Pedestrian, Bike Safety Operation Begins In St. Pete

ST PETERSBURG, FL - Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians better beware. The St. Petersburg Police Department began a special six-month enforcement operation Tuesday for bicycle and pedestrian safety. For the next three months, officers will be at 30 intersections throughout the city giving out warnings and explaining the laws to folks they see in violation.

The first enforcement operations took place Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the area of 5th Avenue North and 16th Street North. The operation is aimed at changing behaviors with the hope that it will ultimately lead to a safer community for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists, police said.

From March through May, those warnings switch to citations with officers ticketing offenders in the same locations during the second phase of the operation.

Police urge residents to follow the traffic rules, watch-out for bikers and walkers, and use the crosswalks.The special educational enforcement is funded by an FDOT grant for bicycle and pedestrian safety. For more information, contact the St. Petersburg Police Public Information Office at 727-893-7550.

Image via St. Petersburg Police Department