Important Palmetto Bay meeting for both motorists and cyclists - Wednesday, 9/22 - bike lanes or two more 8-10 foot mega paths?

Developing path on
SW 136 Street

Who here is thrilled with the  SW 136th Street project? What was once a complete street design with bicycle lanes morphed to what is frequently referred to as the MEGA Sidewalk that varies from 10 to 8 feet, even back to a mere standard sidewalk size in part. In fact, this 136 Street multipath places cyclists and other users on the same sidewalk in front of Howard Drive Elementary, which many view as a poor choice of mixed uses during the hours of school drop off and dismissal.

Original plan rendering

The fact is that the bike lanes were taken out of the 136 Street plans. So cyclists will still be required to “take the lane” only now the lanes involved on SW 136 Street will be reduced to 11 feet, thus making it a tighter fit and increasing driver angst toward cyclists. 

Here is your opportunity to get involved. Marlin Engineering shall host a virtual second Public Workshop, Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at 6:00 PM. During the virtual Public Workshop, Christina Fermin, Project Manager for Marlin Engineering shall make a presentation of Palmetto Bay’s Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study and there will be time for questions and comments.

The Palmetto Bay Multi-Use Trail & SMART Plan Connectivity Feasibility Study will identify and assess existing conditions for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity along SW 144 Street, SW 152 Street, SW 168 Street and SW 184 Street, between the South Dade Transitway and Old Cutler Road. The study will consider multi-use pathways, sidewalks and/or protected or buffered bicycle lanes.

The study will evaluate up to two alternatives for two of the above-mentioned roadways. The final plan will include 15% design plans for up to two corridors connecting Old Cutler Trail and the South Dade Trail. This study is anticipated to be completed by November 2021. The workshop will be conducted using a teleconferencing platform and broadcast live. CLICK HERE for details on how to participate.