A major Melbourne roadway that sees tens of thousands of cars and trucks daily, plus frequent crashes, could soon see some big safety changes.
Especially for those who aren't driving.
- Wickham Road in Melbourne sees up to 43,000 vehicles per day
- Space Coast Transportation officials looking for safety improvements
- Seeking public input on ways to ease congestion as well
It's something bicyclists like Bonnie Ida encounter every time they decide to ride along Wickham Road -- constant traffic from Eau Gallie Boulevard to Lake Washington Road.
"It's just really, really dangerous," Ida said. "You take your chances."
The Space Coast Transportation Organization estimates up to 43,000 vehicles use this corridor each day.
But pedestrians and people on bikes also have to navigate their way through too, and in some areas there's no room for them to stay safely away from traffic.
Ida grew up in Chicago, where biking and walking are the norm. She wants that mentality to spread here.
"I want them to feel safe and ride their bikes, and not have to get in the car," said Ida.
Her efforts were noticed by the TPO, which has been studying safety improvements in the area.
This section of roadway averaged 75 crashes over the past five years, with four of them involving pedestrians or bicyclists.
The TPO is studying ways to ease congestion, and make intersections safer and more friendly for those who aren't behind the wheel.
"We will be healthier, the air will be cleaner and the traffic easier for drivers," said Ida.
The Space Coast TPO is holding a community meeting until 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Wickham Park Community Center to get input from the public.