Blending public safety with community engagement, the City of Sanibel’s Ranger program is a dynamic initiative aimed at promoting safe and courteous use of the island’s award-winning Shared Use Path (SUP) system. With over 26 miles of walking and biking trails winding through the island’s natural landscapes, the SUP has long been an island feature enjoyed by both residents and visitors. With increasing usage and evolving transportation trends (i.e., e-bikes), the city stepped up its efforts to ensure the paths remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all.
Originally conceived as a role singularly focused on education and enforcement of SUP rules, the Ranger program has quickly expanded to support the Sanibel Police Department across various recreational areas, including beaches and parks. These non-sworn personnel serve as friendly, knowledgeable ambassadors of the island, offering guidance, answering questions and helping enforce local ordinances – particularly those related to e-bike usage and path etiquette.
During the summer of 2024, both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and the Sanibel City Council expressed the need for a robust educational campaign to address rising concerns about safety and compliance on the SUP. With the island’s population swelling during the winter tourist season and a constant influx of new visitors, the challenge was clear: how to effectively communicate rules and safety tips to a transient audience.
The city responded with a multi-pronged strategy, including digital advertising, printed educational materials and the creation of the ranger positions in the Sanibel Police Department. These rangers now serve as a visible, approachable presence on the paths, helping users understand the rules, especially related to e-bike usage and encourage path safety among cyclists, joggers and pedestrians…