Christy Lofye, P.E., RSP1, Secretary
Christy Lofye is a lifelong Central Floridian. Working in transportation for more than 20 years has allowed Lofye to witness both growth in the region, as well as the safety challenges facing bicyclists and pedestrians. She is currently a Senior Project Manager at Inwood Consulting Engineers in Oviedo where she reinforces a Complete Streets approach on all road projects. She received her bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Central Florida.
Before working at Inwood, Lofye was the Traffic Engineering Division Manager for Orange County Public Works, where she had the opportunity to partner with Best Foot Forward on a regular basis, both on project and outreach activities. She helped to develop Orange County Mayor Jacobs’ Pedestrian Safety Program, Walk-Ride-Thrive! She is a certified Bike Helmet Fitter and has hosted Road Safety Audit trainings. She has also served as a technical advisor for the Pedestrian Facilities and Bicycle Facilities chapters of the Florida Greenbook and developed the first Orange County Pedestrian Crossing Treatment Selection Guidelines to improve consistency in applications countywide.
In 2015, Lofye was a recipient of a National Road Safety Award from the Federal Highway Administration and Road Safety Foundation for her Texas-Americana Road Safety Small Area Study. In 2019, she accepted an FDOT D5 Pedestrian Safety Engineering Award on behalf of Orange County.
On a personal level, Lofye rides her bike and walks regularly, mainly on low-stress streets and trails.
Why are you devoting your time to this cause?
I find the rise in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in the region to be troubling and want to be part of the solution. It’s a real challenge, but a challenge I embrace. I want to work with community leaders and agency partners to work toward zero!
Earliest memory of biking or walking?
My earliest memory of biking was my father teaching me to ride my bike at the age of five. I remember him running beside me, holding my banana bike seat, and then letting me go without telling me! When I noticed he yelled, “Keep pedaling, keep pedaling!” I’ve ridden ever since.
What is the most notable achievement thus far toward safer streets in Central Florida?
I think the Edgewater Drive road diet in College Park was a pretty successful project and dispelled a lot of the fears of business owners and residents alike. It is safer for pedestrians and bicyclists with documented crash reductions. It is inviting and businesses are thriving.
