Release posted on 12-01-21 at 8:29 a.m.

Beginning today, December 1st, the St. Petersburg Police Department will participate in a statewide campaign to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists safe on our busiest roads.

These special operations will kick-off on Wednesday, December 1st, from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., on 4th Street North between 54th Avenue North and 77th Avenue North.

***Sgt. Michael Schade will be available to speak to members of the media before the operation begins, between 4p.m.- 5p.m., in the CVS parking lot in the northwest corner of 54th Avenue North and 4th Street. Please notify the PIO office 727-893-7550, if you are interested in an interview with him. ***

Year-to-date we have had 14 pedestrian fatalities compared to seven during the same time period in 2020, and two bicycle fatalities for both 2020 and 2021. Pinellas County ranks in the top 25 counties in the state for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

SPPD received a $47,214 contract to conduct High Visibility Enforcement operations focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety from December, 2021 through May, 2022.

Over the next several months, education and enforcement efforts will be conducted along the following roadways:

• 34th Street North and South
• 4th Street North
• 35th ST North and South
• 18th Avenue South
• 16th Street South
• 3rd Street North
• US 19/5th Avenue North
• 49th Street North

Working in partnership with the Institute for Police Technology and Management and The University of North Florida, this traffic safety initiative is part of the Florida Department of Transportation's, "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow" campaign. FDOT in cooperation with IPTM awarded the police department the contract to provide an increased police presence in high traffic areas to raise awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect pedestrians and bicyclists.

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 the street in crosswalks or at intersections, obey pedestrian signals, and make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night.