Local News
New protected bike lanes on SR 776 in Englewood spark concerns
Reporter: Mariaregina Mendoza
•10/2/2026
Source: WINK News
ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (WINK) — Concrete separators now line the bike lanes along State Road 776, and some drivers say the new layout is causing problems.
The separators are part of new protected bike lanes designed by the Florida Department of Transportation to keep cars and cyclists apart. However, local residents and business owners have raised concerns about the changes.
"It's a necessary thing, but at the same time, it's with the traffic on 776, I think it's going to be a problem," said Tom Doyle, an Englewood resident. "Especially during the season when our population here, you know, almost doubles."
A mechanic at Jerry's Tire and Auto along State Road 776 said he has already replaced several tires after vehicles hit the separators.
"People are blowing out the both passenger side tires, so they're coming in with two flat tires or a flat tire and a damaged tire," said Alex Kovari, an auto mechanic. "One lady did come in with two bent wheels, so we're having we've done four cars so far, eight tires."
Edward Kinsey, a barbershop owner who has been along State Road 776 for 10 years, worries the new layout could make it harder for drivers to move over for emergency vehicles.
"If you think of emergency vehicles coming by, this is going to limit the cars from from getting over also, and we have a lot of ambulances and fire trucks here," Kinsey said.
FDOT said it has not received any formal reports or claims about vehicles hitting the separators or damaging their tires. The department said it is aware of concerns from drivers and will continue monitoring conditions as construction moves along.
From the Charlotte County line to Tangerine Woods Boulevard, FDOT is also adding raised medians and changing some of the turning options through the center of the road. Drivers can expect lane shifts and temporary striping while crews continue working.
The project is expected to be finished next summer.
The separators are part of new protected bike lanes designed by the Florida Department of Transportation to keep cars and cyclists apart. However, local residents and business owners have raised concerns about the changes.
"It's a necessary thing, but at the same time, it's with the traffic on 776, I think it's going to be a problem," said Tom Doyle, an Englewood resident. "Especially during the season when our population here, you know, almost doubles."
A mechanic at Jerry's Tire and Auto along State Road 776 said he has already replaced several tires after vehicles hit the separators.
"People are blowing out the both passenger side tires, so they're coming in with two flat tires or a flat tire and a damaged tire," said Alex Kovari, an auto mechanic. "One lady did come in with two bent wheels, so we're having we've done four cars so far, eight tires."
Edward Kinsey, a barbershop owner who has been along State Road 776 for 10 years, worries the new layout could make it harder for drivers to move over for emergency vehicles.
"If you think of emergency vehicles coming by, this is going to limit the cars from from getting over also, and we have a lot of ambulances and fire trucks here," Kinsey said.
FDOT said it has not received any formal reports or claims about vehicles hitting the separators or damaging their tires. The department said it is aware of concerns from drivers and will continue monitoring conditions as construction moves along.
From the Charlotte County line to Tangerine Woods Boulevard, FDOT is also adding raised medians and changing some of the turning options through the center of the road. Drivers can expect lane shifts and temporary striping while crews continue working.
The project is expected to be finished next summer.
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