The St. Petersburg Police Department received a $79,308.80 contract to conduct specialized traffic enforcement to focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety from October, 2019 through May, 2020.

The High Visibility Enforcement will kick-off on Tuesday, October 29th, from 10a.m.- 4p.m. Sgt. Bill Burris will be available for media interviews at the Winn-Dixie parking lot, 7489 4th Street North, from 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.- 4 p.m.

There have been three pedestrian fatalities on this stretch of 4th Street between 62nd Avenue North to 77th Avenue North, so far this year.

Other statistics on fatal crashes involving bicycles and pedestrians:
Year to Date: 2 bicyclists and 14 pedestrians
2018 to this date: 1 bicyclist and 7 pedestrians (14 total for all of 2018)

Pinellas County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

HVE details are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The goal is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Officers will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

Please remember:

• Drivers, obey speed limits, never drive impaired, and always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Bicyclists, obey traffic laws, ride in the direction of traffic, and use lights when riding at night.
• Pedestrians, cross in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.