Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bike Lanes

Orlando, the Capital of Pedestrian Fatalities, Tests a New Approach to Street Design

Florida routinely ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the country for walking. And walking in Orlando is deadlier than in any other major city in Florida -- and the nation.

But the city's new transportation director, Billy Hattaway, is a reformer. And he's trying to change the wide, high-speed roads that put people at risk.

First up is Curry Ford Road, which locals describe as a "race track." The city is planning to test out a redesign using low-cost materials on half a mile of this four-lane street, according to the Jacksonville-based blog Modern Cities.

By trimming it down to two through lanes for motor vehicles with a center lane, the city will have room for curbside bike lanes separated from cars by vertical posts. A similar road diet on Orlando's Edgewater Drive (without the bike lanes) reduced traffic injuries 71 percent, but that was nearly two decades ago.

During the four-week pilot on Curry Ford Road, the city will collect data on safety, vehicle speeds, and walking and biking volumes. If the results show the redesign has made a difference, the city may extend it and make it permanent.

Currently, Curry Ford Road is a wide open speedway.
Currently, Curry Ford Road is a wide open speedway.
false

In addition to the Curry Ford Road project, Orlando is planning two permanent street redesigns downtown, according to the Orlando Sentinel, but those are capital projects expected to take years to implement.

Keep an eye on Hattaway's initiatives in Orlando. If this city can turn its dangerous streets into safe places to walk and bike, anywhere can.

More recommended reading today: The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia reports thatMayor Jim Kenney has approved two long-sought protected bike lanes through Center City. And the Dallas Morning News says DART has to take bus service seriously, or else systemwide ridership will continue to decline.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Eyes on the Street: UPS Blows Off DOT’s ‘Microhubs’ Delivery Pilot

"Microhub" parking zones reserved for e-commerce firms to offload parcels from trucks to cargo bikes and hand-carts routinely go unused.

July 23, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Fix Canal Street Now

Activists will gather on Canal Street tonight to demand safety. Plus other news (including our Mets odyssey).

July 23, 2025

E-Bike Battery Swap Hub Backed by Con Edison Opens At Ebbets Field Apartments

Hundreds of delivery workers who live at the Crown Heights apartment complex now have access to fully charged e-bike batteries right outside their building.

July 22, 2025

DOT’s Uptown Greenway Connector is ‘Ridiculous’ — And Forces Cyclists to Cross a Highway Ramp!

The Department of Transportation’s proposed path forces cyclists to cross a highway and traverse stairs just to access the Hudson River Greenway.

July 22, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Sean Duffy is Anti-Safety Edition

The U.S. Transportation Secretary is so pro-car that he risks making transportation less safe. Plus other news.

July 22, 2025

#StuckAtDOT: Canal Street Carnage Continues As Fixes Flounder

How many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died?

July 21, 2025
See all posts