π Dangerous by Design β Another cyclist dies in Miami Beach
Tomorrow at 5 PM we will be joining Better Streets Miami Beach as they hold a vigil and demand action after the death of a cyclist on our streets.
The more people who attend, the more powerful our impact βΒ join us!
When? Thursday, February 24 at 5 PM
Where? Dade Blvd and Purdy Ave (Across from Maurice Gibb Park)
Last Tuesday, a cyclist was killed by a box truck in Miami Beach.
The apparent cause: a right hook.
Miguel Ortiz was riding westbound in the bike lane on Dade Boulevard. A large box truck driving in the same direction apparently turned right onto Purdy Avenue, across the bike lane, crushing and dragging Mr. Ortiz. Right hooks like this kill cyclists at high rates.
His death is a painful reminder that biking in Miami Beach is not safe.Β Our streets are dangerous by design, and a large part of the blame for this tragedy lies with this city and its leaders β from City Manager Alina Hudak and our Transportation Department, both of who have been actively recommending to dismantle existing bike lanes and projects that slow our streets down, to Mayor Gelber and the Commissioners who continue to vote in favor of these recommendations.
Biking infrastructure should not be planned or built as a reaction to tragedies such as this one βΒ one death is one too many.
Miami Beach leaders need to take a hard look in the mirror, cut the lip service, and have the courage to move forward with projects that will keep its residents safe before they have another death on their hands.