There are things our Local Government can do, but is not doing in order to be responsive to the taxpaying public. Miami Herald: Why is South Florida balking at closing streets to make room for social distancing?

It should not be difficult for governments to adapt on how to serve the tax paying residents. There are ways that local government can be responsive to the needs of those at home during this pandemic, yet this low hanging fruit is not being picked here in South Florida.

Many have noticed how many more bicycles are out and about in Palmetto Bay. This is not the dreaded MAMIL or MAWIL (google it), but everyday mothers and fathers, more often than not with their entire family. It is family and exercise time. And note, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal leader on coronavirus policy, has said that running right now is "not only safe, it’s healthy.” Fauci himself is a serious runner and remains active outdoors as of the last time I checked.

Miami Herald - Why is South Florida balking at closing streets to make room forsocial distancing? April 21, 2020, by Linda Robertson – an outstanding article to stimulate conversation and debate. “While vehicle traffic has plummeted, people have taken to the streets because their gyms, swimming pools, parks, playgrounds, ballfields, green spaces and beaches are closed.”

South Florida is one of the best areas to cycle. Why? Because it is flat (making it a relatively easier ride than hilly areas), there is always a breeze (through, to be picky, breeze can become headwinds), weather is often nice and, I cannot repeat this enough, it’s flat.

So what are other areas doing to aid in the social distancing and being responsive to the taxpayers? “Responding to the immediate need for six feet of separation, cities from Montpelier, Vermont, to Montpellier, France, have temporarily shut off streets or traffic lanes to cars. Pop-up bike lanes are being painted in Mexico, Colombia, Germany and England.”

But as reported by Linda Robertson, “But in South Florida, consistently ranked among the deadliest places in the nation for pedestrians, no reallocation of street space has occurred since blanket open space closures were implemented in mid-March.”

Why not?