Tampa MOVES Initiative Aims to Create Safer Streets for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Early in August, the city of Tampa announced the implementation of the MOVES initiative, which has been in development for the last three years. It is hoped that, as the first citywide mobility plan, the initiative will go a long way towards improving road conditions, lessening traffic congestion, and making the roadways safer in Tampa. Read on to learn more about the MOVES initiative and how it could improve road safety in Tampa.

Accessibility to Cyclists and Pedestrians 

The MOVES Mobility Plan is an initiative that seeks to make the roads in Tampa more accessible by using over $2 billion in funding to:

• Repair local roads through resurfacing;
• Evaluate local roads for potholes, cracks, and general disrepair;
• Provide more public parking, so that motorists can avoid dangerous parallel parking;
• Add new crosswalks to provide safer crossing options for cyclists and pedestrians;
• Add bicycle lanes throughout the city, allowing for more bicycle traffic; and
• Fill in dangerous sidewalk gaps to allow for more uninterrupted foot traffic.

These measures aim to make the roads safer city-wide, not only for pedestrians and cyclists, but for motorists as well. Improvements are already underway in many parts of the city.

Relieving Traffic Congestion 

Traffic has become an increasingly serious problem in Tampa, especially in certain areas, including Interstate 4, Interstate 75, and the Veterans Expressway. Heavy traffic from these busy roads has even spilled over into local neighborhoods, which has had devastating consequences for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. The MOVES initiative will attempt to lighten this congestion by making intersection improvements and road extensions, widening the roadways in problematic areas, updating traffic signals using smart technology, and providing residents with more public transportation options. By lessening traffic throughout the city, local traffic experts hope to reduce the rate of car accidents and increase pedestrian and cyclist traffic.

MOVES Initiative Timeline 

The MOVES plan will span around 30 years, but a number of projects are already scheduled to start in the near future or have been completed. Additional parking, for instance, was added in Ybor City, where several bike lanes were also constructed. New speed cushions and shared street markings have also been added throughout the city.

Were You Injured in a Pedestrian or Bicycle Accident in Tampa? 

At Anderson & Anderson, we have seen the dire state of Tampa’s road first hand. As advocates for bicycle and pedestrian accident victims across the state, we are hopeful that the city’s newest initiative will go a long way towards preventing tragic deaths in the years to come. Unfortunately, these changes can’t go into effect immediately, but will take many years to implement, meaning that residents are still at risk of being involved in a pedestrian or bicycle accident. If you or a loved one were injured in this type of crash, we can help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call our experienced Tampa pedestrian accident lawyers at 813-251-0072 or send us an online message to get started on your case today.

Sources: 

baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/07/19/tampa-unveils-plan-to-fix-roads-and-improve-safety-

tampa.gov/mobility/transportation/tampa-moves