Commissioners to discuss SCAT, pedestrian safety

A revamped plan to protect pedestrians and cyclists, and improvements to a SCAT program to provide transportation services to disadvantaged citizens will be two of the items up for discussion at Tuesday's Sarasota Board of County Commissioners (BCC) meeting.

The meeting, to be held in Venice, will also include discussions about a number of spending authorizations and public utilities improvements.

Bruce Dillon, chair of the Sarasota County Bicycle, Pedestrian, Trails Advisory Committee will present county commissioners with a report detailing the most dangerous roads and intersections in the county for pedestrians and cyclists, along with recommendations for improving safety.

According to the report, from 2007 to 2013 there were 1,756 reported crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians in Sarasota County. Florida was recently rated as the second most dangerous state in the country for cyclists and pedestrians.

Also up for discussion Tuesday will be an improved plan to provide access to public transportation for county residents unable to transport themselves or to purchase transportation due to physical or mental disability, age, income status, or because they are children at risk.

SCAT Director Glama Carter will present the BCC with a request to apply for a state grant to help supplement a program already in place to address the transportation needs of disadvantaged citizens.

The Sarasota Board of County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m., Oct. 8, at the Robert L. Anderson Administration Center, 4000 South Tamiami Trail, Venice.