Collier County officials meet to discuss pedestrian/cyclist safety along dangerous roads

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Keeping pedestrians and bikers safe is a top priority for Collier County officials, and today they will meet to devise a plan to keep the roads and walkways safe for everyone.

The intersection of Tamiami Trail and 5th Avenue is one of the more dangerous ones in the area for cyclist and walkers, but after a year long study, the Metropolitan Planning Organization is hoping to change that.

The study turned to the public for their input, and found that speeding is the biggest threat to pedestrian safety, and there are a couple things Florida Department of Transportation suggests will help with that issue.

Narrowing the width of the lanes, widening sidewalks, and creating shorter block lengths are among some of the suggestions to slow down traffic in the area.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization executive director says often times that sidewalks are the only option for cyclist, and that can add to additional safety concerns.

“It’s the only facility provided to them and sidewalks are inherently dangerous to cyclists because of curb cuts and roads and parking lots and turning movements, said Anne McLaughlin.”

The MPO is meeting Friday morning at 9 a.m. to discuss the plan to eliminate the safety concerns for pedestrians and bikers.

 

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