County Commission adopts resolution to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety on Rickenbacker Causeway

(MIAMI) – The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners today adopted a resolution sponsored by Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety on the Rickenbacker Causeway and other Miami roadways.

“The safety of walkers, runners and cyclists is extremely important in our community. Too many people have been killed or seriously injured,” Commissioner Diaz said “As a cyclist, it’s imperative we find solutions, so tragic accidents don’t happen again.” 

The Rickenbacker has been the site of a number of recent accidents involving cyclists, including the 2012 death of cyclist Aaron Cohen at the hands of a hit-and-run driver. Commissioner Diaz’s resolution recommends closing the causeway’s right lane in both directions on weekend mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. It also directs the mayor’s office to complete within 60 days a report exploring various other options to address safety concerns on the Rickenbacker, Crandon Boulevard, Brickell Avenue, South Bayshore Drive and surrounding areas. Possible safety measures include reduced speed limits, DUI checkpoints, and bike lanes and crosswalks.

Commissioner Diaz has been a strong advocate for improving roadway safety. In January, he spoke at the Florida Senate in favor of tougher laws against hit-and-run drivers. Last month, he sponsored an event to give away bike safety lights and safety flyers at the Rickenbacker Causeway toll plaza in commemoration of the second anniversary of Aaron Cohen’s death.