USF program to address Longboat crosswalk safety

Ric Hartman, a former Longboat Key planner, will return the island to address crosswalk safety and other pedestrian issues during free workshops this month.

WalkWise Florida, a University of South Florida Center for Urban Transportation Research program funded through the Florida Department of Transportation, will host workshops at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, April 19 and April 26, at the Longboat Key fire department. The programs will last for up to 30 minutes, and include an interactive look at pedestrian laws and behavior designed to increase pedestrian safety.

“We’re focused on Longboat Key because of the installation of the flashing beacons, and just being safer in general,” said Hartman, who serves as project manager for WalkWise and is using data from the workshops for a research project.

More than 40 residents showed up for the last meeting at Gulfshore of Longboat Key, Hartman said.

After FDOT recently installed four crosswalks on Gulf of Mexico Drive, pedestrian activity has caused controversy among residents, particularly after a man was struck at the walkway near Country Club Shores. 

Mayor Jack Duncan had pushed for an education process to bring residents up to speed on crosswalk use. 

Hartman said he expects a decent turnout for the Longboat workshops, but will be happy to bring the message to any number of residents who attend.

“It’s definitely a grassroots effort,” Hartman said. “We’ll be there whether there’s five people or 50 people."