DDEC and group of dedicated professionals gathered at OB Johnson Park in Hallandale Beach last Tuesday to conduct a safety assessment of NW/SW 8th Avenue. The walk audit, organized by DDEC, brought together the City of Hallandale Beach, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization to evaluate pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Why This Matters for Our Community
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. Every day, scores of elementary and middle school students navigate this route on foot, bikes, and electric scooters. Their safety depends on well-designed street infrastructure that protects all users, especially during busy morning and afternoon hours.
What We Found
Our street-level investigation revealed a tale of two sides. The west side of 8th Avenue boasts solid pedestrian features – sidewalks protected by barriers and buffers create safe spaces for walking. However, the east side tells a different story, lacking these essential protective elements between pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
While crosswalks exist at key intersections, the audit highlighted urgent needs:
- Push buttons need upgrades to meet ADA standards.
- East side sidewalks require buffer zones.
- Additional crosswalks would serve high-traffic areas.
Taking Action
Armed with AARP assessment tools and expert guidance, participants documented specific improvements needed to transform 8th Avenue into a safer corridor for everyone. The City of Hallandale Beach can now use these findings to implement targeted upgrades that will make a real difference in community safety.
