PROUD TO HAVE CREATED MORE THAN 5,000 BLOG POSTS

MOST ADDRESS HOW TO CREATE A BETTER BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WHILE UPLIFTING URBAN QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL

In the past decade and a half, I have created 5,000+ original posts for my blog – “Urban Travel, Sustainability & Accessibility.”

 

I have shared travel images from nearly 50 major cities, where I have worked to increase awareness of Universal Design and Inclusive Mobility.

 

While I have certainly posted on typical resiliency, sustainability and green building techniques – I define sustainability primarily as wheelchair access.

 

Because making something accessible from the start creates a home, office, school, park, store, etc. – the most flexible, adaptable and cost effective facility possible.

 

My posts have totaled well more than 1.3 million words.

 

That’s equal to the word count in 20 non-fiction books.

 

All of my content is posted free, virtually always with my own images – drawn from an  archive of 40,000+ fine art photographs, some of which have been featured at major galleries.

 

My blog has drawn more than 4 million unique visitors, starting with a few dozen per day and now building to well more than 30,000 each day.

 

That number rivals the average daily paid digital circulation of most major newspapers, including my hometown Miami Herald.

 

 

DANGEROUS BY DESIGN

UNTIL MIAMI LEADERS CARE ABOUT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY --                    FATALITIES ARE A MATTER OF WHEN AND HOW MANY, NOT IF

Photo shared on Nextdoor public forum

This gruesome picture is a human being in the throes of death.

It was posted on Nextdoor by a neighbor.

She lost the father of her child and ex-husband to a hit and run driver.

Raul Daizi was struck while crossing the major Miami intersection of Coral Way and 27th Avenue.

He and his family suffered in agony for nearly two weeks, before he succumbed.

I have lost multiple neighbors to dangerous design and lax enforcement on greater Miami’s mean streets.

Certainly, a hit and run driver is at fault.

But I also blame the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County for designing dangerous streets -- built for cars to drive as fast and recklessly as possible.

The safety of pedestrians is way down on the priority list.

Plus, very few of our police will  ticket speeders and out of control drivers. 

I've seen people make left turns out of the far right, blast through red lights 30 seconds after it has turned full red -- with cop cars right next to me.

They do nothing.

Finally, when people behind the wheel kill -- our judicial system acts like it is an accident, not a person driving like a maniac with intent to kill anything in the way.

If we elect mayors and commissioners who care about human beings on foot, on bike, using wheelchairs or crutches -- we will stop losing our loved ones.

Until then, the blood of pedestrian killing and maiming is on the hands of leaders who allow our roads to be intentionally dangerous by design.

We could take giant steps to fix this, if we dedicated a full-time person to protect pedestrian mobility:

https://urbantravelandaccessibility.blogspot.com/2026/02/create-chief-mobility-officer.html

DISABILITY IS NOT AN OUTLIER

INCLUSION IS A MUST!

When I post about the need for barrier free sidewalks in Miami’s Shenandoah, many people act like I am serving one person.

Well, this is one of 3 wheelchair ramped houses on the short side street of SW 18 Ave between SW 14-16 Aves.

That much need for access is proof positive that:

Disability is NOT an outlier.

Inclusion is a MUST!

DOUGLAS ROAD IS A MAJOR CORRIDOR

NARROW SIDEWALKS AND PINCH POINTS DESTROY WHEELCHAIR ACCESS FOR MANY SW 37 AVENUE SEGMENTS BETWEEN CORAL GABLES-MIAMI

After walking 7 blocks on Douglas Road today:

I can confidently say if I am given the choice between 2 days in jail or walking 12 blocks of Douglas & crossing its dangerous traffic 4 times—I’m picking time in the lock up.

Narrow sidewalks.

No shade.

Power polls and other barriers that destroy wheelchair access.

More than 1/3 of people in Miami-Dade County cannot or do not drive.

They deserve a multi mobile experience on this major artery also known as 37th Ave.

Let’s fix this.

The people of Miami and Coral Gables deserve better.

WHEN I WENT TO WORK FOR MIAMI CITY COMMISSIONER JOE SANCHEZ IN 2002, NO ONE WOULD HAVE IMAGINED THIS BEING POSSIBLE

NOW, YET ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BOUTIQUE HOTEL HAS OPENED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LITTLE HAVANA’S ART AND CULTURE

Fabulous art and wheelchair access at El Jardin Inn Miami.

“A boutique neighborhood hotel where local art & modern hospitality meet in the heart of Little Havana”

A welcome addition to the community, a block from the heart of Calle Ocho, at 1568 SW 7th St.

https://www.eljardininn.com

UNIVERSAL DESIGN

FUNCTIONAL, FLEXIBLE, COST-EFFECTIVE – BEAUTIFUL

Brilliant example of Universal Design on super elongated picnic table on the Underline near the Metrorail Brickell station.

Wheelchair users can roll up to the table on either side.

The Underline has emphasized inclusion and accessibility for all ages and abilities – in all of its design.

The Underline is Miami’s 10-mile linear park and urban trail.

The segment with the accessible table, in a shaded urban oasis is near the super dense and bustling Brickell Financial District, straddles SW 1^st Avenue.

https://www.theunderline.org/

THE CITY OF MIAMI’S AND MIAMI-DADE COUNTY’S MOBILITY PRIORITIES ARE UPSIDE DOWN AND DO NOT SAFEGUARD PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

LOCAL GOVERNMENT HAS HUNDREDS OF REGULATIONS FOR CARS IN STREETS – BUT WE SHAMEFULLY HAVE VIRTUALLY NO REGULATIONS TO PROTECT PEDESTRIANS ON SIDEWALKS

This is the first delivery bot that I’ve seen that can back up.

When they don’t, it is catastrophic for a wheelchair user. 90% of the bots that I have seen stop when a disabled person approaches.

That blocks essential curb ramps and narrow sidewalks.

The City of Miami, Miami-Dade County and other cities MUST regulate these hogs of the sidewalk bots.

Only those programmed to back up out of the way of people with disabilities should be allowed.

MAINTAINING SIDEWALKS DURING CONSTRUCTION IN THE RIGHT THING TO DO

CLOSING SIDEWALKS FOR YEARS VIOLATES THE ADA AND EVERY MORAL OBLIGATION TO SAFE MOBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES PLUS ALL PEDESTRIANS YOUNG AND OLD

Wide, safe, lit, wheelchair accessible simple scaffolding to keep sidewalks open during construction.

What is so hard about this Miami?

How do we have this perfect solution by Flagler St. — then allow both sides of the street to be closed a few blocks north?

I am at a total loss for why Miami officials do not require scaffolding to maintain sidewalks during years of development construction.

Most solutions require tens of millions of dollars.

This requires zero. 

VIRTUALLY EVERY MAJOR CITY FACILITATES LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION WHILE MAINTAINING SIDEWALK SAFETY DURING DEVELOPMENT

MIAMI CLOSE SIDEWALKS FOR YEARS WHILE PEDESTRIANS, ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, RISK THEIR LIVES CROSSING THE STREET TO CONTINUE THERE JOURNEY

Is there something Miami’s water in that turns big developers & major construction firms into incompetent fools?

Because every city I have lived in + every city I have visited — does not close sidewalks for 3 years of work.

How is it that gigantic, 50-story buildings can be built everywhere else while maintaining sidewalks – but in Miami our development community is incapable of this simple task?

In Miami, we kill pedestrian safety for no reason.

There are 100s of American cities that require developers to maintain sidewalks during construction.

Simple scaffolding preserves safe mobility for pedestrians and independence for people with disabilities.

PHOTO OPS AT WORLD CUP PARTIES ARE FUN

SAVING LIVES IS ESSENTIAL

I am begging Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins to take swift action to collaborate with Miami-Dade County to reduce unsafe conditions for pedestrians.

A Miami Herald story this week documented that greater Miami is one of the most dangerous places for pedestrians in the entire U.S.

I have supported and voted for Higgins since she ran for elected office in the County.

I attended her kickoff meeting when she successfully ran for mayor.

She has given me a proclamation for my artistic work to support historic preservation.

I now call on my fellow believer in public service and colleague to take decisive action.

A Chief Mobility Officer could save lives and increase safe mobility for all.

A city executive focused on stopping pedestrian deaths and severe injuries would be especially valuable for vulnerable residents who are disabled, elderly or very young.

More than 1/3 of Miamians cannot or do not drive.

That makes for a large constituency that would benefit from wide, unobstructed sidewalks, stiff fines for cars that park on them, longer better protected crosswalks and street redesign that slows down our dangerous drivers and protects mobility by foot, wheelchair or bike.

I suggested the Chief Mobility Officer position (full disclosure: yes, I would be interested in being the humble public servant who takes on this noble role) at the outset of 2026.

But I have yet to hear from our city's progressive mayor. 

Sorry that the Miami Herald chooses to keep this life safety story behind a subscription pay wall -- but you can get the gist from the free video at this link:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/traffic/article316075848.html

 

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

A simple progression of warning, then confiscating explosives, then issuing tickets and ultimately arrest – would give people time to change their behavior without suffering dire consequences on the first offense.

Independence Day weekend is approaching.

I dread it, because I will get only a few hours of sleep on July 2, 3, 4, 5…

Fun can be had without detonating illegal, dangerous explosives into the wee hours.

I sincerely hope our Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager and police can tame this beast and improve our quality of life.

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

Many people are elderly or have a disability.

Many take medications that create noise sensitivity.

Most of us work for a living and cannot suffer with a noise from dusk till 3 a.m. for three or more nights leading up to and including July 4, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Little to no sleep, for days on end, three holiday time per year, negatively impacts health.

To restore tranquility while acknowledging some partying, I suggest a compromise.

Even though most of these dangerous explosives are illegal, have “suspend the rules” period twice per year.

From 10 pm. to 12:30 am. on July 4 and Dec. 31 – people can set off all the fireworks and noise makers they want.

The police will not intercede.

All other times outside those two “immunity” windows, the police must go to the offending homes.

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

For more than a decade, I have rescued dozens of cats by getting them trapped, neutered and released so they cannot add to the stray population.

Some live inside and others in houses that I have built for them.

The cats suffer with the noise.

Some have ran away, never to return.

Any vet or pet owner can verify that hours of loud fireworks are torture for dozens of kinds of house pets.

I understand that people stay up till midnight on New Year’s Eve.

I can put up with the sound of folks talking to each other at the backyard barbecue.

I understand that Dec. 31, I will hear music playing past bedtime.

I will tolerate it, so long as it is not thundering at South Beach nightclub level.

But night after night of noise that sounds like military artillery?

No, that is not appropriate for any place.

 

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

The fireworks noise must stop.

It is abusive.

Endless noise -- that terrorizes pets and triggers PTSD in humans -- is not essential to celebrating a holiday. 

My house is old with thick cement block for an exterior.

It has noise-insulating impact glass in all windows.

None of that holds up to be bombardment that denies sleep.

I have purchased white noise machines and turned them up to the max.

I have tried earplugs and noise canceling headphones.

None of it comes close to canceling out the terrifying artillery noises.

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

In most of the nation, the noise and terror for pets is limited to July 4.

Because of the warm winters, people fire them off on Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Miami.

Shenandoah is one of dozens of neighborhoods where the ear-splitting bombardment has gotten out of hand.

When I first moved here nearly a quarter of a century ago, the noise was roughly limited to about 9 p.m. till 12:30 a.m. on July 4 and Dec. 31.

Now, it takes place from a dusk till 3 a.m. on Independence Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

People also fire off hundreds of these noisemakers – long past midnight -- for days leading up to each holiday.

 

 

 

 

CURB DANGEROUS AND NOISY USE OF FIREWORKS

THE CITY OF MIAMI MUST PROTECT QUALITY OF LIFE

I have proudly lived in Miami’s historic Shenandoah neighborhood for 24 years – pouring a good chunk of my life’s savings into restoring, repairing and maintaining a 100-year-old home just blocks south of Calle Ocho.

Most of the year, I have great neighbors in a great neighborhood close to everything.

But there are two times when life is unbearable.

Miami people love to shoot off fireworks and set off illegal explosive devices – firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80s, etc. – on holidays.

Virtually none of these explosives are legal for home use and each year they cause many deaths and serious injuries around the nation.

 

 

COMMUNITY BUILDING

THROUGH UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND INCLUSIVE MOBILITY

For more than three decades – as a journalist, planner, marketer, educator and activist – I have worked to make the built environment a better place.

The key has been Universal Design – making sidewalks, transit, healthcare, education, arts, job centers and housing accessible to all people of all ages, abilities and incomes.

It was a pleasure to share some of my thoughts on Universal Design and Inclusive Mobility in civic space, while on the inaugural DDA block walk this week.

I was privileged to be on the first block walk led by Ralph “Rafael” Rosado, chair of the Miami Downtown Development Authority.

An expert planner, Rosado also serves my District 4 City of Miami Commissioner.

The walking tour included diverse chats about walkability/urban vibrancy. Honored to chime in about Universal Design and ADA issues.

Thanks to Miami City Commissioner Damian Pardo – whose district covers much of the Central Business District, Brickell and Performing arts areas in the city core -- for graciously listening to my ideas for enhanced access for people with disabilities.

I emphasized that the sidewalk should be maintained during all construction.

Miami currently allows developers to close sidewalks for years of construction.

For a single round trip, a pedestrian or wheelchair user must cross dangerous traffic 4 times.

DDA and other leaders understood this must stop.

Most cities require scaffolding to keep sidewalks safe and open during development taking place along them.

PEDESTRIAN MOBILITY MUST BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE

IT’S THE LAW (ADA & PROWAG) AND THE RIGHT THING TO DO

This barrier to safe pedestrian mobility for all is at one of Miami’s busiest intersections — Coral Way and SW. 22nd Ave.

Anyone who says wheelchair users can simply detour through the gas station is being foolhardy. That is dangerous and unacceptable.

FPL is notorious for projects that destroy mobility and endanger pedestrians.

When it did work around giant poles on SW. 22nd Ave. last year, sidewalk pathways were blocked for 90 days.

That can’t happen again.

This is why the City Of Miami desperately needs a chief mobility officer.

It does not require an engineer or certified planner or attorney.

It is best led by passionate person focusing each day on coordinating between city, county, utilities and businesses to guarantee, safe mobility for people with disabilities, children, elderly.

DEAR CITY/COUNTY:

IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO MARK AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS                   HOLE IN A MAJOR CROSSWALK WITH A CONE

When something is capable of tripping a pedestrian or tossing a wheelchair user to the ground, we fix it immediately. 

Double utility volts in the curb ramp and uneven pavement also are epic fails of pedestrian mobility.

A bad built environment is why people with disabilities are the most under- and unemployed of all marginalized groups.

Acknowledging a safety threatening hole in the crosswalk and buckled pavement, but neglecting to fix it…

This is like waiting to see a renowned cancer doctor. And she says yes, you have cancer, but I’m not going to treat it.

Pedestrians are not second class citizens.

SIDEWALKS SHOULD NEVER BE CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION

CLOSERS FOOLISHLY FORCE MULTIPLE CROSSINGS 

OF DANGEROUS TRAFFIC TO COMPLETE A JOURNEY

Bravo for the scaffolding & wide, gently graded ramps to maintain pedestrian mobility for all during construction around the Freedom Tower on the west side of Biscayne Boulevard.

Tragically, dozens of downtown Miami sidewalks are closed for construction — putting people on peril.