On May 2nd, during a sunny afternoon in Opa-locka, the community gathered for a transformative event—the Community Workshop with the Dutch Cycling Embassy. This workshop was a pivotal moment in the development of the City of Opa-locka’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP). The goal? To improve road safety and create a more walkable and bike-friendly community.
The workshop kicked off with anticipation as participants arrived, helmets in hand, ready to explore the city on two wheels. Here’s a glimpse of what unfolded:
Community Bicycle Ride
The event began with a cycling tour—a chance for participants to experience Opa-locka’s streets firsthand. As pedals turned and wheels spun, the community came together, weaving through neighborhoods, parks, and bustling streets. Ms. Natasha Ervin, Vice Mayor of Opa-locka welcomed all participants. Private civil groups such as the Seniors on the Move, the TenNorth Group, and the Discover Opa-locka Historic Preservation group and Transit Alliance participated. Other county agencies such as the Florida Department of Transportation, the Miami-Dade Transportation Public Organization, the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works, Bike 305, City of Miami Beach, City of Hialeah, and University of Miami Bike Safe and Walk Safe Program participated in the community workshop and bike ride. The wind carried conversations about bike lanes, traffic signals, and the joy of cycling. It was more than a ride; it was a shared vision of safer streets.
Expert Lectures
Following the ride, we settled into the workshop space, eager to learn from experts. Two distinguished speakers from the Dutch Cycling Embassy gave a presentation:
Teije Gorris – GO-Bility
Teije Gorris explained and emphasized the importance of creating and designing streets that are safe for both pedestrians and cyclists. Mr. Gorris explained the five design principles to make roads more attractive to all modes of transportation: cohesion, directness, safety, comfort, and attractiveness. Mr. Gorris also explained safety features that have been implemented in the Netherlands that are successful, and other design applications, recommendations, and policies already implemented in the United States.
Richard ter Avest – Goudappel
Richard ter Avest, an urban planner and advocate for sustainable mobility, shared the importance of first and last mile and combining cycle and transit. He highlighted the synergy between cycling and public transit, emphasizing that bike-friendly cities are interconnected cities.
Interactive Workshop
At the end of the presentations, participants were divided into groups and were asked how to make streets safer in Opa-locka. Participants started drafting and drawing on maps, where they provided helpful recommendations to make safer streets, healthier lives, and a bike-friendly city.
