SANTA ROSA BEACH — Bicyclists and pedestrians who enjoy the scenic view along Walton County Road 30A can travel a little easier thanks to additional safety features implemented this week.
County public works crews started adding extra safety precautions with an extension of a 25 mph speed limit zone, additional signage warning motorists of pedestrians and bicyclists, and new road striping and reflective barriers.
“Safety is paramount to this area. It’s everything,” said Josh Foreman, owner of 30A Bike Rentals. “The improvements help people from the area feel safer, and those not from here who have heard about 30A, we try to have an open dialogue in regards to where they can ride and what’s safe, what’s not safe.”
Louis Svehla, Walton County’s public information officer, said crews began work Monday and are expected to complete the project early next week.
The effort is a temporary measure while county commissioners try to find funding for a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Western Lake between Grayton Beach and Watercolor.
“This is step one in a bigger plan,” Svehla said of the initial work. “That’s a project that needs a lot of money.”
County Commissioner Cindy Meadows said in a news release that she plans to propose using bed tax revenue to build the bridge and maintain the bicycle paths. The Florida Attorney General’s office recently issued an opinion that bed tax money can be used if county officials deem the bridge tourism-related.
Brandi Montalto, office manager for Pandora’s of Grayton Beach, said the safety of tourists helps the restaurant’s business.
“We always want to make sure all the visitors of 30A who bike and walk are always safe,” Montalto said. “It’s especially important for the drivers to be more aware. There are always a lot of people walking around.”
Foreman said he talks to other bike rental businesses and knows the hazards along 30A. To him, the additional safety precautions will enhance tourists’ vacations.
“It’s all about the people who come to the beach,” he said. “We want to make sure we are providing them with a safe atmosphere for themselves and for their children.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Angel McCurdy at 850-315-4432 or amccurdy@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @AngelMnwfdn.