Pedestrian Safety Month: 
Building Safer Streets for Everyone

October marks National Pedestrian Safety Month, and here in Florida, the message couldn’t be more important. With our year-round sunshine and vibrant communities, walking is a way of life—whether it’s a morning stroll along the beach, a quick walk to the bus stop, or children heading to school. Yet Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians, reminding us that safety must be a shared responsibility.

Why Does It Matter?

• High Vulnerability: pedestrians account for more than 20% of Florida’s traffic fatalities each year. Unlike drivers, pedestrians have no protective barrier, making collisions especially severe.
• Growing Communities: because of Florida's temperate weather, more residents and visitors choose to walk, bike, and roll, and transportation systems must help keep them safe.
• Access: many Floridians rely on walking and public transit as primary modes of travel. Safe streets aren’t just about convenience—they’re about fairness and accessibility for all.

What is Being Done to Improve Safety?

• Vision Zero Action Plan: the Volusia-Flagler TPO recently adopted its Vision Zero Action Plan, our commitment and plan for reaching zero fatalities and serious injuries on our transportation system by 2050 through the Safe System approach to roadway safety.
• Operation Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety, a program of Bike/Walk Central Florida, is a high-visibility enforcement program that reminds drivers about Florida’s driver yield law. It focuses on one simple, measurable goal: to get more drivers to yield and stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, as Florida law requires. Best Foot Forward works to accomplish this goal using the proven, “Triple-E” approach of combining community education with low-cost engineering changes and high-visibility enforcement. This program is funded in Volusia County by FDOT and in Flagler County by the Volusia-Flagler TPO.
• Complete Streets Design: FDOT, the TPO, and local governments work to design corridors with wider sidewalks, high-visibility crosswalks, better lighting, and pedestrian refuge islands.
• Safe Routes to School: these programs encourage children to walk or bike with safety education and improved school-area infrastructure.
• Data-Driven Enforcement: law enforcement agencies target high-risk corridors with high visibility awareness and enforcement campaigns.

What Can You Do?

• For Drivers: slow down, especially in neighborhoods and near schools; stop for pedestrians at crosswalks; avoid distractions.
• For Pedestrians: use marked crosswalks, wear bright or reflective clothing at night, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• For Communities: support traffic calming measures, advocate for better sidewalks and lighting, and participate in local safety events.

Looking Ahead...

Transportation in Florida is about more than moving cars—it’s about moving people, safely and efficiently. Pedestrian Safety Month is a reminder that streets are shared spaces. By working together—transportation agencies, local leaders, and residents—we can build safer, more connected communities where walking isn’t just possible, but inviting.

Volusia-Flagler 2050 LRTP adopted by TPO Board

Your Volusia-Flagler 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

On September 17, 2025 the Volusia-Flagler TPO Board adopted the 2050 LRTP. This plan outlines the region’s vision for the future of transportation —including roadway, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements—through the year 2050. The Cost Feasible Plan Element of the LRTP prioritizes the transportation projects that can be funded based on projected available resources.

The Volusia-Flagler 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan:

• Identifies future needs and improvements for pedestrian, bicycle, transit, highway, and freight mobility
• Guides the expenditure of transportation funds
• Ensures new transportation improvements meet community values
• Prioritizes transportation projects
• Promotes safe and efficient transportation services

🔗 The adopted 2050 LRTP and Cost Feasible Plan Element are available by clicking on the following link:

View the adopted 2050 LRTP

On the Move: September TPO Adventures in Outreach

Staying Safe on Two Wheels: the TPO Talks Bikes & E-Bikes

On September 12, the TPO gave a presentation about bicycle safety and the rules of the road for both bikes and e-bikes. The session included practical tips and resources to help riders feel more confident every time they hop on their wheels.

One of the biggest takeaways? Never underestimate the power of a helmet! Wearing a helmet that fits properly is one of the easiest—and smartest—ways to reduce the risk of injury. Attendees also got a refresher on bicycle laws, ensuring that everyone knows how to ride responsibly while sharing the road with cars, buses, and even fellow pedestrians.

With e-bikes coming into the spotlight, staff shared updates on local ordinances and safe riding habits tailored to this growing trend. The goal was simple: help riders enjoy the freedom and convenience of e-bikes while keeping safety front and center.

It was a great chance to learn, share, and connect—and to keep building a community where every trip by bike is safe, enjoyable, and worry-free.

Celebrating VoTran's 50th Anniversary

On Friday, September 19, 2025, VoTran celebrated its 50th year of service! A special celebration was held at their office in South Daytona. A highlight of the celebration was honoring Mr. Bernard Huggins, a dedicated bus operator who has been driving riders since the beginning. Mr. Huggins—recently recognized as Bus Operator of the Year by the Florida Public Transit Association (FPTA)—is now on VoTran’s newest bus wrap, alongside the updated VoTran logo.

As part of the celebration, numerous speakers shared their thoughts about the service, including Ms. Bobbie King, Volusia County Transit Services Director, Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower, Volusia County Council Vice Chair Matt Reinhart, and Mr. Bernard Huggins, longtime transit operator. Mr. Huggins reflected on his years behind the wheel—sharing stories not only as a driver, but also as a mentor and a listening ear to countless riders (comments as read by Bobbie King). Also showcased were many of the awards that VoTran and its employees have been awarded.

Above: US Senator Rick Scott's District Director,

Barry Cotton, and Volusia County Council

Vice Chair Matt Reinhart.

Vision Zero Action Plan

Even though we have adopted our Vision Zero Action Plan (VZAP), that doesn't mean we are finished! We are strongly committed to eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in our community by 2050.

To keep you informed and involved, we have launched an interactive StoryMap — a dynamic tool you can access anytime. Here’s what you’ll find on the StoryMap:

✅ Progress updates

📊 Key performance metrics

🏗 Project milestones

🔎Opportunities for improvement

Our Goal? A safer, more sustainable transportation future for everyone with zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Your voice and your eyes on this process matter—transparency and collaboration are how we get to zero! Take a look, explore the data, and be a part of what we are doing: StoryMap Link

Vision Zero is based on the idea that traffic fatalities and serious injuries are preventable, and the only acceptable number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries is zero. Vision Zero requires a fundamental change in how we think about traffic safety and planning. To view the TPO's Vision Zero Action Plan, click the link below:

Vision Zero Action Plan

October Calendar of Activities

*Meeting held at the TPO office (1540 Cornerstone Blvd, Suite 240, Daytona Beach)

**Meeting held at Votran (950 Big Tree Rd, South Daytona)

New TPO Office Location and Contact Information

This is a reminder that the Volusia-Flagler TPO office has moved to the Cornerstone Office Park, located at the southwest corner of LPGA Boulevard and Williamson Boulevard. We are on the second floor of the 1540 Cornerstone Building. In addition to our address change, our phone number has also changed to 386-271-0249.

All TPO Board and Advisory Committee meetings will be held in the conference room at the TPO office (with the exception of the TDLCB, which meets at Votran).

October TPO Board and

Advisory Committee Activities

During October, the TPO Board and advisory committees will take action on a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendment as well as an amendment to the 2025 List of Priority Projects in order to reflect the Volusia-Flagler 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) list of projects. A presentation and discussion will take place on the TPO's annual Call for Projects guiding resolutions and project applications. In addition, the TPO Board will discuss the draft 2026 TPO Policy Positions.

Additional information on TPO Board and advisory committee agendas and meeting locations is available on the TPO website at VFTPO.org, and information on the TPO's community outreach/activities can be viewed at: TPO Outreach & Activities.