Matlacha traffic: reloaded
To the editor:
We’ve been here before. Every season, the traffic in Matlacha is intense. The 2021-2022 season, however, is probably the worst we have experienced to date.
I suspect that the majority of us can agree that the vehicle traffic in Matlacha has become intolerable. There was a point a few years back where the creation of crosswalks in the downtown area offered a bit of relief, but that measure has since been overpowered by the heavy increase in visitors.
People walk in the street, mostly due to lack of sidewalks. Although there is a paved berm on either side of the road in downtown Matlacha, the berm in front of the shops is occupied by parked cars, which forces pedestrians into traffic lanes. Additionally, some pedestrians disregard the crosswalks and walk across the street at will. Driving through there this winter has been like playing dodgeball, only drivers have to dodge people.
Most people also agree that the biggest problem is a lack of adequate parking combined with vehicles that wish to drive on or off island being significantly delayed by those that are parking. The restaurants and hotels do provide parking for their guests (thank you). However, while some businesses have adequate parking, many businesses offer limited parking or no parking.
No matter how you slice and dice it, the situation has resulted in disruption of normal activities for many of us. Whether one is a permanent resident or not, we all need to be somewhere, and many times that includes a time commitment. Recently the traffic was so congested that it took me a full 60 minutes to drive the 20 miles from St James City to the traffic light at Burnt Store and Pine Island Road. On the trip back, traffic leaving the island was backed up on Stringfellow Road, south of the 4-way stop.
If not for any other reason, the traffic problem needs to be addressed because it is unsafe and potentially life threatening. Emergency vehicles are unable to part traffic to get by. Would any of us want to be a patient in an ambulance that was delayed 30-60 minutes? Further, people, children and pets milling about in the street is unsafe for them as well.
And, while I am certainly not opposed to bicycles per se, the notion of constructing a bike path in Matlacha should be a nonstarter. A bike path will add even more congestion. Given the traffic and the absence of a safe place for pedestrians to walk, why would we not add sidewalks instead? Theoretically, pedestrians can walk on a bike path, yes, but that is simply not going to work. Bicycles need sufficient momentum to maintain balance and pedestrians are strolling. They will not be looking for cyclists behind them. And cyclists may abruptly be forced into the street to avoid pedestrians. Thus, a bike path would create yet another hazard.
For all of you who pay property taxes, you deserve to be considered first and foremost when it comes to your time and your safety. After all, the taxes we pay fund the county. It is not acceptable to expect taxpayers to “just live with it”. It’s time for a serious and thorough action plan that addresses the problem.
If you have similar concerns, please contact our District 1 Commissioner as listed below. And please, just because season is winding down, don’t get complacent. The best time to address this issue is during the off season.
J. Lynam
St. James City
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District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane
Phone:239-533-2224
Fax:239-485-2143
Email: dist1@leegov.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 398,
Fort Myers, FL 33902-0398