UPDATE: Response 9/4/12

"I would like to thank the cycling community for expressing their
opinions and concerns about this item that is of importance to all the
residents of Miami-Dade, as many of us rely or know of someone who
relies on bicycles as a means of transport and/or recreation. My intent
in sponsoring this resolution was not to prevent bike lanes from being
created. On the contrary, I support and embrace establishing bike lanes
Countywide. I acted out of concern for the safety of cyclists,
particularly on SW 57 AVE from SW 8 ST to SW 24 ST, where customers of
businesses along this stretch of road back their cars directly onto SW
57 AVE. I am concerned that this would create an unsafe environment for
cyclists. Additionally, I sought greater cooperation between FDOT,
Miami-Dade County, and Municipalities to make sure we create an
atmosphere where bike lanes continue to be encouraged while ensuring
safety.

In light of your concerns, I am requesting this item be temporarily
deferred to ensure nothing in this item will negatively impact the
cycling community. Your opinions are always welcome."


Commissioner Rebeca Sosa
Miami-Dade County, District 6

1000 SW 57 Avenue, Suite 201
Miami, FL 33144
Office: 305-267-6377
Fax: 305-267-6366
www.miamidade.gov/district06




Remember the FDOT meeting in March concerning bicycle lanes on SW 57th Ave/Red Road between SW 40th St & SW 8th Street? Well, District 6 Commissioner Rebeca Sosa has prepared and placed a resolution which would give greater flexibility to the Florida Department of Transportation. Basically FDOT, at their discretion would have the authority to not add bicycle facilities on SW 57th Ave and many other roads. This is very bad for bicycling and not in the best interest of cyclists. Read full resolution here.

We think everyone needs to take 2-3 minutes and email their county commissioners today! Don't wait until the resolution is adopted on Tuesday, September 4th and then complain about how "we" didn't do anything. It happened with HB 971 in 2010 and we can see it happening with this resolution which would basically give FDOT a pass to back out of adding bicycle lanes on any roads they deem do not meet their standards for bicycle facilities, how very convenient for them.

Please email Miami-Dade County commissioners now! We've made it east for you, just follow the directions posted below courtesy of Green Mobility Network.



BEGIN COPY-AND-PASTE–AND ADD YOUR NAME AT THE END OF THE MESSAGE

Re:Sept. 4, 2012, Agenda Item #121569–Bad for Bicycling–Please Pull From Agenda

To the Board of County Commissioners:

Agenda Item #121569 is bad for bicycling in Miami-Dade County and potentially the entire state of Florida. It would turn back the clock on significant progress in winning accommodation for bicyclists and pedestrians in urban road projects. It was placed on your agenda without public input. I urge you to pull it from the agenda and make time for public discussion of this important matter.

END COPY-AND-PASTE

SEND TO THE INDIVIDUAL COMMISSIONERS–JUST COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING E-MAIL ADDRESSES

mayor@miamidade.gov, officeofthechair@miamidade.gov, bjordan@miamidade.gov, district2@miamidade.gov, district3@miamidade.gov, district4@miamidade.gov, district5@miamidade.gov, district6@miamidade.gov, District7@miamidade.gov, District8@miamidade.gov, DennisMoss@miamidade.gov, district10@miamidade.gov, district11@miamidade.gov, District12@miamidade.gov, district13@miamidade.gov