Released on 01-28-21 at 4:10 p.m.

The St. Petersburg Police Department began participating in a statewide campaign to keep pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists safe on our busiest roads in November of 2020. Twenty-three operations have been conducted so far that include education and enforcement. Here are the details:

• Pedestrian Education Contacts - 251
• Bicycle Education Contacts - 161
• Motorist Education Contacts - 157
• Total Citations Issued - 102
• Bicycle Lights Issued - 123

Officers will continue this special enforcement for the next several months through May 2021. SPPD received a $53,764 contract to conduct High Visibility Enforcement operations focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety from November 2020 through May 2021.

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.