SEBASTIAN — Bicyclists and homeowners jousted back and forth regarding safety concerns during a Florida Department of Transportation meeting Wednesday on the proposed Sebastian Inlet Bridge.
FDOT's plan includes expanding the pavement of the current 8-foot shoulder — creating a 7-foot path for bicycles. Presently, the lane is 4-feet wide.
The 1,548-foot James H. Pruitt Memorial Bridge was deemed structurally deficient — but safe — in 2019, following a routine inspection completed after Hurricane Dorian. The new bridge is expected to be shifted east of the current bridge and include two 12-foot traffic lanes, two 12-foot shared use paths, two 8-foot shoulders and two fishing piers under the bridge.
Bicyclists claim it will provide safety for those already cycling. Homeowners say that it will only attract more bicyclists, which will cause more accidents.
"Safety is paramount," said FDOT Project Manager Binod Basnet. "We are still in the development phase and are taking the concerns raised very seriously."
The road and bridge project begins at Sand Dollar Lane and runs north into Brevard County.
What is safer?
Twelve members of Bike Walk Indian River County attended the meeting at the Sebastian Community Center, attesting that 7-foot bike lanes provide a buffer between motorists and bicyclists that 4-foot lanes do not.
"It's nerve-wracking on that stretch of road going toward the inlet," said Bike Walk Treasurer David Cerchie. "This would create a safety zone for riders who have the right to be protected."
The biking community already has seen a fatality on that stretch.
In May 2021, 63-year old Carl Cutler was killed while biking on the 4-foot shoulder near Sebastian Inlet State Park.
"We lost one of our own," said Bike Walk Safety and Advocacy Director Hal Lambert. "We don't want to see it happen again.
"Seven-foot bike lanes are a gamechanger."
Nearby residents claim increasing bike lane size will only attract more cyclists and cause more accidents.
"Residents are going to have real problems, especially with seeing the bicyclists," said resident William Ferrell. "The area is too narrow, and it gets hard to see, especially if someone is backed in."
"I am afraid," he said. "This just hurts the people of the neighborhood."
Work is not slated to start until spring 2026 with a fall 2030 completion goal. The project is estimated to cost $103.4 million. The road resurfacing and restoration — bike lanes included — is expected to cost $11.4 million.
"FDOT has a commitment to keeping communication open," said Basnet. "No matter what, safety is our main concern."
Nick Slater is TCPalm's Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
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