My friend Lisa Fox is urging South Miami residents to oppose expansion of the attractively brick-paved, but dangerously narrow streets that adorn downtown South Miami. The city council wants to narrow the streets on Sunset Drive all the way to SW 65th Ave., nearly to Ludlam Elementary School. I agree that's going too far. Here's her message to commissioners:
Hello City Commission, Mayor, and City Manager,
In follow up about the issue with Sunset Drive relating to bicycle paths, I heard the comments addressing this issue by the commission and by Mr. Balogun, that request for funding of bicycle paths has been submitted in the past, but there has been lack of funding partially due to lack of path connectivity throughout the county. If you draw bicycle paths or space for bicycles in your plan that is/was to be submitted, wouldn't that plan then be approved with the paths included? Or does the approving body tell you to take out the bicycle paths in the plan? I would think that the bicycle path would be less expensive than some of the sidewalk/landscaping. Also, it is important to note that other areas of Sunset Drive already do have a bicycle path... including on the east side of 57th ave on Sunsest. Also west on Sunset by Sunset High School. Sunset Drive does connect to the M-Path under the MetroRail and to metro transit.
I want to stress again that what we have along Sunset Drive is a major safety issue. I understand there is another road project stage that will take place further down Sunset towards 67th ave and also on the west side.. I urge you to look at the plans drawn up, and re-look at the safety issues concerning the proposed plans. I hear that these plans are done and finalized way in advance and that it is almost "too late" to change them, but I would argue that until it's dug up, it's not too late and that because of safety, you must reconsider. It is never too late for safety. I would be more than happy to join you in looking/discussing those plans.
We need a bicycle path or large shoulder area in this section of road west on Sunset.
Consider the following:
You are narrowing the available road space with curbs and sidewalk landscaping (or curb landscaping). (*Will the future road include a few feet wider than 12 feet per lane?)
Why is this dangerous:
1. You have serious fast traveling oncoming traffic traveling eastbound on Sunset from the Palmetto Expressway and beyond, including large buses and trucks, makes it impossible for a bicycle or small scooter to compete.
2. You have a major hospital by 62 Ave (new road plan could prohibit cars from moving over in case of emergency vehicles traveling).
3. You have people who drive in cars that do not understand the law of bicycles being allowed as part of the traffic... creating often times "road rage".
4. You have cars that could move over for bicycles to go into the adjoining car lane causing accidents.
I have personally heard of as well as sat on a mock jury for a law suit between a family of someone killed on a bike vs. Miami-Dade County... when someone was struck and killed by a county bus. I have also been struck by a car into the road on Sunset and 62 Place. There have been many struck, injured, and even killed by automobile/bicycle collisions in our county... and it is sad that only after someone is injured, is when something is done to provide more safety on the road.
While some landscaping in the street looks nice, and I believe we have room for "some" in the median, it is very important to consider that "good design" always incorporates function first over beauty... while both could be achieved, function is primary. When dealing with roadways, safety is an obvious primary concern. Consider that you have A LOT of bicycle traffic on Sunset. Also consider that it is NOT SAFE for bicycles to travel on sidewalks and bicycles do not belong there. Cars pull out of streets and driveways and do not expect bicycles on the sidewalk.
While some landscaping in the street looks nice, and I believe we have room for “some” in the median, it is very important to consider that “good design” always incorporates function first over beauty… while both could be achieved, function is primary. When dealing with roadways, safety is an obvious primary concern. Consider that you have A LOT of bicycle traffic on Sunset. Also consider that it is NOT SAFE for bicycles to travel on sidewalks and bicycles do not belong there. Cars pull out of streets and driveways and do not expect bicycles on the sidewalk.
***Also, consider the opportunity of adding bicycle friendly streets, especially Sunset and Ludlum where the schools are. With the desire to make our downtown area a “hometown community”, think about promoting bicycle traffic to the downtown. Think about adding more stations for bike locking along Sunset and in our downtown area… the possibility of people using other means of transportation around the city rather than automobiles that take up parking spaces and use gasoline.
People are already using bicycles in the city and it is becoming more dangerous with the roadwork. I am not trying to be critical of what you have done as there are some positive aspects of it. I am encouraging you to improve the plans of work not finished or started yet, to make it more beneficial for everyone in the road.
Please feel free to contact me about this, or if you want to talk wtih the BPAC more about the issue (The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee), or check out the Green Mobility Network on-line at http://www.greenmobilitynetwork.org/. There are a lot of concerned citizens out there, and I suppose only a few of us have come forward so far.
I believe we can make the road project a GREAT project for everyone. Mr. Balogun, I heard you address the commission that they would have an opportunity to look at the road plan and make cuts or adjustments even after they voted that stimulus money through the other night. I hope that this will be the case and I hope you will consider "all" of the traffic on Sunset Drive. Please keep in mind that adding a curb right up to the street gives no room for a bicycle to move out of a way of a 45 to 50 mph moving bus or large truck... literally speaking. We need to make safety our utmost concern. I am speaking forward for many of us out here who have not come forward yet.
Thank You,
Lisa
Lisa Fox, P.A.