{"id":2676,"date":"2015-12-30T17:32:03","date_gmt":"2015-12-30T17:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ocfl.flywheelsites.com\/2015\/12\/orange-county-steps-up-pedestrian-safety-with-walk-ride-thrive\/"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:12:21","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T17:12:21","slug":"orange-county-steps-up-pedestrian-safety-with-walk-ride-thrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2015\/12\/orange-county-steps-up-pedestrian-safety-with-walk-ride-thrive\/","title":{"rendered":"Orange County Steps Up Pedestrian Safety with Walk-Ride-Thrive!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs recently launched Walk-Ride-Thrive!<\/em><\/a>, a pedestrian safety initiative that focuses on creating an environment where local residents, businesses and visitors are able to enjoy safer pedestrian and biking options.<\/p>\n

As Orange County grows and becomes more populated, traffic congestion has spiked, which increases the risk for pedestrian accidents. According to recent statistics, the Metro Orlando region has become one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians<\/a> in the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese statistics \u2013 which represent real people \u2013 are simply unacceptable,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said. \u201cWe must protect our most precious assets \u2013 our children and citizens \u2013 and launch this concerted effort to make our streets safer for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition to the Mayor\u2019s Walk-Ride-Thrive!<\/em> initiative, Orange County Government has collaborated with other regional entities, including MetroPlan Orlando<\/a>, the Florida Department of Transportation<\/a> and Best Foot Forward. Together ongoing safety initiatives are implemented to establish and maintain a coordinated, comprehensive and consistent response to Orange County\u2019s pedestrian and bicycle safety issues.<\/p>\n

Over the next five years, $15 million from the INVEST in Our Home for Life initiative<\/em><\/a> will be allocated for pedestrian safety and intersection improvements, providing sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, turn lanes, updated signage and other vital safety enhancements for citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cRoads will be designed with all users in mind,\u201d Orange County Transportation Planning Manager Renzo Nastasi said. \u201cSo whether people are in a car, on a bike or on their feet, they can have peace of mind knowing their local roadways were created with their safety in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mayor Jacobs is also participating in the United States Department of Transportation\u2019s Mayor\u2019s Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets<\/a>, which aims to make roads more pedestrian and bike-friendly by incorporating safe and convenient walking and biking facilities in transportation projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re honored to be working alongside other state, regional and local entities in order to address pedestrian safety concerns,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said. \u201cWe want our community to be safe in every way, and there\u2019s a lot to look forward to in 2016 and beyond when it comes to our roadways and pedestrian safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

In order to facilitate these goals, Orange County\u2019s Walk-Ride-Thrive!<\/em> pedestrian safety initiative will:<\/p>\n