High Visibility Enforcement Program Completed in the City of Sarasota

SPD

The Sarasota Police Department has completed its High Visibility Enforcement program to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.  The City of Sarasota ranks in the top 25 cities in the state of Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists.

To protect the safety of the most vulnerable road users, the Sarasota Police Department conducted High Visibility Enforcement Details (HVE) from August 2021 until May 2022 throughout the City of Sarasota with a focus on several key roadways including:

• Siesta Drive to Bahia Vista Street in the South Tamiami Trail corridor
• 16^th Street to Myrtle Street in the North Washington Boulevard (US 301) corridor
• May Lane to Sylvan Drive in the North Tamiami Trail corridor

These locations were not chosen by the Sarasota Police Department but were determined based on crash data involving serious bodily injury or death.  In addition to their normal patrol duties, the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit spent an additional 175 hours educating drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians and enforcing traffic laws.

Sarasota Police officers contacted nearly 500 bicyclists and pedestrians to educate them on the importance of safety and obeying traffic laws between August 2021 and May 2022.  Education included:

·         Improperly crossing the road,

·         Failing to cross at a designated crosswalk,

·         Riding in the wrong direction,

·         Crossing diagonally through an intersection.

Sarasota Police officers also contacted drivers of motor vehicles and education was presented on speeding, sharing the road, giving the right of way to pedestrians and bicyclists, visually impaired individuals, and those individuals on mobility devices.

“We want our residents and visitors who are driving, walking, or bicycling in the City of Sarasota to remain safe when it comes to sharing our roadways,” said Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit Officer Jason Frank.  “Safety doesn’t happen by accident.  Even with the program being completed, we’re going to continue to educate every driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist so they know and understand the rules of the road.  The safety of our community is our number one priority,” said Officer Frank.

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.

All contacts with residents and visitors in the City of Sarasota will be documented and results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for evaluation.