February 3, 2004 Re: Bridge of Lions Plans 100% Design Review Dear Mr. Teal, Our organization met with your Public Information Officer, Fred Halback on November 14, 2003 to review the 100% Design Plans for the Bridge of Lions. Since that time Mr. Halback has provided us with some back-up information pertaining to questions raised, particularly in regard to a noteworthy height increase in the sidewalk railing. It is our understanding that FDOT is proposing to raise the railing height from the current 3’8” to 4’6” as shown on the plans and supported in the Bridge Development Report prepared by Reynolds, Smith and Hill. The report states that “evaluation of sidewalk railing alternatives centers on blending safety and preservation perspectives.” The increase in railing height is a noticeable deviation from the original design, which will significantly impact the bridge’s appearance and diminish the pedestrian experience of crossing the span. In our opinion it is a great compromise to the integrity of the rehabilitation, which should only be undertaken if safety is the overriding concern. In this case, we submit that there is no benefit to public safety by increasing the railing height. Any encouragement of bicyclists to use the sidewalks is dangerous and should be discouraged with signage and law enforcement. Under current laws in all 50 states bicycles are classified as vehicles and it is thus illegal for them to be ridden on sidewalks. FDOT should not guide its design decisions to accommodate the already illegal use of the sidewalks by bicycle traffic. The likelihood of a bicyclist falling into traffic over a 2 1/2 foot concrete barrier is a very real threat. A fatal accident occurred in precisely this manner in October, 1999. In addition, a 5 foot sidewalk is far too narrow for pedestrians and bicyclists to share. It is our opinion that FDOT should create signage establishing the walking of bicycles for any cyclist who chooses to use the pedestrian sidewalks under penalty of law. This would prevent the unfortunate scenario of 5 years ago from recurring. It would also eliminate the need to increase the railing height, thereby addressing both the interests of preservation and safety. While acknowledging that FDOT must give the matter of safety more weight than preservation concerns, the rationale for compromising the original design to follow an inapplicable AASHTO code is not justified. We hope you will give consideration to the concerns expressed in regard to the completion of this long anticipated rehabilitation design. Thank you for sharing the design plans with us and providing the information we have requested. Your department has been very cooperative and forthcoming and we look forward to continued participation in this exciting project.
Theresa Segal. President cc: Fred Gaske, State Historic Preservation Officer
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