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MOBILITY MONDAY

Message From Executive Director, Greg Stuart 

While many of us are savoring the last of our relaxing summer days, the MPO staff is hard at work constructing the next iteration of the MPO’s Route to 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). As one of the MPO's core products, the MTP will influence transportation investments in Broward County over the course of the next 25 years. Recently, we added the Broward Commuter Rail South project to our current MTP known as Commitment 2045, offering an alternate means of transportation to I-95 and joining Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. As part of the Route to 2050 program, Broward is prioritizing and allocating funding for transportation projects up to 2050 and examining pertinent issues such as the impacts of climate change and the incorporation of innovative technologies that promote safer and more efficient travel. For the coming weeks, the emphasis will be placed on the outcomes of the safety analysis conducted through Route to 2050, particularly with regard to the security of pedestrians and cyclists in Broward.  In upcoming editions of Mobility Monday, we will highlight the MTP efforts related to resiliency, housing coordination, and technology. In fact, our latest “Let’s Talk Transportation” podcast episode is a re-airing of the “Smarter Streets. Better Broward” panel discussion we held back in May. Stay tuned for more details about how the MPO is working to improve the quality of life in Broward through investments in the transportation system. 

BROWARD MPO IN ACTION

Noteworthy Trends from

Our Route to 2050 Safety Analysis 🚲 

This week we are ready to report some statistics from our Route to 2050 safety analysis regarding fatalities and severe injuries that involve pedestrians and bicyclists on non-interstate roadways. Statistics show that when involved, pedestrian crashes are 15 times more likely, and bicycle crashes are 6 times more likely to end with a fatality or severe injury. 

Pedestrians  

• Over two-thirds of accidents with pedestrians take place when it's dark out, emphasizing the importance of wearing light-colored or bright garments, as well as reflectors and lights, to be visible. 

• A staggering 80% of crashes that occur at signalized intersections are attributed to pedestrians within the crosswalk - emphasizing the requirement for drivers to drive at a safe speed and be cognizant of pedestrians. 

Bicyclists 

• Bicyclists tend to get into more crashes between midday and the afternoon compared to pedestrians, suggesting the need for wearing bright-colored clothing and an increase in drivers' alertness. 

• With one-third of traffic crashes happening over the weekend, there is an increased need for drivers to remain vigilant and conscientious during this period, when more people may be using the roads for leisure purposes. 

Over the course of the coming weeks, we will shine a spotlight on additional insights from our Route to 2050 safety report. Integrating the needs of all users into our roadway designs is certainly essential to increasing safety, but we must also be mindful of the role education plays in tackling these problems. By educating ourselves and those around us on safety concerns, we can all do our part in creating a safer future. For more information about the MTP, click here.

Broward MPO Deputy Executive Director to Speak

at AMPO National Conference 

The Broward MPO is pleased to announce that Deputy Executive Director Carol Henderson has been selected to speak at the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO) Conference in Cleveland, Ohio in September. Her presentation titled "10 Innovative Ways to Fund Initiatives that Engage Broader, More Diverse Audiences" is a reflection of her dedication and leadership to inclusive transportation planning. We applaud Carol and look forward to seeing her presentation at the AMPO Conference in September. 

FROM OUR PARTNERS

Brightline Offering Reduced

SMART Fares on August 27 

Brightline is offering reduced SMART fares for children and adults on August 27! Now you can enjoy traveling with your entire family and make memories without breaking the bank. With this limited-time offer, you can explore our beautiful state with ease and comfort. 

With SMART fares starting at just $5, there's never been a better time to hop on a Brightline train and experience everything Florida has to offer. Whether it's a trip to the beach or a weekend getaway to Miami, they've got you covered. 

So, pack your bags, grab the kiddos, and head over to the nearest Brightline station on August 27th to take advantage of these incredible deals! Don't miss out on this chance to make unforgettable memories with the ones you love most. Book your tickets now and let the adventure begin! 

It’s National Senior Day! 

National Senior Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate and honor the lives of seniors, and there's no better way to do that than by promoting their health and well-being. Walking is an excellent form of exercise that is easy, low-impact, and accessible to seniors of all fitness levels. The Broward MPO encourages seniors to get out and enjoy the beautiful parks that Broward County has to offer by taking a walk. Not only is walking a great way to stay active and healthy, but it's also an opportunity to take in the stunning scenery and bask in the Florida sunshine. 

According to the National Institute on Aging, physical activity is crucial for seniors' well-being as it helps them maintain their independence and prevents the onset of chronic diseases. Moreover, regular exercise improves balance and reduces the risk of falls, a major concern for many seniors. Walking is an easy, low-impact way for seniors to get the recommended amount of physical activity without overexerting themselves. 

Fortunately, Broward County is home to several stunning parks that cater to walkers of all fitness levels. From the vast, open spaces of Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek to the shady trails of Central Broward Park in Lauderhill, there's something for everyone. The Tree Tops Park in Davie, for example, features a scenic 3.5-mile loop trail surrounded by towering trees and an abundance of wildlife. Seniors can enjoy the beauty of nature while simultaneously taking care of their health. Click here to learn more!