City officials on Anna Maria Island announced new, wider bike lanes on portions of the Island. Crews are widening the bike lanes from three feet to eight feet on Gulf Drive.
“The purpose of the path is to provide safety,” said Mayor Dan Murphy.
Mayor Murphy said there have been two safety incidents involving bikers within the past two years.
Also, a pedestrian was hit and killed on Gulf Dr. in Holmes Beach in January. The bike lane changes were requested by residents.
“There’s a lot going on and there are a lot of cars,” said resident Lindy Gilbert.
Gilbert said she has had a few close with her daughter while bicycling.
“The Island has gotten very crowded over the past few years and sometimes it gets a little hairy with all the riders and the people walking,” said Gilbert.
Phase one of the project was completed this week, but the entire four-mile stretch won’t be done until 2022.
