SPD steps up efforts to protect everyone who shares our roads, especially pedestrians and bicyclists.

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

 
 

SPD

 

We’re stepping up our efforts to protect everyone who shares our roads, especially pedestrians and bicyclists. We’ve received funding for a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) initiative aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle safety throughout our community.

 

Sarasota County ranks among the top 25 counties in Florida for serious and fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. To help prevent these tragedies, our officers will be conducting education-focused enforcement efforts. The goal is to raise awareness among drivers, walkers and riders about the traffic laws designed to keep everyone safe.

 

While the emphasis is on education, officers will issue warnings or citations when necessary. Targeted enforcement areas are based on crash data and include:

 

📍N. Washington Drive (SR 683) from 10th Street to Myrtle Street.
📍Fruitville Road (SR 780) from Lockwood Ridge Road to Midwest Parkway.
📍S. Tamiami Trail (US 41/SR 45) from Arlington Street to Bahia Vista Street.
📍S. Tamiami Trail (US 41/SR 45) from Webber Street to Hibiscus Street.
📍Central Avenue from Mira Mar Court to 5th Street.
📍Tuttle Avenue from Belvoir Street to 6th Street.
📍N. Tamiami Trail (US 41/SR 45) from 10th Street to 42nd Street.

 

Here’s how you can stay safe:

 

Drivers: Stick to the speed limit, stay sober behind the wheel and watch for people walking or biking, especially at intersections and crosswalks.

 

Bicyclists: Ride with traffic, obey all traffic signs and signals and make sure your bike has lights and reflectors at night.

 

Pedestrians: Cross at crosswalks or intersections, follow pedestrian signals and wear bright or reflective clothing when walking after dark.

 

This initiative is funded through a partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, the University of North Florida and the Institute of Police Technology and Management.