For years, Southwest Florida has been defined by a paradox: We live in a tropical paradise, yet our roads are among the deadliest in the nation for cyclists and pedestrians. We are a community of world-class beaches and nature preserves, yet we are often trapped in gridlock, separated from our neighbors by concrete and high-speed traffic. But right now, we have a literal “path forward” to change that narrative forever.
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) is no longer just a vision; it is a transformational reality within our reach. This 11.4-mile linear park, stretching from Wiggins Pass Road in Collier County to Estero Parkway in Lee County, represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repurpose the unused Seminole Gulf Railway corridor into a safe, scenic, and non-motorized artery for our region.
BERT is an essential part of a much larger vision to connect greenways and trails from Tampa to Naples, the 420-mile Florida Gulf Coast Trail. Without BERT, this may not be possible. BERT has a direct connection to the Paradise Coast Trail, and will allow bicycle commuters to travel safely to work and home, away from traffic.
Why BERT is a necessity, not a luxury
This project is about more than just a place to ride a bike. It is a critical infrastructure investment with far-reaching benefits:…