Release posted on 03-15-24 at 1:26 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 2023. Twenty-three operations have been conducted so far that include education and enforcement.

Here are the details:

• 96 Pedestrian Education Contacts
• 75 Bicycle Education Contacts
• 157 Motorist Education Contacts
• 331 Total Citations Issued
• 96 Bicycle Lights Issued

Officers will continue this special enforcement for the next several months through May 2024. SPPD received a $49,087 contract to conduct High Visibility Enforcement operations focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety from November 2023 through May 2024. 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.