St. Petersburg is pushing out the message of Be Safe, Be Seen, for bicyclists and pedestrians in 2019. The High Visibility Enforcement Team is now providing bicyclists and pedestrians a number of items that will help them “be seen” in the dark including: light-up straps and blinking lights that can be affixed to a bike or back pack, or worn on the wrist. (photo attached)

The Police Department has also deployed speed trailers and message boards along various points on the city’s high traffic roadways.

Since October 1, High Visibility Enforcement Team has done 46 special operations and made contact with 2500 people to distribute these items and educate them on safety. The goal of this enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

In January 2019, St. Petersburg has already had four traffic fatalities: one person in a car, one pedestrian, one bicycle rider, and one Moped driver.

The enforcement operations will continue through May.

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. Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

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.