Speed limit reduced on section of Rickenbacker Causeway to help protect cyclists
MIAMI - In an effort to better protect cyclists and pedestrians on the Rickenbacker Causeway, a new speed limit went into effect on Thursday.
The speed limit of 45 mph on a stretch of the road has changed and now the speed limit is 40 mph throughout the causeway from the toll plaza to Calusa Circle.
It follows a series of accidents on the Causeway which is a popular spot for bicyclists. On May 15th, Miami Police say 48-year-old Yaudys Vera, a father of two boys, and his girlfriend, 46-year-old Ogniana Reyes, were struck and killed by a Jeep while riding their bicycles. The unidentified driver was given several citations.
CBS4's Peter D'Oench spoke with Vera's father Sergio, who showed him new photos of his son and said, "I believe it should be 35 miles per hour maximum and there should be a lot of signage too.
There is only signage to a certain point. My son was a great father and a great son. We were both cyclists. He invited me to ride with him that day and if I had gone it would have killed me too. This accident destroyed families. Where there are cyclists, lower your speed."
On Thursday, CBS4 noticed Miami-Dade Police on scene with traffic enforcement and noticed drivers paying attention to the lower speed limit on the Causeway.
"This speed limit adjustment on the Rickenbacker will provide a safer environment for community members, cyclists, and safety advocates," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Levine Cava.
Over the summer the county's police and transportation departments conducted a pilot program and collected traffic data. They found the speed limit needed to be updated.
"I want to thank the mayor and her staff for listening to our request to reconsider raising the speed limit along the Rickenbacker Causeway, studying the issue in depth, and coming to the conclusion that a uniform 40mph speed limit along the entire roadway is a safe and reasonable speed," said Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey.
In addition, the first phase of safety enhancements located immediately west of the William Powell Bridge has been completed. These include limited access to the U-turn under the bridge and the installation of delineators that restrict vehicles from turning through the bike lane.
The second phase of improvements, which will involve the elimination of conflict points east of the William Powell bridge, will get underway in the coming months.
