On April 29, Miami-Dade leaders will join more than 100 traffic engineers and planners for the “2015 Complete Streets Forum.” The event is themed: “Beyond the Car: Implementing Complete Streets to Achieve Safer, Inviting Corridors and Gateways.” National, state and local speakers will offer best practices for improving roadways for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities. The public is invited to be part of discussions, taking place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Miami Dade Community College, Wolfson Campus, Building #2, Batten Room #2106, 300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami. The event is free and advanced registration is required.
The Forum is being presented by Miami-Dade County in partnership with The Miami Foundation, Neat Streets Miami, Urban Health Solutions, Miami DDA, Kimley Horn and the Florida Department of Transportation.
Complete Streets is a nationwide initiative that encourages the development of walkable, sustainable communities through an integrated approach to the planning of transportation networks. Last year, the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to adopt the Complete Streets concept, a proven factor in reducing roadway accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. In March, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez elevated the county’s Complete Streets initiative when he accepted the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) “Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets,” raising the bar for bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
“I am thankful for the great Miami-Dade partners that have made the 2015 Complete Streets Forum possible,” said Gimenez. “This forum will help us re-imagine our roadways, with the forethought of incorporating transit, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly facilities, crosswalks and trails in the planning and design of Miami-Dade’s transportation network.”
“The Complete Streets movement marries Neat Streets Miami’s goal of maintaining and beautifying roadways with our community’s imperative to create more safe and inviting corridors that everyone can enjoy,” said Neat Streets Miami chairman Miami-Dade County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss (District 9). “I encourage everyone to come out and be part of this landmark Miami-Dade County initiative.”
“We often think of transit solutions as expensive road and rail infrastructure projects,” said Javier Alberto Soto, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation. “While those are important, the 2014 Our Miami Report highlights how rethinking modes of urban transportation, like pedestrian and bike-friendly greenways, can lead to more cost effective mobility options.”
