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Item H1BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: February 15, 2012 Division: Public Works/Engineering Bulk Item: Yes No X Department: Engineering Services Staff Contact Person/Phone #: Judy Clarke X4329 AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Discussion and direction on proceeding with funding, design and construction of bike lanes on CR 905 from MM 106 in Key Largo to Ocean Reef. ITEM BACKGROUND: Residents in Key Largo and Ocean Reef have expressed interest in having bike lanes on CR 905; resolutions from the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean Reef Community Association supporting construction of bike lanes along CR 905 from MM 106 to Ocean Reef are attached. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: None CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: Not applicable STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Not applicable TOTAL COST: $1,670,000 (est) INDIRECT COST: BUDGETED: Yes No X DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE: N/A COST TO COUNTY: SOURCE OF FUNDS: REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No AMOUNT PER MONTH Year APPROVED BY: County Atty OMB/Purchasing I Risk Management DOCUMENTATION: Included Not Required DISPOSITION: Revised 7/09 AGENDA ITEM # Liegmdary KEY LARGO Clamber of Commerce 105000 Overseas Highway * Key Largo is FL 9 33037 e 3051451-1414 * Fax 3051451-4726 • keylargachamber.org s RESOLUTION of THE KEY LARGO CHAMBER of COMMERCE Supporting bike lanes on county Road 905 from Key Largo to ocean Reef Nov. 7, 2011 WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is in the process of finishing the overseas Heritage Trail, bike/pedestrian path that stretches from MM 106 in Key Largo to Key West, along U.S. 1, Florida's only All -American Road, the highest scenic highway designation in the country, and WHEREAS, the Key Largo Chamber of commerce is fielding an increasing number of phone calls and a -mails about the availability of a safe, secure bike path in the Keys, and WHEREAS, the chamber supports the use of the Overseas Heritage Trail by allowing bicyclists using the trail to park their vehicles at the Visitor Center at MM 106, and WHEREAS, environmentally minded visitors to Key Largo are choosing low - impact activities, such as riding bicycles, as a way to enjoy our unique island destination, and WHEREAS, bike -riding is an activity that can be enjoyed by individuals of almost any age and physical condition, and provides many healthful benefits to its adherents, and WHEREAS, beautiful CR 905 - which winds through the last remaining stand of tropical hardwood hammock in North America - provides a low -traffic alternative to riding bicycles along the heavily traveled U.S. 1, and WHEREAS, there is no bike path on CR 905, which creates dangerous conditions for both bicycle riders and motorists, and WHEREAS, a bicycle rider recently was killed on CR 905, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Key Largo Chamber of commerce has determined that it is in the best interests of the county and community to support constructing two bike lanes - one northbound and one southbound -- on CR 905 from MM 10E in Key Largo to Ocean Reef, adjacent to and level with the current roadway and separated from traffic. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Key Largo Chamber of commerce formally requests that the Monroe County Board of county commissioners to design, build and fund these bike lanes on CR 905. PASSED A D ADOPTED by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on the 7 day of November, 2011. EL.i tce Boar! 5ackie=!Iar�eer, ',Fr'esiden Russell A. Yagel.. Esq.,, ai n9n of Mission statement of the Key Lar o Chamber of Commerce Creating a vibrant business and community environment RESOLUTION of OCEAN REEF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SUPPORTING BIKE LANE CAN CR 905 FROM KEY LARGO TO OCEAN REEF WHEREAS, members of the ocean Reef Community have from time to time desired to have a bike lane on CR 9051 WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the ocean Reef Community Association (oRCA) has determined that it is in the best interests of the county and community to support the project of constructing a bike lane on CR 905 from mile marker 106 in Key Largo to ocean Reef, WHEREAS, many people are out of shape and low impact exercises like biking are highly recommended for people who live sedentary or nearly sedentary lives as a way to get started on the path to fitness, WHEREAS, the benefits of cycling can burn up to 500 calories in 40 minutes, WHEREAS, biking is a low -impact activity that doesn't cause a lot of stress on joints so biking is a good exercise for people who may have limited range of motion or may not be able to handle an exercise like running which puts a lot of stress on the joints, WHEREAS, EAS, low impact activities like biking can also reduce cholesterol and can help lower blood pressure, which is a major health concern for millions of people and bike riding has been shown to reduce stress and also been proven that managing stress is a key component to staying healthy, WHEREAS, biking is a great workout for the entire body, especially the lower body and people who want to develop great muscle tone on their legs, back end and hips while trimming their waists and increasing their cardio vascular health enjoy biking, WHEREAS, biking regularly can significantly decrease a persons risk for hurt disease and since hurt disease is one of the biggest killers of Americans any activity that can decrease your risk of heart disease is something worth pursuing, WHEREAS, like a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, the journey to fitness begins with a bike ride down the street, WHEREAS, the recent bike riding fatality on CR 905 has brought roadway safety to the forefront of our thoughts, WHEREAS, the design of the path on both Northbound and southbound lanes is proposed to be adjacent to and level with the current roadway and separated from traffic, WHEREAS, the proposed design will allow for significantly safer use and inclusive for all levels of fitness bikers, from the casual "beach" biker, to mountain biker, to hybrid biker and to the serious road biker, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the ocean Reef Community Association Board of Directors formally requests the Monroe Counter Board of County Commissioners to design, build and fund a bike lane on the northbound and southbound side of CR 905 from Key Largo to ocean Reef. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the ocean Reef Community Association Board of Directors on October 31, 2011. (seal) Att t: Susan D. Ptor e , secretary Ocean beef Community Association L By: David C. Ritz, President RESOLUTION OF THE KEY LARGO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTING A BIKE LANE ON CR 905 FROM KEY LARGO TO OCEAN REEF WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is in the process of finishing the Overseas Heritage Trail, bike/pedestrian path that stretches from MM 106 in Key Largo to Key West, along U.S. 1, Florida's only All -American Road, the highest scenic highway designation in the country, and WHEREAS, the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce is fielding an increasing number of phone calls and a -mails about the availability of a safe, secure bike path in the Keys, and WHEREAS, the chamber supports the use of the Overseas Heritage Trail by allowing bicyclists using the trail to park their vehicles at the Visitor Center at MM 106, and WHEREAS, environmentally minded visitors to Key Largo are choosing low - impact activities, such as riding bicycles, as a way to enjoy our unique island destination, and WHEREAS, bike -riding is an activity that can be enjoyed by individuals of almost any age and physical condition, and provides many healthful benefits to its adherents, and WHEREAS, beautiful CR 905 - which winds through the last remaining stand of tropical hardwood hammock in North America - provides a low -traffic alternative to riding bicycles along the heavily traveled U.S. 1, and WHEREAS, there is no bike path on CR 905, which creates dangerous conditions for both bicycle riders and motorists, and WHEREAS, a bicycle rider recently was killed on CR 905, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce has determined that it is in the best interests of the county and community to support constructing two bike lanes - one northbound and one southbound - on CR 905 from MM 106 in Key Largo to Ocean Reef, adjacent to and level with the current roadway and separated from traffic. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce formally requests that the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners to design, build and fund these bike lanes on CR 905. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on the r' day of November, 2011. Attest: Jackie HardL&r,` President By: Rus! Bike Lane on 905 https:Hmobile.oceanreef com/owa/?ae=Item&t=IPMNote&id=RgAA... Bike lane on 905 Diana Hoyt [davdi1130@hotmaii.com] SentM esday, February 14, 2012 8:52 PM To: David Ritz Hello David, Dave & I are totally in agreement there should be a bike lane on 905; at present, it is very risky and unsafe for bike -riders. As a matter of fact, when we were on our way to work a couple of mornings ago, there was an older gentleman riding his bike & we both commented how dangerous it was, especially due to the fact someone had already been killed doing exactly the same thing. Plus, every year they have the MS bike-a-thon from the Miami Zoo to John Pennecamp State Park & I always worry about the possibility of someone getting either hurt or killed on Card Sound or 905. Please convey our concerns when the subject is brought up at the Commission meeting you will be attending on Wednesday. Thank you! Diana & David Hoyt Of 1 2/ 15/2012 8:22 AM From: Phil [mailto:cowboyoceano@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 11:35 AM To: David Ritz Subject: RE: Bike Lane on 905 - Letter of Support Requested... David, This letter is in support of the LONG OVERDUE bike trail on CR 905. 1 am an AVID rider and have ridden the road one time, nearly getting hit due to the lack or a bike path, or even a shoulder. It is a shame that those of us who ride in Key Largo must go down to Islamorada in order to ride more safely. Sincerely, Phil Weydener Key Largo From: Joseph Montes de oca [mai1toJmont034@fiu.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 2:50 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike Lanes on County Road 905 from Ocean Reef to MM 106 Dear Mr. Ritz, I'm writing you today to express my happiness at hearing that bike lanes have a chance of showing up on CR 905 for 11 miles each way. I, myself, am an avid cyclist, usually ignoring my car and riding bike to Florida International University around 3 miles from my home and also riding another 4 to work and back. I've been meaning to have a mini tour of the keys via bicycle because I haven't been there in a few years. I've heard experiences from many cyclists explaining that it isn't an easy ride and can be dangerous. I and other have always dreamed of a world covered in bike lanes, giving its people the option to choose between depending on a car/truck/suv and depending on themselves. This would be a great undertaking extremely beneficial to any South Floridian (or tourist) who wants to enjoy another piece of our Florida Keys on a bicycle without feeling extremely threatened. It's just another step in making a couple hundred miles of bicycling anything more than pedaling along and enjoying the scenery (rather than constantly being on high alert). I've heard that the first few miles in the Keys are the most dangerous and thus these 11 miles would be a great influence for everyone to give it a try and enjoy the Keys in a different way! In fact, I'd say it'd become fairly common to see bicyclists making their way down to Key Largo and further with these bike lanes, producing economic growth! I know I speak for all of the bicyclists that ride in Key Biscayne, the Kendall Golf Course and want somewhere else to ride! I hope you and other Monroe county officials can see the enthusiasm from me and all of the others who write you asking for these bike lanes to go from a dream to a reality! Thank you for your time, I would love to hear back from you. Thanks again, Joseph Montes de Oca 8231 sw 14 st Miami, Fl 33144 (305)812-1945 imont034@fiu.edu From: Wagner, Markus [mailto:mwagner@law.miami.edu] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 2:29 PM To: David Ritz Subject: supporting bike lanes on County Road 905 David, I hope that the bike lanes that are envisioned on CR 905 will become reality. When I go to the Keys by bike (frequent), I invariably take Card Sound and would very much appreciate having such a lane. Best, Markus Markus Wagner Associate Professor of Law University of Miami School of Law +1.305.284.1129 (o) +1.305.284.1588 (f) http://www.law.miami.edu/facadmin/mwggner.phR http://ssrn.com/author=354545 From: dpmoses [mailto:dpmoses@bellsouth.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 1:50 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Fw: Bike Lanes On CR 905 Mr Ritz, Please consider my suggestion as presented in the following email sent to the County Commssioners. Thank You, Dottie Moses ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: dpmoses <dpmoses@bellsouth.net> To: Heather Carruthers <Carruthers-Heather@Monroecounty-FL.Gov>; murphy- sylvia@monroecounty-fl.gov; George Neugent <Neugent-George@monroecounty-fl.gov>; Rice - David <Rice-David@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>; Kim Wigington <Wigington-Kim@MonroeCounty- FL.Gov> Sent: Tue, February 14, 2012 1:47:08 PM Subject: Bike Lanes On CR 905 Dear Commissioners, I often bicycle in the Keys and have always thought a bike path on CR 905 between MM106 and Ocean Reef would be an ideal location. There is little to no cross traffic which would make biking much safer than along US1, but right now there is not even a shoulder to ride on and so I usually avoid CR 905 all together. I see that a bike path on CR 905 is up for discussion at tomorrow's BOCC meeting. I wholeheartedly support such a proposal and would encourage you to approve a bike path on CR 905. I would like to see the bike path designed with a grassy or landscaped separation between the path and the road. This would provide an additional safety barrier between the bicycles and vehicle traffic. Please consider this suggestions as you discuss this proposal. Thank You, Dottie Moses From: Grumpy53@aol.com [mailto:Grumpy53@aol.com] (W Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 12:20 AM To: David Ritz Cc: holly.raschein@myfloridahouse.gov; dmd4ukmc@aol.com; president@keylargochamber.org; r.stoky@fkrm.com; RYagel@tropicalaw.com; dmcafee@bbhomestead.com; carmen.kelley@keysschools.com; cpowers33@bellsouth.net; keysgretch@aol.com; katrina@kawkeys.com; mike@islandbayresort.com; suefinney4@gmail.com; teddreaver@aol.com; traviswbennett@hotmail.com; ttharp2@bellsouth.net; whitney@kawkeys.com; audra2268@aol.com Subject: Fwd: FW: Bike Lane on 905 - Letter of Support Requested... I Rick Hill support the bike path between Ocean Reef to Key Largo but But I also believe Henry Flagler would support a bike path between Fl. City and Key West. I can live with ocean Reef and Key Largo for NOW. We as a community need a bike path for Monroe County. Maybe TDC and /or the DAC can help with this project. Best Regards, Rick Hill From: Carmen Kelley[mailto:Carmen.Kelley@KeysSchools.com] (W Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 7:59 AM To: Grumpy53@aol.com; David Ritz Cc: holly.raschein@myFloridahouse.gov; dmd4ukmc@aol.com; president@keylargochamber.org; r.stoky@fkrm.com; RYagel@tropicalaw.com; dmcafee@bbhomestead.com; cpowers33@bellsouth.net; keysgretch@aol.com; katrina@kawkeys.com; mike@islandbayresort.com; suefinney4@gmail.com; teddreaver@aol.com; traviswbennett@hotmail.com; ttharp2@bellsouth.net; whitney@kawkeys.com; audra2268@aol.com Subject: RE: FW: Bike Lane on 905 - Letter of Support Requested... Great response Mr. Hill! Lets make this happen! Also Supporting the Bike path! Carmen Kelley! From: Grumpy53@aol.com [mailto:Grumpy53@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 12:20 AM To: dritz@oceanreef.com Cc: holly.raschein@myFloridahouse.gov; dmd4ukmc@aol.com; president@keylargochamber.org; r.stoky@fkrm.com; RYagel@tropicalaw.com; dmcafee@bbhomestead.com; Carmen Kelley; cpowers33@bellsouth.net; keysgretch@aol.com; katrina@kawkeys.com; mike@islandbayresort.com; suefinney4@gmail.com; teddreaver@aol.com; traviswbennett@hotmail.com; ttharp2@bellsouth.net; whitney@kawkeys.com; audra2268@aol.com Subject: Fwd: FW: Bike Lane on 905 - Letter of Support Requested... I Rick Hill support the bike path between Ocean Reef to Key Largo but But I also believe Henry Flagler would support a bike path between FI. City and Key West. I can live with ocean Reef and Key Largo for NOW. We as a community need a bike path for Monroe County. Maybe TDC and /or the DAC can help with this project. Best Regards, Rick Hill From: Libia Casas[mailto:libiacasas@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 1:18 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike Lanes I was very excited to hear that bike lanes are being introduced. It is such an excellent idea for tourism and safety of our residents and tourists. Please support our cycling community. Sincerely, Libia Casas Libia Casas, LCSW,BCD Psychotherapy and Parenting Coordination 9555 North Kendall Drive Suite 107 Miami, Fl. 33176 305.270.6100 Im (W rom: Katrina Lavene fmaiIto: katrina@kawkeys.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 3:57 PM To: David Ritz Subject: bike lane Dear David; I would love to see a bike path on Card Sound Road. This would insure the safety of the cyclist as well as the automobiles. Please express my support as you address the Commissioners. Thank you, Katrina Lavene From: susan Cunningham [mailto:suepilot@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 9:17 PM To: county_ommissioners@monroecounty-fl.gov Cc: David Ritz Subject: Bike Lane on 905 Dear Commissioners, I am an avid cyclist and 22 year resident of Key Largo. I highly recommend that a bike lane be added to County Road 905. 905 is the only road in the Keys that is ride -able at speeds greater than 12 miles an hour for any distance. The bike path is crossed by too many intersections to ride at any significant speed that would preclude stopping quickly. For those of us that have road bikes (drop handlebars, lightweight frames and skinny tires) we often ride 905 and Card Sound because there are few crossing intersections, it is smooth and shady and we can concentrate on riding hard. However, with no shoulder it is often frightening as oncoming traffic must pass close by and especially scary when someone in the opposite direction chooses to pass without regard to head on bike traffic. A bike lane would make this road so much safer and enjoyable for the numerous riders that now use it. You may not be aware, but many riders from Miami and South Dade also ride it, starting at Florida City and riding south. A bike lane all the way to Florida City would be wonderful, but beginning with 905 will be a great start. Sue Cunningham 475 Bahia Ave Key Largo 451-3432 From: Jo Jo Russo [mailto:jojorusso@aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8:53 AM To: David Ritz Subject: Support the Bike Lane on Card Sound Road Please add my name to your list of petitioners who support the bike lanes on Card Sound Road. Thank you. Mrs. To Chau Russo From: Bud Davis [mailto:Bud@BernardDavis.com] (WW Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 10:31 AM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike Lanes On Card Sound My wife and I are regular biking visitors and beg for your support. Currently, the roads are very dangerous. Actually, on several occasions, we chose to go elsewhere because of the road conditions. Please support the creation of bike lanes. Thank you. $oww;d 44 d Z&& V4,44 From: skycop001@aol.com [mailto:skycop001@aol.com] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 3:13 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike lane on 905 Dear Mr. Ritz, 1 live in Key Largo and enjoy riding my bike for exercise as well as to run errands and save fuel. I feel it is currently very dangerous to ride on 905. A bike lane along 905 would be very helpful and would improve safety for riders and motorists. Thanks for your support. Sandy Hall From: RDSMrr@aol.com [mailto:RDSMIT@aol.com] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 3:48 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Support for bike lane I fully support the building of a bike lane on Card Sound Road. Many of us cyclists ride on Card Sound Road and anything that can make it saferis a good thing. As a member and vice president of the Everglades Bicycle Club, South Florida's oldest and largest non-profit cycling club, I can tell you that we fairly often get emails from tourist looking to cycle in Miami -Dade and Monroe counties and they are disappointed to hear that there is no really safe way to ride down to the Keys. This would be a step in that direction. Richard Smit General Manager Medley Steel & Supply, Inc. 305-863-7480 305-863-2277 fax 305-986-2880 cell From: Eddy Stevens[mailto:eddy@miamibikereport.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 1:03 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike Lanes on Card Sound Road Dear Mr. Ritz: Just read about the push for bike lanes on Card Sound Road, which your association and the Chamber of Commerce are proposing to the Monroe County Commission. I would like my voice to be added in support of the project, as I consider it to be of utmost importance. I am a resident of Miami -Dade County, but often partake in cycling training trips to Key Largo, which make use of Card Sound Road. Said trips involve rest and lunch stops at Key Largo establishments, contributing to the local economy and tax base, with no environmental impact. I am convinced installing bike lanes on Card Sound Road will encourage others to do the same, increasing the flow of cyclists to the area. It will also create a bike -friendly image of Key Largo, adding yet one more activity that tourists may enjoy while vacationing in your community. I thank you for your time and for your efforts looking out for the safety of cyclists in your community. Please pass my comments along to the Honorable Monroe County Commission. Sincerely, Eddy Stevens Sent from my Sprint® BlackBerry From: Bill Andersen [mailto:bill@andersenfinancial.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 9:29 AM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike Path David — I don't ride a bike (although I could if I wanted to) and I don't drive up 905 unless I have to but an organized Bike Path seems like a relatively low cost project benefiting not only Locals (employees and residents of the Reef) but VISITORS to boot. Bill Andersen William A. Andersen, Registered Representative Securities offered through H.D. Vest Investment Services, Member SIPC Advisory Services offered through H.D. Vest Advisory Services 99330 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037-2435, (305) 451-1099 Andersen Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer or independent investment advisory firm From: raul.echeverria@ups.com[mailto:raul.echeverria@ups.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 9:27 AM To: David Ritz Subject: Card Sound Rd Bike Lane Proposal Importance: High Mr. Ritz; With my parents having a home on Lower Matecumbe (MM 72.5), and my also being a cyclist in South Florida for over 25 yrs I was very excited to hear that this proposal may become a reality! see this proposal as a Win -Win for both the Florida Keys, particularly N. Key Largo, the Environmentally Conscious nature of the FI Keys, Safety, and the Cycling community. 1 ask for your direct support in this matter and understand that the residents of Ocean Reef will be large beneficiaries of such a project in that they will no longer be forced to contend with Cyclists on Card Sound Rd who have nowhere to ride and may slow down and/or restrict traffic flow on a narrow roadway. This is Win -Win — I thank you for your consideration in supporting this matter! Thank you, Kaul F cheverria 10000 NW 25 St Miami, Fl 33172 Tel# 305-929-1702 APlease consider the environment before printing this email From: TechSupport Evora [mailto:carlosevora@hotmail.com] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 8:43 AM To: David Ritz Subject: my 100% support on Bike lane on Card Sound Road sought Hello President David Ritz my 100% support on Bike lane on Card Sound Road ------------------ <> < Carlos Evora http://www.aenesissystem.com Web Site, Web Hostina. Data Base Network and Much More (305)905-9245 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4.13) Todo to puedo en "Cristo" gue me forlaleze.(Filipgnses 4:13) From: Keysgretch@aol.com [mailto:Keysgretch@aol.com] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 7:12 PM To: David Ritz Subject: bike path I am in favor of a bike path on SR905. Gretchen Holland From: Jose Villalon [mailto: josevillalon@bellsouth.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 11:08 AM To: David Ritz Subject: bike lane i also support the bike lane in the roads cheers manolo From: Sue [mailto:tvpeople@ymail.com] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 7:01 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Card Sound Bike Lanes Mr. Ritz, Thank you for your efforts to include bike lanes on Card Sound Road. I'm an avid cyclist living in Coral Gables and would love to be able to cycle to the Keys on a safe road. Right now, there is none. The only time I get to enjoy this route is during the MS 150 Breakaway to Key Largo annual charity ride where there are support vehicles and makers to protect the cycling group. I applaud your efforts and would like to be included as a South Florida resident who is advocating for the bike lanes on Card Sound Road. Sue Kawalerski 6830 Gratian Street Coral Gables FL 33146 tvpeogle0yrriail.com (305) 978-2233 From: Manny Garcia -Vega [mailto:mgarciavega52@bellsouth.net] �r Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 6:20 PM To: David Ritz Subject: I support the bike lane on 905 Dear Mr. Ritz, As a bike rider and also a motorist, I fully support the bike lane on 905. Bicycling to and from Key Largo - Homestead is so popular whether riding alone or with organized bike rides with hundreds of people. In my opinion, the lack of a dedicated bike lane is a huge safety hazard for not only the cyclist but the motorists as well. It is extremely dangerous to ride a bike on the narrow two lane road. I personally have only done it with an organized ride. Please feel free to contact me with questions or if I can be of any assistance. regards, Manny Garcia -Vega From: elizabeth kellers [mailto:keysbetty@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 5:41 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Proposed Bike Path As an avid biker, I fully support the creation of a bike land on CR-905. I have avoided riding that road because of the danger, though I ride throughout Key Largo, Tavernier and Islamorada most days. A bike lane would extend the range of options for bikers, and make CR-905 much safer. Betty Kellers From: Gustavo Sardina <gustavosardina@gmail.com> (W To: Islamoradasports <Islamoradasports@aol.com> Sent: Mon, Feb 13, 2012 1:58 pm Subject: Card Sound Bike Lane To whom it may concern: write in support of the proposal to create a bike lane on Card Sound Road. Cycling, particularly long distance road cycling, has been booming in popularity in South Florida in recent years. The creation of safe routes for cyclists from Miami into the Keys would encourage what I call "athletic tourism to prosper and grow in the Keys. The Keys have already seem and benefited from athletic tourism (see for example the recent Ragnar Relay that brought thousands of runners on a relay race from Key Biscayne to Key West, and the Bike MS: Breakaway to Key Largo that brings thousands more on their bikes in April). Building safe routes for these tourists would certainly encourage the continued growth of this stream of visitors (and revenue) to the Keys. To further illustrate the point, the sorts of tourists that athletic tourism attracts, and by extension that a bike lane would attract, are precisely the sorts of tourists that the Keys wants. These tourists are not spring break hooligans looking for a cheap place to stay, and a permissive town that doesn't mind a little trouble. Rather, these are typically older and more well off tourists with more available income. For example, much of the athletic boom relates to the recent popularity of triathlon. The US Triathlon Assoc. estimates that the average age of triathletes in this country is 38 years old and that "[o]n average, triathletes are from high socio-economic backgrounds with median incomes of $126,000." (See hftr)://triathion.teamusa.org/about-usat/demo-graphics). Sincerely, (W s/Gus Gustavo Sardina 1551 Murcia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 From: fredglickman[mailto:fredglickman@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 4:48 PM To: David Ritz Subject: Card Sound Road Bike Lanes Please support this idea. Bike lanes make riding safer for cyclists, and more pelasant for both cyclists and motorists. Card Sound Road is used for organized bike rides, such as the MS 150, and numerous smaller rides. This is a great idea. Sincerely, Fred Glickman ,7B / �,� 0 k From: Mic O'Keeffe Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 11:26 AM To: David Ritz Subject: FW: Bike Lane on 905 - Letter of Support Requested... Just do it David! Ha. Certainly in favor of seeing this one come to fruition ... count me in. In addition to the regular use this would receive, please also consider the ideal use this could be for events. Runs, bikes, even triathlons, could use this path. The Key Biscayne area regularly hosts such events ... we could do the same. Perhaps holding an event using the existing (closing a lane) to raise awareness of this proposition could be a good idea? Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist spurring this one on ... would love to see it! Thanks David. Mic O'Keeffe Director of Recreation Ocean Reef Club (305) 367-6501 www.oceanreef.com From: Richard Ginsberg[maiIto: rginsber9@bellemead.org] Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 7:45 AM To: David Ritz Subject: Bike lane on route 905 Dear Mr. Ritz, I have been a resident at Ocean Reef for the past four years. My wife Debra and I moved here to be closer to her parents, Barbara and Robert Gintel. Since my arrival here I have been cycling on route 905 six days a week, winter, summer, fall and spring. It is a very nice road to ride. However, since the death of Gil Grove last March I have been extremely reluctant to ride on 905. To be hit from behind by a vehicle is a very frightening thought. Since that tragic accident, I have confined my riding to the roads in the club. While generally safer, riding with many intersections does not permit one to ride with a "relaxed" mind, as I must constantly be alert for cross traffic. I am very much in favor of the proposed bike lane on 905. I would request that the Ocean Reef Club support this project or in the alternative support the addition of "shoulders" to route 905. Thank you. Very truly yours, Richard Ginsberg From: April Smith Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 4:53 PM To: David Ritz Subject: bike lane Hi David, I just wanted to join in the support for a bike lane on 905. I have never been brave enough to attempt biking on it, because I know how unsafe it feels for drivers to be on the road with the bikes. If completed, my goal would be to ride from my place in Key Largo, up to Homestead, and then down Card Sound/ 905. Thank you for being our voice! April April Smith 1 Salon & Spa Manager Ocean Reef Club 35 Ocean Reef Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037 Phone: 305-367-6506 1 Cell: 305-522-0993 1 Fax: 305-367-4232 asmith@oceanreef.com 1 www.oceanreef.com Aplease consider the environment before printing this e-mail