Advocating for Safer Crosswalks: A Success Story from SR A1A in Indian Harbour Beach

In 2024, the Best Foot Forward (BFF) program celebrated a major milestone in pedestrian safety advocacy: the announcement of full signalization with traffic lights at SR A1A and Atlantic Boulevard in Indian Harbour Beach. This transformational improvement highlights the power of data-driven advocacy and collaboration to enhance safety and protect vulnerable road users. 

The Problem: Unsafe Crossing Conditions 

The SR A1A corridor in Indian Harbour Beach had long been identified as a high-risk area for pedestrians. The crosswalk at Atlantic Boulevard, in particular, posed significant challenges. Despite being marked with ladder striping for special emphasis, the absence of a traffic signal left pedestrians vulnerable as drivers frequently failed to yield. WKMG 6 highlighted these dangers in a news story, showing how many cars ignored pedestrians attempting to cross, making it nearly impossible to navigate this busy six-lane road with an average daily traffic volume of 22,000 vehicles. 

Adding to the urgency, BFF data revealed that the average driver yield rate at this crosswalk in 2024 was just 18%. During multiple pedestrian enforcement operations in 2024, law enforcement issued dozens of warnings and citations for drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. These enforcements revealed the magnitude of the safety issue and underscored the need for immediate action. 

Advocacy in Action: Using Data to Drive Change 

BFF data collectors monitored the SR A1A and Atlantic Boulevard crosswalk for over a year, identifying critical safety concerns: 

• Drivers were recorded traveling as fast as 60 MPH in a 35 MPH zone.
• Pedestrians often waited long periods for traffic to clear or risked unsafe crossings. 
  • 

• Data collectors themselves were repeatedly stranded in the middle of the road while waiting for opposing traffic to stop.
• The crosswalk lacked adequate lighting and ADA-compliant features, such as truncated dome warning pads. 
  • 

• Existing countermeasures, including signage and markings, failed to adequately alert drivers or protect pedestrians. 
  • 

BFF’s advocacy, supported by enforcement data and community input, helped FDOT justify funding for a fully signalized intersection at SR A1A and Atlantic Boulevard within the next few years. With $450,000 allocated for design, $1,068,880 for construction by FY2028, and $261,600 for inspection, this upgrade will provide a safe crossing for pedestrians and enhance safety for all road users. This project underscores the power of collaboration, uniting FDOT, Best Foot Forward, and Indian Harbour Beach officials to address community concerns. Amplified by media coverage and public support, the transformation highlights FDOT’s Target Zero initiative in action and serves as a powerful example of how partnerships and strategic investments can create lasting, life-saving improvements. 

Stay Informed 

Want to learn more about BFF’s advocacy efforts and how they’re making a difference?  Visit iyield4peds.org/get-involved to stay updated, volunteer at upcoming events, or support pedestrian safety initiatives. Together, we’re building safer streets for everyone—one crosswalk at a time.