Home Content CategoryPedestrian/Bike Advocacy A Resident’s Analysis of Boca’s Mobility Infrastructure
Boca's Old Think Mobility Infrastructure

A Resident’s Analysis of Boca’s Mobility Infrastructure

by Jerome Tranie

Boca Raton has a population of roughly 100,000. In East Boca, tens of thousands are local FAU students and another 3,000 are students at Boca Raton High School. This represents a large portion of Boca Raton residents that are potential alternative mobility (aka non-vehicle) commuters. In recent years, as a resident of East Boca Raton, I’ve noticed an increasing number of bicycles and e-scooters on our city streets. This trend in cycling could see significant growth, especially with the strategic projects initiatives by Boca’s Pedestrian and Bike Citizen Advisory Board and the hiring of a full time Director of Mobility. Making Boca’s mobility infrastructure safe and efficient for this population to get around in something other than a car will alleviate the vehicle congestion and road maintenance costs.

Transit is only a partial solution for Boca’s mobility problem

For example, South Florida Commuter Services, a program of the DOT, recently published a video on their Instagram account to promote PalmTran public transportation for FAU students (link: view the video). As a student, the cost of owning a car—alongside tuition, housing, and food—represents a substantial portion of my monthly budget. This financial pressure likely explains why South Florida Commuter Services is encouraging FAU students to utilize bus services, particularly in light of our chronic inflation.

However, there is a downside to transit. Two FAU students will spend 3.5 hours traveling to the mall, with over an hour spent on the bus for a total distance of about 5 miles. In contrast, that same distance could be covered in 30 minutes by bicycle or e-scooter, 20 minutes by electric bike and 15 minutes by car. While bicycles/scooters and cars provide freedom and independence, the time spent waiting for the bus can be a deterrent.

Distance, Safety and Weather are a Factor

Despite the growing number of bicycles/e-scooters on our streets, cars still dominate traffic—shouldn’t they account for less than 66% of it? One reason is that cars can travel further distances. According to the AAA Foundation, the average daily driving distance per trip in the U.S. is 12.2 miles (2020).

Glades Interchange Westbound
Glades Interchange Westbound

Safety concerns also play a significant role in why many choose to drive rather than bike. The DOT video underscores this point. Students navigating Glades Road and crossing I-95 face intimidating conditions—even for experienced drivers. Many Boca Raton roads, including Glades, Yamato, Federal, and Dixie, have speed limits that are, on average, exceeded. Furthermore, narrow bridges pose additional hazards for cyclists and pedestrians trying to get around in something other than a car.

And then there’s weather. Both heat and rain reduce the potential for many residents to utilize alternative mobility. But this is where transit is a viable solution.

It’s not a “Generational Change”.

While West Palm Beach leads the way and converts its alleys into pedestrian and bike infrastructure, Boca Raton gives its alleys away to developers. In order to utilize our potential and reap the benefits of alternative mobility, Boca Raton needs erase the lines, think out of its outdated box and build modern pedestrian and bike infrastructure. White paint on the sides of roads are relics of Boca’s old guard car centric leadership of the past decade. Safe infrastructure that prioritizes protected bike lanes, low traffic stress alternative routes along alleyways, drainage canals and parks must be built.

Palm Beach Post on Alleyways
West Palm Beach leads the way

For instance, why not dedicate one lane of a four-lane road to a protected and shaded lane for bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters and pedestrians? Installing covered bike racks and providing an app to locate all pedestrian/bike amenities quickly is also something that will encourage alternative mobility. Additionally, signage, marking and community education is essential to promote a bike-friendly culture, so that drivers remain vigilant around cyclists.

Participating in Bike Week can raise awareness about biking within Boca Raton. Businesses could offer incentives to customers who arrive by bike, and the city might consider reserving certain roads for bikes, e-bikes, and scooters during this week to enhance safety and test public response.

Riding a bicycle is not only beneficial for your wallet and health but also better for the planet. During Bike Week, let’s show our neighbors and friends that we can all contribute to a positive change for ourselves and future generations!

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