On Friday, May 9, safety leaders from across Central Florida gathered for the second annual Central Florida Safety Summit — a day dedicated to saving lives and building safer streets. Focused on advancing the region’s Target Zero goals, the vision of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries, the event showcased the power of collaboration in engineering, enforcement, and education.
This year, Best Foot Forward (BFF), a program by Bike/Walk Central Florida, proudly partnered with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 5, MetroPlan Orlando, and the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) to host the summit. Attendees shared success stories, celebrated impactful projects, and recognized the outstanding efforts of partners working every day to make Central Florida safer for people walking and biking.
Best Foot Forward Program Update
Best Foot Forward Program Manager Vince Dyer opened the awards ceremony with an annual update, celebrating the coalition’s momentum over the past year. He highlighted success stories from across Central Florida, including record improvements in driver yield rates, effective enforcement campaigns, and major infrastructure upgrades — all contributing to safer streets and saving lives.
“It’s incredible to see what our coalition has accomplished together — and this year, we have even more to celebrate,” said Vince Dyer, Program Manager for Best Foot Forward at Bike/Walk Central Florida. “Now that Best Foot Forward has expanded into nine counties, we are seeing more crosswalks than ever show year-over-year improvement. It’s clear that the momentum for safer streets is stronger than ever, and we look forward to showcasing the work of our partners who are making Central Florida safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Excellence in Crosswalk Safety Enforcement: Volusia County Sheriff’s Office
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office was recognized for its outstanding enforcement efforts and commitment to improving pedestrian safety. In 2024, their targeted operations at the Ocean Shore Blvd (A1A) crosswalk near Tom Renick Park — a busy beach access point — led to significant gains. After conducting two enforcement operations and issuing 75 warnings and citations, the driver yield rate (DYR) at the site jumped from 19% to an impressive 42%, the biggest improvement seen across all counties last year through enforcement alone.
Excellence in Crosswalk Safety Engineering: Budinger Ave & Peghorn Nature Park
Recognizing the critical role of infrastructure in pedestrian safety, BFF honored engineering efforts that led to improvements at the Budinger Ave crosswalk near Peghorn Nature Park in St. Cloud. Located near St. Cloud Elementary School and the BMX park, this crosswalk previously saw modest improvements through multiple enforcements. However, after the installation of a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), the driver yield rate surged from 33% to a remarkable 81%.
“Crosswalks are among the most common sites for serious pedestrian crashes, which is why they deserve careful investment,” said Cameron Crandell, PE, Deputy Public Works Director for the City of St. Cloud. “Installing an RRFB at Budinger Avenue was a major commitment, but seeing the driver yield rate more than double shows the clear return on that investment — and the real impact it can have on community safety.”
Triple E Award Winner: Seminole County Government’s Crosswalk Safety Improvements at Wekiva Neighborhood Trail
The Hunt Club Blvd crosswalk at the Wekiva Neighborhood Trail in Longwood has been closely monitored for years — and this year, those efforts have paid off. Seminole County Government removed obstructive trees, redesigned sidewalk ramps, and enhanced signage and markings to improve visibility and safety. Thanks to this long-term investment in engineering, enforcement, and education, the site now serves as a model for other high-use crosswalks around the region. This location was also the site of a sign-waving campaign to help bring awareness to drivers that it’s the law to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
“Improving safety is a long-term commitment that takes all of us — as residents, law officers, drivers, walkers, and engineers — working together,” said Charles Wetzel, County Traffic Engineer for Seminole County responsible for the project. “By making steady improvements over time at Hunt Club Boulevard, we’ve shown that small, consistent changes can lead to lasting impact and safer crossings for everyone.”
MetroPlan Orlando Receives the Randy Schrader Lifetime Achievement Award
This year, BFF introduced a very special honor — the Randy Schrader Lifetime Achievement Award — named in memory of our late teammate Randy Schrader, who passionately championed pedestrian safety until his passing in 2024.
The inaugural award was presented to MetroPlan Orlando in recognition of their steadfast commitment to Best Foot Forward since its inception. From the earliest coalition meetings to today’s regional steering committees, MetroPlan Orlando has played a foundational role in expanding and sustaining pedestrian safety efforts across Central Florida.
MetroPlan has been instrumental in helping build bridges between transportation planning agencies and local law enforcement. Their leadership helped Best Foot Forward grow from a grassroots pilot program to a nationally recognized model for community-driven pedestrian safety initiatives.
This award celebrates not only MetroPlan’s technical expertise and advocacy, but also their unwavering belief in the vision of a region where every person, regardless of how they travel, can move safely and confidently.
“Building a safer region for people walking and biking doesn’t happen overnight — it takes years of collaboration, trust, and shared commitment,” said Gary Huttmann, Executive Director of MetroPlan Orlando. “We’re proud to have been part of the Best Foot Forward coalition from the beginning and are honored to accept this award in recognition of what strong partnerships can achieve over time.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Safer Future Together
As we celebrate this year’s achievements, we’re reminded that lasting change only happens when our communities, agencies, leaders, and advocates work side by side. Thank you to FDOT District 5, MetroPlan Orlando, Volusia-Flagler TPO, and all our Best Foot Forward coalition members who are making a difference every day. With e forward, we are building a future where safer streets are the norm, not the exception.
Want to Help Make a Difference?
Stay involved, spread the word, and be part of the movement for safer, more walkable, bikeable, and rollable communities.
https://bikewalkcentralflorida.org/get-involved/
By working together, we can create a region where every person moves safely and confidently.
Want to see more highlights from the event? View all of the event’s photos here.
