On August 29th 2019, Flavia Carnicelli was killed by a  driver while cycling across the Venetian Causeway.  Instead of consequences and action, this tragedy has so far led to just a $179 traffic ticket for the driver and zero improvements to make the road safer.

The Venetian Causeway is one of the most important bicycle connectors in all of Miami-Dade County. Approximately 1500 cyclists cross the Venetian Causeway every day, yet the bike lane is completely unprotected and unsafe.

Transit Alliance Miami, a non-profit organization advocating for walkable streets, bikeable neighborhoods and better public transit is launching the Safer Venetian Causeway campaign to demand safer biking infrastructure across the Venetian Causeway and  into the City of Miami. Street design is crucial to reducing crashes on the road and protected bike lanes are an integral part of any safe street.

As part of the campaign, Transit Alliance launched a video which includes Commissioner Mark Samuelian of Miami Beach and Commissioner Ken Russell of the City of Miami, both of whom support safer bicycling infrastructure.

“The safety of our cyclists is something I care deeply about, and I am committed to making sure we improve protection for cyclists and that they feel safe on the road,”  Commissioner Samuelian said.

“Tragedies like this can be avoided … I am very proud to announce that we just reached $1 million in revenue from the scooter sharing program, which can only be spent on bicycle lane infrastructure,” Commissioner Russell said.

Transit Alliance’s demands include:

• Protect the bike lanes with a physical buffer to prevent cars crossing into the lane
• Widen the bike lanes to approach the NACTO standard of 5 feet
• Reduce the speed limit to 25mph across the entire causeway, including signs and enforcement
  

Bicycling safety on the Venetian Causeway will be discussed at Miami Beach's Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee starting at 8:30am on Monday, February 3rd, 2020 at Miami Beach City Hall in the Commission Chambers.

Cyclists and residents can view the campaign, track the status of the project and get involved at www.transitalliance.miami/venetian

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PRESS CONTACT                      
Marcia Duprat
marcia@transitalliance.miami