Florida is the most dangerous state in America to walk or ride a bike.1 Motorists in Florida kill more pedestrians than in any other state.
Governor Rick Scott's Department of Transportation (FL DOT) recognizes how serious this problem is. They're holding a series of listening sessions to get your ideas on how to make walking and biking safer in Florida. Unfortunately, these sessions are being held with very little notice and at times and locations that make it impossible for thousands of concerned Floridians to have their say.
The new federal transportation bill recently passed by Congress now gives Rick Scott's Department of Transportation control of half of the funds allocated to Florida for safe walking and biking infrastructure. In recent years, this administration has rejected or shifted these funds for other purposes. We need to make sure our state's funds are used for their intended purpose -- our safety and the health of our environment.
The Florida Department of Transportation appears to be going through the motions to say they are listening to the people. But if people are excluded from these meetings that won't hold true. We need to make sure that everyone's voice is heard.
We'll be delivering our letter at each and every meeting across the state to let FL DOT know that we will have our say for safer communities, and we will be heard.
Thanks for all you do for the environment,
Britten Cleveland Florida Healthy Air Campaign Sierra Club