Dunedin to Reconsider Bike and Pedestrian Trail or Return Grant to FDOT

Offered the opportunity to add an eight-foot-wide bicycle and pedestrian trail on Pinehurst Avenue between Main Street and Michigan Boulevard, the Dunedin City Commission turned it down, deciding against moving forward with the project. They were capitulating to a vocal group of home owners in the area who opposed the trail, not wanting the inconvenience of having their street under construction.

Perhaps as a stroke of good luck for Dunedin residents who use Pinehurst to walk or bicycle to Dunedin High School, the city recreation center, Highland Park, and the Highland swimming pool, the commission has now learned the grant money for the project cannot be allocated elsewhere in the city.  If Dunedin chooses not to build the trail, the funds will have to be returned to the Florida Department of Transportation.

The City Commission understandably is not too happy about the idea of returning money to the state. So, the proposed new trail will be back on the table for the next meeting.

It seems short-sighted that Pinehurst Avenue residents are fighting an improvement that would add to their quality of life and probably to their property values, simply because of a short-term inconvenience. Safe trails for cyclists and pedestrians encourage people to get out and exercise.

Clearwater pedestrian and bicycle accident lawyer Jim Dodson is committed to safer places for people to walk and ride their bicycles without fear of being injured or hit by a car. Watch his video about the common causes of bicycle accidents HERE. Contact Jim Dodson Law today for a free consultation regarding your bicycle injury claim at 1-888-340-0840.