Government

Sidewalk Switcheroo? Boca Councilman Calls for More Cohesive Pedestrian Protections

by
Daniel Nee
September 5, 2024

‘Double sidewalks’ along Yamato Road, Boca Raton, FL, Sept. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Outside the Amalta Broken Sound apartment complex on Yamato Road in Boca Raton, two sidewalks run divided along the roadway. Many residents would be forgiven if they hadn’t noticed the two walkways – they both seem to make sense as to where they are placed – but why are there two?

“I call it the Yamato Promenade, but it wasn’t intended that way,” said Councilman Marc Wigder.

The explanation for the double-installation of sidewalks is an overlap in governmental regulation. One of the sidewalks was required by Palm Beach County during a road improvement project while the other was approved as part of the site plan presented to the city when the apartment complex was proposed. Ultimately, both were built.

“Some developments have two sidewalks – one built by the city and one built by the county,” said Wigder, adding that he has initiated conversations with county officials on how to ensure the safest location for a sidewalk is where that sidewalk is constructed.

‘Double sidewalks’ along Yamato Road, Boca Raton, FL, Sept. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

The safety of other sidewalks, he said, have been affected by the positioning of guard rails along roadways. In some cases – especially where a body of water is in an adjacent location – guard rails are installed behind the sidewalk rather than in front of it. The guard rail would stop a vehicle from driving into the water, however any pedestrians in its path would not be protected. One example of the guardrail positioning issue is the busy walkway over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge at Spanish River Boulevard. Others can be found near lakes in town.

“If there is a pedestrian, God forbid, on that road, the pedestrian is not protected,” said Wigder. “A few months ago, a pedestrian was killed while jogging along the road, and there was no protection at all. It’s something that sticks out to me because it’s something we’ve been talking about for so long since I’ve been here.”

The guard rail at the Spanish River Bridge, Boca Raton, FL, Sept. 2024. (Photo: Boca Daily News)

Wigder suggested the city begin looking at temporary and inexpensive measures to get its sidewalks in order, then focus on optimizing them and coordinating with the county on matters of future development. County officials promised they would begin conversations on the matter with City Manager George S. Brown and other staff.

“Let’s continue to ask our professional staff and consultants … to do pilot programs in critical areas of initial concern,” Wigder said.