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In the Know: Is bike riding legal on Fifth Avenue South sidewalks?
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Q: The Naples police has notified me that it is illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalks of Fifth Avenue. Now I walk my bike on Fifth Avenue. But why is it legal for the Segways to speed up and down Fifth Avenue sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to step aside? Do Segways have special rights?
— Bill Dooley, Naples
A: Because of some misinformation provided by a Naples traffic officer, incorrect information was published in this column in print and earlier online versions today.
The truth is that the city of Naples prohibits the riding of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or in-line skates on sidewalks in a business district or shopping center, and elsewhere in the city where signs are posted to prohibit such activity, according to Officer Pablo DeBien.
Business districts, of course, would include Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. But that ordinance does not include Segways, DeBien said.
"Segways are allowed because they’re considered 'personal mobility devices' like a power chair," he said.
The city would have to amend its ordinance to add Segways to its list of personal transportation devices specifically banned from its business district sidewalks. DeBien said City Council discussed the matter about a year ago, but nothing has been done about it yet.
Q: What happened to the new Tropiclean on U.S. 41 East? I went there to get gas, and plastic bags were all on the pumps. Since then, the mart and car wash have been closed. I think it has been open for less than two months.
— Marla Kilcummings, Naples
A: A minor computer problem was a major headache for a couple of days because it disabled Tropiclean’s gas pumps, credit card system and point of sale purchase capabilities. The flaws were standard for a new operation, said Jay Mateja, vice president of Tropiclean Gas and Auto Spa, 9995 U.S. 41 E.
“Everything is fixed now. Everything is perfect,” Mateja said.
The East Naples business, which opened May 23, has offered some of the best gas prices in the area. On Tuesday, a gallon of regular unleaded was $3.799. Tropiclean also offers 5 cents per gallon off for cash-paying patrons, and an additional 10 cents off every gallon when one buys any car wash from their auto spa.
Q: There is a red “lunch wagon” on the southeast corner of the Estey Avenue and Airport-Pulling Road intersection. It may have been open briefly when first erected, but I don’t believe it’s been open at all since late 2004. Any idea if it has a future? I think it’s an eyesore.
— Jon C. Staiger, Naples
A: A new owner bought the Estey-Air Plaza a few years ago and has been marketing the red wagon for use as a food vendor again, said Michael O’Mara, a commercial leasing agent for John R. Wood Realtors in Naples.
“It’s in excellent condition. It has a fully equipped kitchen and is ready to go,” O’Mara said. “We just haven’t found someone to lease it to yet.”
Q: Any idea when the new Chili’s on Immokalee Road is scheduled to open?
— D.C., Naples
A: The second Chili’s in the Naples area is scheduled to open Thursday, according to Maureen Locus of Brinker International, the chain’s parent company, based in Dallas.
Brinker considers this new Chili’s its “East Naples” location, even though its address, 2431 Tarpon Bay Blvd., is actually in North Naples. The restaurant’s answering machine message strikes a balance, referring to the new location as “northeast Naples.”
A fun fact: One picture in every Chili's restaurant is hung upside down, a tradition started in 1975 when the first location opened in Dallas, Locus said.
Tim Aten is chief online editor of the Daily News. E-mail questions with your name and city of residence to intheknow@naplesnews.com.
Find a complete archive of “In the Know” at naplesnews.com/intheknow/
Comments
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I almost scored 100 points a while back when a Naples bicycle cop on 5th Ave drove between two parked cars and right in front of me.
I'm not surprised they gave contradicting information when they don't follow the rules themselves.
#1 Posted by mattmaki on August 13, 2008 at 1:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Then again, it doesn't hurt to look up the rules yourself. According to the Municode...
Sec. 36-2. Riding bicycles, skates or skateboards on sidewalks.
(a) No person shall ride a bicycle, skateboard, roller skate or in-line skate upon a public or private sidewalk within a business district or shopping center.
(b) When signs are erected on any public street or sidewalk, other than in a business district or shopping center, which prohibit the riding of bicycles thereon by any person, no person shall disobey such signs.
(Code 1957, § 23-6.1; Code 1994, § 62-2)
#2 Posted by mattmaki on August 13, 2008 at 1:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mattmaki...I'm curious...is this naples municode?
I actaully ride my bike EVERYWHERE....and I know I'd be the first one busted.
The only problem I would have is if someone walks out of a store, and I crashed into them accidentally. This could happen when the sidewalks on fifth are busy enough.
It is usually very busy in season there, so I wouldn't even begin to bike ride there.
#3 Posted by beetlejuice on August 13, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, I went to the City of Naples home page and found 'ORDINANCES.'
http://www.municode.com/Resources/gat...
#4 Posted by mattmaki on August 13, 2008 at 2:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So basically your saying our illustrious motorcycle mama, NPD traffic Officer Dan Escott is a putz who gives out false information?
Hmmmmmmm....
#5 Posted by Jadip811 on August 13, 2008 at 4:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bicycles are considered to be vehicles and bicyclists are supposed to follow the same laws as motor vehicles. That means not riding on sidewalks, not riding against traffic, obeying any and all traffic control devices/signs, using hand signals, having the proper illumination when cycling during times when motor vehicles are required to turn on headlights, etc.
This isn't new. Perhaps the City has rules which are contrary to the state statutes, but I would be surprised. They may just choose NOT to enforce the laws when it comes to bicycles.
That being said, I used to ride with a large group of avid cyclists (serious amateurs and semi pros) in another county. We did follow the rules of the road where ever we went. Mostly we took long rides into the country. Even riding in such a group was a bit difficult when it came to drivers of motorized vehicles who did NOT want to share the road. We were buzzed, blasted with air horns and nearly run off the road any number of times. I frankly would not want to ride in downtown Naples with the combo of the driving habits found here and street parking. Nothing like having someone open a door right in front of you when you are going along. I have had a few close calls. Few drivers look out for cyclists. It is bad enough for motorcyclists, but bicycles make no noise and motorists seldom seem to check mirrors when changing lanes or opening doors. Most do not think to look for a bicycle when pulling out of a driveway.
We have some bicyclists in this area who seem to be scofflaws and ride in a large group, too, so it isn't just the motorists making for danger on the road.
In Collier...I walk, or drive and my great bike is reserved for trips to state parks, or other parts of the state. Too bad, but I value my life and limbs. Too many whacko drivers, clueless pedestrians and cyclists who are in a world of their own to risk it all.
#6 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on August 13, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
BTV don't give up on bike riding here....especially with gas prices.
I think the sidewalks are my personal choice for bike riding, and if you wear a huge orange vest, a neon sign on your hat that says "DON'T HIT ME WITH YOUR STUPID CAR," hot pink spandex bike shorts, and wear glowstick earrings, the drivers here in Naples will see you coming down the road.
Thanks mattmaki...I didn't know that. But I would like to bike down on Fifth, so it would be fun to take a spin, while weaving in and out of Segways, crowds in season, and drinking visitors ambling back to their cars in season.
#7 Posted by beetlejuice on August 13, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So this traffic cop escott doesn't even know the law.
great.
HEY
Tim Aten, how about an article on why this guy is a traffic cop and how many other bogus tickets he wrote to the community.
now there's a story
Officer DeBien,
thanks for the correction and accurate information.
#8 Posted by 1stepforward on August 13, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for updating the article. Of course,thanks to me for geting to the bottom of it!
#9 Posted by mattmaki on August 13, 2008 at 5:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG mattmaki...impressive!
What bothers me the most is a MOTORIZED two wheel vehicle is ALLOWED, which can go very quickly down a sidewalk,with people who are trying it for the VERY FIRST TIME possibly. VERY SCARY for pedestrians!
Plus, this gives leeway for motorized two wheel scooters the kids are using nowadays, too. City of Naples needs to rethink this ordinance....big time!
AND MY LITTLE TWO WHEEL BIKE, WHICH I've known how to ride for at least 30 years, PROPEL AND CONTROL WITH MY OWN BRAIN is not ALLOWED on Fifth Ave????
HUH???????????????
I don't get it.
THANK U mattmaki!
I learned a lot from this info!
#10 Posted by beetlejuice on August 13, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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