For more on this story, check out the post from StreetsblogLA.
Posts from ‘June, 2009’
Why ‘Holding the Line’ is Just the First Step
I had to post the complete text of this great editorial by DDA Urban Planning Manager Javier Betancourt:
Last month’s court ruling halting the planned development of a Lowes superstore outside Miami-Dade County’s Urban Development Boundary was an important victory in the ongoing battle against westward sprawl in our community. But the more pressing issue going forward is [...]
Complexity Visualized
The Rickenbacker is the heart of South Florida’s recreational bicycle scene. Indeed, a recent Saturday morning count found 950 bicyclists entering the Causeway from the hours of 6:30am – 9:00am.
And while recent bicycle lane improvements have done much to improve safety along the Causeway, it’s entrance/exit at the Miami Avenue-Brickell-Avenue-South Dixie Highway-Southeast 26th Road intersections [...]
Bicyclists Beware: Rickenbacker/Bird Road Proposals Threaten Safety
I just sat down to give you all an update from this month’s MPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting, however John Hopkins over at Spokes n’ Folks has done a marvelous job summarizing the most controversial aspects of the meeting. Please visit his blog to find out two proposals, one for the Rickenbacker Causeway (with [...]
Ideology vs. Education
Supporting good transportation policy is not about ideology, but education. In an interview with Blueprint America, ranking Republican John Mica of Florida has this to say:
“If you’re on the Transportation Committee long enough, even if you’re a fiscal conservative, which I consider myself to be, you quickly see the benefits of transportation investment. Simply, I [...]
Hold The Line!
Miami transit/livable city advocates may be interested in attending The Miami-Dade Urban Environment League’s “Hold the Line” (as in Urban Growth Boundary line) picnic Sunday at Crandon Park.
Bicycle Use Surpasses Car Use In Amsterdam
An article in The Oregonian reveals that from 2005-2007, Amsterdam residents used their bicycles on average of .87 times per day, versus .84 for motor vehicles. The article states that this is the first time bicycle use has exceeded automobile use in the city. The above video shows what this looks like, check out the [...]
News Roundup
Florida is applying for money allocated for high-speed rail.
Palm Beach Congressman Ron Klein (D-Fla) has been meeting with FEC representatives in a push for commuter rail along the FEC corridor.
Atlantic Railyards Stadium shenanigans: The MTA is allowing New Jersey Nets owner Bruce Ratner to pay off $100 million over 22 years for the right to [...]
Support Livable Streets: Call your Representative!
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, led by Representative James Oberstar (D-Minn), released their long anticipated draft of the Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2009 yesterday, and it is a far cry from the 18-month patch suggested by the Obama Administration last week.
Included in the bill is $469 million for transportation funding over six years. The highway/transit [...]
Crossing The Street Not Easy In Miami Springs
Retired police office Glenn Rice attempts to cross the street in downtown Miami Springs. Despite the pedestrian island, flashing lights, and signage and oh, the state law, Mr. Rice gets no love.
SUV Driver Injures Triathlon Cyclist
An SUV driver dramatically interrupted the Mack Cycle Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy on Sunday. The Rickenbacker Causeway was supposed to be closed for the race, but the driver of the SUV inched out in the way the pack of racers who were riding about 40 mph. Miguel Tellez, the leader of the pack and one of [...]
Sarnoff Ushers In Car-Free Commodore Plaza
Hats off to Commissioner Marc Sarnoff for working with Coconut Grove residents, business leaders, and advocates for pushing the livable streets agenda forward. Starting on July 4th, Commodore Plaza will be closed to cars and opened to pedestrians, cafes seating, and live music. Each closure will take place for five consecutive weekend from Saturday at [...]
Florida’s Traffic Map, 2005-2007
Using data collected from 2005-2007, Floridaroads.org is a new website that visually displays whether traffic congestion is increasing or diminishing along major thoroughfares. Click the hyperlink to see how a street near you is performing. For livable streets advocates, those roadways experiencing a decrease in congestion may be candidates for future “road diets.” Similarly, the [...]
SFECC Overtown Workshop: Tomorrow!
Apologies for the late notice, but the following information was just sent to me.
There will be a South Florida East Coast Corridor study workshop tomorrow in Overtown at the Culmer Neighborhood Center (1600 NW 3rd Avenue). The workshop will take place from 9:30am-1:00 and be held in the multi-purpose room. This is one of many [...]
Florida In Running for High Speed, Not Likely To Receive Funding
Alfonso Chardy of the Miami Herald writes that Florida transportation officials are “reviewing interim guidelines issued by the Federal Railroad Administration with a view to applying for a share of $8 billion in federal stimulus money for high speed rail.” However according to Florida Today, the Sunshine State is not a likely candidate. Instead, California [...]
