Push to make Estero Parkway safer

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ESTERO, Fla.- There is a push to make Estero Parkway safer for runners, walkers and bicyclists.

“We are trying to create bikeable and walkable community,” said Doug Saxton with BikeWalkLee.

Saxton knows firsthand how unsafe Estero Parkway can be.

“When I go from my daily run and I have to leave the sidewalk area, I have to go on that very small shoulder. The cars are zipping by you 45 plus and it’s definitely a concern,” Saxton told WINK News.

A sidewalk along the parkway ends with no warning, putting the bicyclist and or pedestrians on a tiny piece of road along a very busy street.

“It’s unfortunate that in order to live a healthy lifestyle, you have to take some risks,” said Saxton.

Saxton is worried with a new Wal-Mart opening soon and students returning to Florida Gulf Coast University this fall, the area will become even more dangerous.

Saxton is talking with Lee County about adding bike lanes and wider sidewalks. But, it will cost more than $1 million and the questions remain, who will pay for it and when will construction start?

“Right now, Estero parkway is high on that list, but they are unfunded.”

People in Estero will find out when the sidewalk and bike project will be in the works in September. That’s when Lee County finalizes its five year Capital Improvement Plan.

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