Orlando considers removing bike lanes from portion of Edgewater Drive in College Park

ORLANDO, Fla. — A portion of the bike lanes along Edgewater Drive in College Park may disappear if proposed plans are approved.

The city of Orlando is considering removing the bike lanes between Par and Lakeview streets to make room for wider sidewalks and on-street parking.

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But cyclists who bike in the area aren’t fans of the plan.

“It’s a huge safety concern,” said Beth Resta with the Orlando Bike Coalition.

Resta said she bikes to College Park all the time to visit businesses, but she might be heading there less often if these bike lanes are removed.

Read: Orlando bike groups voice safety concerns in proposed Robinson Street redesign

“They’re suggesting that bicyclists either ride in the road with motor vehicles or on the sidewalk with pedestrians,” Resta said

College Park resident Joanna Derosa said she bikes to work four times a week along Edgewater Drive.

“I think it’s really frustrating that there’s already a bike lane and they’re going to take it away,” Derosa said.

Read: Orlando police enforce road safety, protect pedestrians and cyclists

The bike lanes were installed 20 years ago.

The redesign, which also includes a new roundabout, is expected to cost more than $16 million, which will be paid for by both the city and Florida Department of Transportation.

Resta voiced her safety concerns at a public meeting Tuesday night.

Read: Orange City Police enforce pedestrian and bicycle safety, join Florida program

“Orlando consistently is one of the worst cities in the country when it comes to bicycle and pedestrian fatalities, and to take this huge step backwards, it’s mind-boggling,” Resta said.

Resta said she hopes the city goes back to the drawing board.

“And make sure that bicycles are included in the plan, that there is dedicated space for bicycles and that bicycle safety is more than just some paint on the road,” she said.

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The city says it will hold two more public meetings before plans are finalized late next year.

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