Bicyclists asked to avoid GMD on Longboat Key

The town of Longboat Key asked the cycling community to avoid Gulf of Mexico Drive and other dangerous bike paths until further notice. 

According to an email sent by the Assistant to the Town Manager Susan Phillips on Oct. 22, the town is increasing debris collection services on the island with over 40 trucks operating along GMD. 

Additionally, piles of sand and storm debris may present dangerous conditions on the island's bike paths. Phillips said there is also the potential of underlying road damage masked by overwashed sand. 

"Please ask anyone you can reach within the cycling community to avoid Longboat Key until we recover from the impacts of the recent hurricanes and can restore safe cycling conditions," Phillips said in the email.