On Bayshore Boulevard, some cars are speeding, while others are distracted, according to Walk Bike Tampa. Now, there is a community effort underway to lower the speed limit and up police enforcement for the stretch of road.
Walk Bike Tampa says the answer is dropping the speed limit to 25-35 miles per hour. The speed limit is 40 miles an hour, but some say many drivers are going much faster.
This comes after 13-year-old boy was hit trying to ride his bike across Bayshore Boulevard, crossing at Bay to Bay Boulevard.
"This poor child could have died," said Jackie Toledo of Walk Bike Tampa, community group aiming to lower the speed limit and put more police officers along Bayshore Blvd.
"Lights, signage, more enforcement and police," Toledo said. "I think there should be police here at all times."
They've taken their efforts to Hillsborough County's MPO Board and the City of Tampa. They have also launched a local branch of the Vision Zero initiative, a worldwide effort to plan better infrastructure, safer streets and reduce traffic fatalities.
The group is also trying to get flashing lights where the car hit Kosses to alert drivers. Walk Bike Tampa may try to bring in private investors to help pay for it if necessary.
Other cyclists said lowering the speed limit may help the speeding problem.
"I say a prayer before I leave my house every day," said Delma Alvarez, who lives nearby.
Alvarez sees people whizzing down the road and says she's hesitant to cross.
"There are a lot of possibilities of danger along the way here," she said.
Other cyclists aren't sure if lowering the speed will help, but say pedestrians and bikers need to look out for themselves
"You've gotta really be on your toes," said Jim Harper, another cyclist. "I generally avoid that intersection myself."
Walk Bike Tampa is hoping the city will eventually drop the speed limit here to 25 or 35 miles an hour.
"We need to stop talking about what we could do and start doing those things," Toledo said.
Tampa Police were not able to respond in time for our deadline in regards to what police enforcement is currently being done along Bayshore Blvd.
