In efforts to significantly improve cyclist and pedestrian safety, Miami-Dade County has teamed up with the Miami Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to enhance the Miami Downtown area with new protected bike lanes. This initiative includes the installation of 170 special separation devices along key avenues. The devices serve as a physical barrier between the bike lanes and vehicular traffic, providing a dedicated and safer space for cyclists.
The movement for these enhancements is rooted in the county's Vision Zero goal, aiming to dramatically reduce traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2040. "As we continue to grow as a community, it is crucial that our infrastructure reflects the needs of all who live and work here," Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told Miami-Dade County in a statement. The mayor emphasized the importance of creating a safe and equitable environment for all modes of transport, a sentiment that is shared by local authorities and residents.
The project also seeks to beautify the Downtown Miami landscape. Chosen for their durability and aesthetics, marine-grade aluminum planters provided by Green Theory and Division 32, which will be filled with a variety of Florida native plants, will adorn the newly created bike lanes. These planters carry an anti-graffiti coating and will be maintained by the Miami DDA’s Downtown Enhancement Team, contributing to both sustainability and the overall appeal of the area.
Looking ahead, the Downtown Mobility Network plans to extend protections to additional streets and to eventually create an expansive network of bike lanes that connect various parts of Miami. Christina Crespi, CEO and Executive Director of the Miami DDA, expressed pride in funding the initiative, "We want to ensure that regardless of how you travel through Downtown Miami, you are able to do so safely," she stated in Miami-Dade County website. This sentiment underpins a broader vision for a more connected and mobility-friendly downtown Miami area.
The addition of these protected bike lanes is a collaborative effort among various governmental and city entities, demonstrating not only an investment in public safety but also in the city's future transportation and developmental goals. As part of this joint venture, the Miami DDA continues to play a key role in transforming downtown Miami into a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly urban space, supporting both economic vitality and enhanced quality of life for its inhabitants.
To stay informed on the latest updates regarding transit and mobility improvements in Miami-Dade County, interested parties are encouraged to sign up for transit alerts at miamidade.gov/alerts or follow the DTPW on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additionally, residents can subscribe to Mobility 305, a monthly newsletter that provides news, special events, perks, and more.
