Delray Beach’s code requirement of 5-foot-wide sidewalks does not provide enough space for pedestrians to walk safely. Not when the 5 feet includes: restaurant wait staff, customers lined up for reservations, pedestrians walking in both directions, bicycles, baby strollers, wheelchairs, rollerbladers and other
obstacles.
The problem is compounded at the state road A1A sidewalk cafes when pedestrians are walking or standing in the street without the protection that on-street parking provides.
These sidewalks were widened as part of the SR A1A Improvement Project. Now, in lieu of providing safer bike lanes or wider sidewalks for pedestrians, this space is being used for more dining tables.
A crash like the one that occurred recently on Atlantic Avenue could have been deadly had it occurred at this location.
Jim Smith, Delray Beach
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