the waitlist totaling over $150 million, our job is to make sure the County’s annual $5 million to $10 million sidewalk improvement budget is spent where it is needed most. Sidewalks near schools, transit facilities, and gaps in existing infrastructure take top priority.

While DRMP has not yet been involved in sidewalk design projects in Lee County, our work in Fort Myers, Hendry, Charlotte, and Collier counties reflects our commitment to improving pedestrian infrastructure. Through my involvement with BPAC, I hope to support initiatives that enhance pedestrian infrastructure and improve mobility for everyone in Lee County.

Community involvement has always been important to me, and serving on BPAC has been a rewarding way to contribute.

It has been over a year now, and the experience has been invaluable. Not only do I get to contribute to important infrastructure discussions, but I have also built relationships with key decision-makers in the County, including Florida Department of Transportation officials.

Serving on this committee has been both interesting and fulfilling, especially seeing projects we have prioritized receive funding. It is a great feeling to know that our work is shaping a safer, more connected community for everyone.