Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Florida

Orlando, the Capital of Pedestrian Fatalities, Tests a New Approach to Street Design

Orlando will repurpose car lanes to create protected bike lanes and safer pedestrian crossings for a trial project on Curry Road. Rendering: City of Orlando

Florida routinely ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the country for walking. And walking in Orlando is deadlier than in any other major city in Florida -- and the nation.

But the city's new transportation director, Billy Hattaway, is a reformer. And he's trying to change the wide, high-speed roads that put people at risk.

First up is Curry Ford Road, which locals describe as a "race track." The city is planning to test out a redesign using low-cost materials on half a mile of this four-lane street, according to the Jacksonville-based blog Modern Cities.

By trimming it down to two through lanes for motor vehicles with a center lane, the city will have room for curbside bike lanes separated from cars by vertical posts. A similar road diet on Orlando's Edgewater Drive (without the bike lanes) reduced traffic injuries 71 percent, but that was nearly two decades ago.

During the four-week pilot on Curry Ford Road, the city will collect data on safety, vehicle speeds, and walking and biking volumes. If the results show the redesign has made a difference, the city may extend it and make it permanent.

Currently, Curry Ford Road is a wide open speedway.
Currently, Curry Ford Road is a wide open speedway.
Currently, Curry Ford Road is a wide open speedway.

In addition to the Curry Ford Road project, Orlando is planning two permanent street redesigns downtown, according to the Orlando Sentinel, but those are capital projects expected to take years to implement.

Keep an eye on Hattaway's initiatives in Orlando. If this city can turn its dangerous streets into safe places to walk and bike, anywhere can.

More recommended reading today: The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia reports thatMayor Jim Kenney has approved two long-sought protected bike lanes through Center City. And the Dallas Morning News says DART has to take bus service seriously, or else systemwide ridership will continue to decline.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

When Journalists Give Even Intentional Traffic Violence a Pass

The driver who killed Paris cycling advocate Paul Varry has been charged with murder — but America's top-selling newspaper seemingly implied that he's a victim of the "war on cars."

December 2, 2024

The 2024 Streetsblog Gift Guide For Sustainable Transportation Advocates Who Love to Read

The previous 11-plus months have been epic for urbanism-related books. Why not buy a few for the advocates on your holiday list?

December 2, 2024

Monday’s Headlines Are Stuffed Full of Stories

Enjoy this mega-post while you digest the rest of your Thanksgiving leftovers.

December 2, 2024

What the Potential Pedestrianization of Europe’s Busiest Shopping Street Can Teach U.S. Cities

Oxford Street is poised for a pedestrian-friendly makeover. What can the U.S. learn from their journey to get there?

December 2, 2024

Pennsylvania Shifted Cash From Highways to Transit – But Other States Could Go Even Further

"If your governor says they don't have money for transit, they are lying," said one advocate.

November 27, 2024
See all posts