We asked eighteen questions to the ten Miami Beach candidates ahead of the November 7 election. As Miami Beach votes for a new Mayor and three Commissioners, we spotlight their views on the critical issue of transportation and mobility. Their responses will shape the city’s future—see what they have to say. [View Commissioner Candidate Responses Here]
The West Avenue project has been stalled despite its critical importance to the community. Designed to provide desperately needed bike lanes, wider sidewalks, and lush landscaping with shade trees, the project also includes stormwater upgrades such as modest street raising and multiple stormwater pumps to enhance climate resiliency. This community has one of the highest percentages of people walking, biking, and using public transit. In a 2012 agreement with FDOT, the city promised to build bicycle lanes along the street. Most buildings in this area have off-street parking garages, lots, and driveways. There are also numerous private garages, including a nearly 1,000-space garage on West Avenue at 10th Street. Additionally, the city has offered to build a public garage to address some resident concerns. Are you committed to taking action to initiate construction for this long-awaited project?
Michael Góngora: Yes
The bike lane should also be protected. I am in favor of the construction of a garage on West & Lincoln to supply parking for the residents in this area as well.
Mike Grieco: Yes
I was intimately involved in the original push for this project back in 2014/2015 after we moved forward on West Ave Phase 1. I actively advocated for protected bike lanes and at the time would have been the Iirst protected bike lanes in all of Miami-Dade County. Now the project is painfully more expensive and continues to get derailed. Obviously we want to prevent any loss of residential parking, but there comes a point where we need to move forward for both resiliency purposes and upgrading a road that desperately needs it.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
West Ave has been the subject of delays in many approved city projects, I understand the frustrations that many have experienced due to the delays and false promises from the city. I want you to know that I am committed to seeing this project through and ensuring that it is completed efficiently and with the least possible disruption to our residents and businesses. As a former CEO, I believe in the power of collaboration that deliver results. I will work closely with all stakeholders involved in this project, from city officials to construction teams, to ensure that we have a clear and realistic timeline for completion. We need transparency and accountability to make sure that the project stays on track and that any unexpected challenges are addressed promptly.
Moreover, I will prioritize the concerns and needs of the West Avenue community throughout the
construction process. This includes addressing issues like traffic management, noise control, and access to
local businesses. We must ensure that residents and business owners are kept well-informed about the
progress of the project and that their voices are heard.
The issue of Rapid Transit Zoning (RTZ) has become a significant topic in the election due to misconceptions circulating in the community. It’s worth noting that Miami Beach’s historic districts are exempt from RTZ, and the city already meets the minimum FAR requirements, except for a small area near City Hall which is mostly city-owned land zoned GU. Both county and city planning and zoning staff have confirmed much of this information. Given this context, would you support the county’s SMART Plan Beach Corridor, which could include an elevated rubber-tired rapid transit line connecting South Beach’s densely populated and transit-demanding area to downtown’s transit hubs?
Michael Góngora: No
I would not support this as presented. I believe a rapid transit is needed for hotel and restaurant workers but not as proposed. It would be a much better approach to have it by 41st St. and supply transportation to both North & South of the city.
Mike Grieco: No
The Metromover is outdated, slow and the ridership study that the County is relying on was a self-fulfilling prophesy created by the Genting Casino company when they wanted to do a monorail from the old Miami Herald site. The current $1B+ proposal is not a “one-seat” ride unless one is starting in Brickell and ending at the corner of Washington and 5th street with no
further transportation needs. It also does not connect to the airport without a change in mode, which will lead to a 50% drop-off in ridership. Our largest single-site employers are in Mid-beach and the construction alone would be similarly crippling to the current I-395 Signature Bridge project. My alternative, which is not hypothetical, involves partnering with an electric ferry company that I am already in talks with.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: No
While I agree with the concept of a Baylink transportation initiative that connects the two cities, I do not support the current vision of a project of this significance without addressing the legitimate concerns of our residents and the insights of our city commission. The effects of a project like this on our neighborhoods, businesses, and quality of life need to be carefully considered. Public input is vital, and we must ensure that the voices of our community members are heard and that their concerns are addressed.
It’s also important to acknowledge that the need for a reliable public transportation link between Miami
Beach and the Greater Miami area is inevitable. We cannot afford to ignore the traffic issues and environmental impacts associated with the current state of transportation. Therefore, my position is that we must be at the table, and actively engaged in negotiations to shape the best possible solution for Miami Beach residents. This means taking the time to explore alternative plans, routes, mitigation measures, and other options that can help us achieve our transportation goals while preserving the unique character of our city.
We need a thoughtful and collaborative approach to ensure that any transportation project ultimately serves the best interests of Miami Beach residents.
How frequently do you ride a bicycle (or micromobility device) in Miami Beach, either for transportation or recreation? (Possible answers: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Rarely, Never)
Michael Góngora: Monthly
Mike Grieco: Weekly
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Monthly
How frequently do you ride public transportation within Miami-Dade County? (Possible answers: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Rarely, Never)
Michael Góngora: Monthly
Mike Grieco: Rarely
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Rarely
If you had high school-aged children, would you feel comfortable allowing them to bike alone to Miami Beach Senior High School from your home?
Michael Góngora: No. I am working for a future where all our children have safer streets to ride on. Currently, there are not enough protections for bike lanes to and from the high school. As mayor, I’d work to facilitate the construction of additional barriers to ensure a safer route for children on bikes, and increased mobility for parents.
Mike Grieco: No
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
In the past, there have been requests for the creation of a full-time Bicycle-Pedestrian Coordinator role within the Transportation Department. This role would focus on implementing master plans and enhancing the safety and usability of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. To date, this position has not been created. If elected, would you support the establishment of such a position?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: Yes
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes.
In 2015, the city adopted a Bicycle Master Plan aimed at developing an interconnected network of bicycle lanes to broaden mobility options. Eight years have passed since its adoption; how would you assess the city’s progress in implementing the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan? (Possible Answers 1 [Not Very Effective] to 5 [Very Effective])
Michael Góngora: 1
Mike Grieco: 2
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: 2
What specific measures would you take to accelerate the implementation of the bicylcle network as outlined in the Master Plan?
Michael Góngora: The specific measure that I would accelerate during my Mayor’s term:
- Ensure that the Citywide Bicycle Network addresses the need of different types of users from experienced cyclists on arterial roadways to low-stress routes on local roads
- Adopt a goal of developing 80% Street Network with bicycle facilities
- Encourage Creative Bike / Pedestrian community engagement
Mike Grieco: I served on the Commission and advocated for our current transportation prioritization and bicycle plans, plus I authored and implemented South Beach’s PPZ (Pedestrian Priority Zone). As a frequent rider with my family, I would love to see sidewalk-adjacent bike lanes like we see in other cities. It’s not hard. Just requires commitment.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: As mentioned earlier, as a former CEO, I believe in the power of collaboration that delivers results. I will work closely with all stakeholders involved in this project, from city officials to construction teams, to ensure that we have a clear and realistic timeline for completion. We must cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to implement the master plans that the city has created..
Would you be open to exploring options for fixed rapid mass transit that connects Miami Beach to the mainland’s transit hubs?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: Yes
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
Numerous cities, including Tampa in Florida, have created eBike voucher/rebate programs to promote bicycle ridership. Such programs aim to improve street safety, promote alternative means of transportation, offer more equitable options, and alleviate traffic congestion. Considering that a portion of the resort taxes (Quality of Life) are meant to offset resident impact, would you support using a portion of the record resort tax revenue to launch an eBike voucher or rebate program in Miami Beach to encourage micro-mobility?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: I’m kind out at a loss on this one. I have too many questions to answer this one.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
Would you support community events that celebrate and promote biking and other forms of micro-mobility?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: Yes
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
Cities across the United States are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing safe and accessible transportation options for all residents, including bicyclists. One example is the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which has passed an ordinance mandating that all major street renovations must include protected bicycle facilities. This ordinance aims to promote safer streets, encourage bicycling, and reduce traffic congestion. Would you support implementing a similar ordinance in Miami Beach that requires all major street renovations to include protected bicycle facilities?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: Yes
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
Some elected leaders have expressed concerns about the Beachwalk, stating it’s dangerous due to speeding bicyclists. This could lead to restrictions on bicycle usage along the 7-mile pathway. Have you encountered any data supporting these claims, and if so, how would you address these safety concerns?
Michael Góngora: In the same way that we need protective bike lanes on the streets, we need protective bike lanes on the Beachwalk. We need to create safer places for cyclists to ride and families to walk. I’d also ensure that we are enforcing the prohibition of electric bicycles. The Beachwalk should be safe for everyone.
Mike Grieco: No
I haven’t see any data but I have heard anecdotes and witnessed myself folks that are reckless, but I am not supportive of efforts to remove bikes from the baywalk/beachwalk.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
This proposal that was made by the Mid-Beach Neighborhood Association advocating for the implementation of a Pilot Program for a new “Beach Pedestrian Path” to be placed East of the dunes directly on the beach is a smart first step. This path can be made of compacted pea rock gravel or Mobi-Mats. This beach path would offer an alternative to pedestrians who don’t feel safe walking next to speeding cyclists. It will also be an option for pedestrians during busy use times when there’s overcrowding on the Beachwalk, especially in the narrow 15′ sections. This kind of Beach Pedestrian Path currently exists in Surfside and other cities across the state.
In January 2022, a new street layout was introduced for Ocean Drive. Do you think it effectively meets the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: No
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
Would you support including a protected bike lane in the redesign as part of the upcoming [Ocean Drive] GO Bond project?
Michael Góngora: Yes
Mike Grieco: Yes
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
In the past year, traffic light “optimization” has become a buzzword. Over the summer, the County reprogrammed many traffic lights. This has led to long waits for pedestrians crossing streets and situations where bicyclists do not receive a green signal at all, as most intersections do not detect bikes. Do you think that traffic light optimization is an effective solution to the city’s mobility issues?
Michael Góngora: No
Mike Grieco: Yes and No
We can optimize all the lights we want, but a great deal of our traffic problems stem from the mainland and cut-though traffic. We have a patchwork light network that includes timed signals and weight-triggered signals, coupled with pedestrian-triggered signals and intersections in which all four lights are red at the same time. The entire network is outdated and having some bureaucrat flipping a couple switches is not enough to solve our traffic flow while ensuring pedestrians and bikes can get around.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: Yes
Traffic light optimization, when done correctly, can indeed be a valuable tool for improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. However, it’s important to recognize that simply reprogramming traffic lights without considering the needs of all road users can lead to unintended consequences, as mentioned. To truly optimize traffic in a city like Miami Beach, we must move beyond static programming and embrace real-time optimization. Real-time optimization involves using advanced technology, including AI, to dynamically adjust traffic signal timings based on the current traffic conditions. This approach takes into account the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers simultaneously. AI can analyze traffic data in real time, predict congestion, and adjust traffic light timings accordingly. It can also detect the presence of pedestrians and bicyclists, ensuring that they receive safe and timely signal changes. In a city with the high amount of foot traffic we have in Miami Beach, real-time optimization is essential to strike a balance between mobility and safety for all road users. This way, we can enhance the efficiency of our transportation network while prioritizing the safety and convenience of everyone on our streets.
How do you plan to prioritize policies that encourage bikes, walking, and public transit?
Michael Góngora: I will prioritize improving mobility throughout Miami Beach, which includes planting shade streets along the Beachwalk to improve conditions for walking, jogging and biking, adding additional protective bike lanes, and looking at ways to provide more reliable public transportation options for our residents and visitors.
Mike Grieco: Prioritizing pedestrians and bikes involves more than just road design. It also involves urban design to ensure more live, work play regions within the city…Ensuring that folks’ needs and wants are closer to their homes should be the priority.
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: My vision for the city is to transform it into the most pedestrian-safe city in the country. Encouraging biking, walking, and the use of public transit is not just an environmental and health imperative but also a way to enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors. To prioritize policies that promote these modes of transportation, we need a comprehensive and strategic approach.
First and foremost, we must ensure that our existing projects aimed at improving pedestrian safety and public transit infrastructure are completed efficiently and effectively. This includes enhancing crosswalks, improving street lighting, and expanding our public transportation options. These projects will benefit our residents right away, and we need to deliver on these promises before embarking on new initiatives.
To prioritize policies that encourage bikes, walking and public transit across the entire city (South Beach, MidBeach and North Beach), we will:
- Invest in Infrastructure: We will allocate funds to improve and expand our bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and public transit systems. This includes creating dedicated bike lanes and enhancing pedestrian-friendly features in our city.
- Public Transit Integration: We will work closely with public transit agencies to improve the connectivity, reliability, and accessibility of public transit options. This may involve expanding bus routes, promoting the use of electric or hybrid buses, and exploring innovative transit solutions.
- Public Safety Measures: Safety is paramount. We will implement traffic-calming measures, install more pedestrian signals, and increase enforcement of traffic laws to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
- Community Engagement: We will engage with residents and businesses to gather input and support for our initiatives. It’s crucial that our policies reflect the needs and desires of the community.
- Education and Outreach: We will launch public awareness campaigns to educate residents and visitors about the benefits of walking, biking, and using public transit. Encouraging a cultural shift towards these modes of transportation is vital.
- Public-Private Partnerships: We will seek partnerships with businesses and organizations to promote biking, walking, and public transit. This may include incentives for employees to use these modes of transportation and collaborating on bike-sharing programs.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: We will utilize data and analytics to monitor the effectiveness of our policies continually. This will allow us to make informed adjustments and improvements as needed.
By prioritizing these policies and initiatives, we can make Miami Beach a model city for pedestrian safety and sustainable transportation. Together, we will create a more livable, vibrant, and environmentally conscious community that benefits all of our residents and visitors.
Use the following space to share any additional thoughts or comments you have on the topic of bicycling, micromobility, or public transportation and Miami Beach.
Michael Góngora: No additional comments
Mike Grieco: No additional comments
Steven Meiner: Did not respond to questionnaire
Bill Roedy: A priority I will have as Mayor is that our focus and attention of needs and resources are fairly allocated and prioritized for ALL of our City neighborhoods including North Beach and Mid-Beach as these areas often get marginalized and they represent too important a part of the identity of our City.