Response from Speaker Cretul to FL Rails to Trails Conservancy letter: "Please protect Florida's pedestrians

From: Speaker Cretul [mailto:larry.cretul@myfloridahouse.gov]
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2009 9:54 AM
To: letournd@comcast.net
Subject: Please protect Florida's pedestrians (Thread:77086)

Thank you for your e-mail regarding the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. I welcome the opportunity to learn of your concerns and I appreciate your suggestions for improving transportation safety.

Please know the Florida Legislature is concerned about the number of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities, and has worked to make our state safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. State law requires walkers and riders to be fully considered in the development of transportation facilities. In addition, the Legislature passed legislation in 2005 that requires motorists to completely stop for sight impaired pedestrians with a properly identified guide dog or service animal, and 2006 legislation requires motorists to allow three feet clearance when passing a bicyclist. These efforts have resulted in increased pedestrian safety, as this past year saw pedestrian deaths decrease five percent over the previous year.

The Florida Department of Transportation's Safety Office bicycle/pedestrian coordinator works with many offices within the department to provide input and suggestions throughout the various stages of planning and design. This position also serves as a member of the Strategic Intermodal System technical advisory committee to ensure a focus on safety with alternate modes of transportation. In addition, the Florida Department of Transportation has a bicycle and pedestrian interest group that meets regularly to discuss safety issues.

I would encourage you to work with your local government and metropolitan planning organization on pedestrian and bicyclist safety needs in your area. State law requires the plans and programs for each metropolitan area provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities, including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities that will function as an intermodal transportation system. I assure you that I will keep your concerns and suggestions in mind throughout the legislative process

Thank you again for writing to me. If I can be of assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Larry Cretul
Speaker

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Please protect Florida's pedestrians [This was an online "form letter" by Florida's Rails to Trails Conservancy]
Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:20:16 -0600 (CST)

Nov 18, 2009

Mr. Larry Cretul

Dear Mr. Cretul,

I find it entirely unacceptable--and shameful--that four Florida
communities were, yet again, at or near the top of a national list of
the most dangerous places for pedestrians. A pedestrian in Florida is
twice as likely, on average, to be struck and killed by a vehicle as
are pedestrians in other states. You fare even worse as a bicyclist at
nearly three times.
I ask that you please:
1) Reinstate a statewide citizen advisory committee for bicycle and
pedestrian input;
2) Empower the Florida bicycle and pedestrian coordinator to have
meaningful involvement in all levels of transportation planning;
3) Elevate the Pedestrian and Bicycle Program within FDOT to better
facilitate coordination across divisions and districts and include
bicycling in a meaningful way in the Strategic Intermodal System Plan;
and
4) Include in any new transit connection (particularly between Orlando
and Tampa) the trails, sidewalks and bike lanes that tie the system to
where people live, work, play and learn from the very start and budget
these improvements accordingly.
We are all pedestrians at some point. Please do whatever is in your
power to improve the safety of Florida's pedestrians and bicyclists
alike.

Sincerely,

Ms. Darla Letourneau
1679 Serenity Ln
Sanibel, FL 33957-4235