Calle Ocho, cyclists collide Miami commissioners give initial approval to a law that would ban
bicycles along Southwest Eighth Street, where merchants and shoppers complain that cyclists threaten
pedestrians. BY CAROLYN SALAZAR [email hidden]
Calle Ocho, a cultural thoroughfare that attracts countless tourists seeking a true taste of Cuban
Miami, has become a favored raceway for cyclists weaving on and off sidewalks.
Some merchants and shoppers say the aggressive bicyclists threaten people trying to make their way
along Southwest Eighth Street. They want pedestrians to take back the walkways.
In response to their complaints, Miami city commissioners gave initial approval Thursday to a law
that would ban bicycles, scooters and skateboards on the sidewalks of Southwest Eighth Street,
between Fourth Avenue and Tamiami Canal Road. If it's given final approval next month, violators
would be fined $25.
''These bicyclists think the sidewalk is the Grand Prix,'' said Moraima Fernández, owner of Cookie,
a store on Eighth Street that sells Cuban memorabilia. ``If you are just standing on the sidewalk,
they scream at you to move, or they'll run you over. And if you tell them anything, they'll insult
you. It's really gotten out of control.''
Commissioners said the ordinance simply brings the city in line with its neighbors, since most
tourist hot spots in Coral Gables and Miami Beach already ban skateboards and bicycles.
''Calle Ocho shouldn't be treated any differently than Miracle Mile or Lincoln Road,'' said
Commissioner Joe Sanchez, who proposed the bicycle ordinance. ``We need to protect people from
these bicyclists because it has created a hardship on people shopping and walking along Southwest
Eighth Street.''
Store owners contend most bicyclists on Calle Ocho are not leisure riders who follow biking rules,
but troublemakers who steal women's purses, spit on pedestrians or hit shoppers without bothering to
say they are sorry.
''These aren't people who are using their bikes to exercise. Some use their bikes to sell drugs.
Many ride their bikes while they are drunk,'' said Frank Belloso, whose family owns a Mobile station
on the street. ``They have really given this area a black eye.''
East Little Havana police district Cmdr. David Rivero couldn't be reached late Thursday to provide
any statistics on the problem.
Belloso said he realizes the ordinance will be a burden on those who do use their bikes for
recreation.
''I do feel bad for those people who use their bikes to work out. But this isn't Coral Gables where
there are bike paths,'' he said. ``I really think this will help improve the quality of life here.''