PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — More options for pedestrians and bicyclists are on the way in Pinellas County.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Forward Pinellas have several projects in the works to help with safety and bike recreation.
Among them are several new pedestrian bridges on U.S. 19.
FDOT just opened one at Harn Boulevard in Clearwater. Another one is being built near Curlew Road in Palm Harbor.
In the fall of 2024, crews are expected to start construction on a new crossing over the Pinellas County side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway.
Officials with Forward Pinellas say that this one is planned to have wider ramps than the new bridge at Harn, which will help bicyclists use the nearby trails easier.
Longtime cyclist Susan Giffune, who works at Outspokin Bicycles in Clearwater, says those crossings are badly needed.
“Going over 19 is a nightmare,” Giffune said. “There are not enough pedestrian walkways. There are not enough bridges.”
FDOT is installing these bridges to improve safety for Pinellas pedestrians and cyclists, who continue to face a lot of danger on busy roads.
“It helps the people come to visit. It helps the people who live here. It’s just a lot nicer for people to feel safe,” Giffune said.
In addition, plans for the new Howard Frankland Bridge call for a multi-use trail that bikers can use to cross the bay.
March is also Florida Biking Month. Officials use March to highlight its growing bike infrastructure across the state.