News-Press
February 12, 1974
Bikers Demonstrate for
By Scott Derks
News-Press Staff Writer
“Two-wheeled power” blocked traffic on Sanibel for more than a mile Monday when a group of demonstrating bike path lovers took to the road.
In a wildcat bike protest, 15 Sanibel bicyclists rode “from
the chamber of commerce to Bailey’s Store at the end of
The riders rode single file down the middle of their lane wearing signs that read like a Burma Shave advertisement:
“Bikes have the same rights as cars and trucks”
“That is absurd
“Cars and trucks are faster and bigger
“But
“Bicycles are here to stay
“Put us on a bike path
“Urge county commissioners to support
“Bike paths.”
Mariel Goss, who organized the ride, said the protest was staged to show the county commissioners that paths are needed. Mrs. Goss has raised $4,000 for a path on Periwinkle and gained access to land to create a test strip, but the county has not provided the promised bulldozer needed to clear an 8 foot-wide strip.
Officer Dennis McIntosh of the sheriff’s department halted the protest at the community association center after traffic had backed up almost the length of Periwinkle.
After a lengthy discussion he agreed to let them continue, but ordered them to ride on the side of the road.
Will Compton, one of the riders said that between 1970 and
172, 188 persons were killed while riding bikes in
“When he (the officer) made us ride on the side several people almost got hit, including my wife,” he said.
The bikers were stretched out over 50 yards while on the four mile jaunt “that will continue every Monday until something is done,” Mrs. Goss said.
She said the purpose was to show there is not enough space for both bikes and cars, and demonstrate to the county the need for paths.
The county commissioners Wednesday will consider a master plan for a county-wide network of bike paths.
The plan, being drawn up by county officials and the Project Bike Path Committee, will be submitted to the state legislature which could fund 30 (?) percent of bike path construction on new roads.
The eight-point plan presented to the board includes a request for county funds for pathway construction.
Chairman George Goldisap (?) opposed the proposal last week, saying, “I’m sure that the ratio of people riding bikes is extremely low compared to those riding cars.”
Commissioner Dick Sayers countered he would ride his bike more if he could avoid the congested streets.
“The only time a bike rider gets right-of-way now is after the ambulance comes,” Sayers said.
The bike path committee said bike traffic all over
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Photo of protesters on bikes on