Vision Zero countywide safety plan
Summary
The county's plan to eliminate traffic deaths is taking shape, with a new safety dashboard, public survey, and demonstration projects in Bartow and Wahneta. Adoption is expected in February 2027.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
No county cost identified yet; possible future funding for safety education.
All road users — especially pedestrians and cyclists — benefit from safety-focused street design.
Unregulated high-speed e-bike use poses risks to young riders and trail users.
Mentions & discussions (7)
Board of County Commissioners — September 15, 2026
James Loyd Thomas, wearing a helmet and vest in memory of three riders killed in the past week, asked the county to promote e-bike safety education, require shops to disclose vehicle classifications, and consider a safety initiative.
Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) — August 27, 2026
The county's plan to eliminate traffic deaths is taking shape, with a new safety dashboard, public survey, and demonstration projects in Bartow and Wahneta. Adoption is expected in February 2027.
TPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) — July 23, 2026
Polk's plan to eliminate traffic deaths is in progress, with 156 resident responses so far and community meetings in Wahnetta and Bartow. A new dashboard will let anyone look up crash data.
Board of County Commissioners — July 21, 2026
A Bartow resident reported unlicensed motorcycles and ATVs on rural roads and asked the Sheriff's Office to enforce.
Polk County Land Use Hearing Officer — July 14, 2026
A resident reported vehicles leaving the property at 70–80 mph on a road with a 25 mph sign, children, and animals. The concern ties to the truck traffic expected from a connected commercial operation.
This is Florida’s deadliest area for car crashes, data reveals
This is Florida’s deadliest area for car crashes, data reveals WKMG
Board of County Commissioners — May 19, 2026
James Loyd Thomas urged a safety program — helmets, registration, shop-offered courses — in memory of Maddox Moore, a Polk County teen killed in an e-bike accident. Commissioners noted a new state task force under Senate Bill 382 and pledged to raise the issue with FDOT.
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