Goal to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety
The Sarasota Police Department again has implemented a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, the agency has announced.
“The City of Sarasota ranks among the top 25 cities in the state of Florida for traffic crashes resulting in serious and fatal injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists,” a news release points out.
“The enforcement effort aims to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists,” the release explains. “Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Depending on the circumstances, violations may result in warnings or citations,” the release says.
“To protect the most vulnerable road users,” the Sarasota Police will be conducting High Visibility Enforcement details from this month through May 2025 throughout the city of Sarasota, with a focus on several key roadways, the release adds:
- North Washington Boulevard (U.S. 301) from 10th Street to Myrtle Street.
- Central Avenue from Mira Mar Court to Fifth Street.
- North Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) from Boulevard of the Arts to Gary Street.
- South Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) from Browning Street to Mound Street.
- South Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) from Bahia Vista Street to Webber Street.
- Fruitville Road from Florence Avenue to Midwest Parkway.
- Fruitville Road from School Avenue to Jefferson Avenue.
- Tuttle Avenue from Colorado Street to Sixth Street.
The HVE program is an addition to the normal duties of the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit, the release points out. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) selected the roadways for the campaign, based on “crash data involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles,” the release adds.
The HVE patrols are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida, in partnership with FDOT’s “focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety,” the release also points out.
“We are committed to educating every driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist about the rules of the road,” said Officer Jason Frank of the Sarasota Police Traffic Unit in the release. “Ensuring the safety of our community is our top priority, and it requires all of us working together to prevent traffic fatalities.”
The release also points out the following facts for people to 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 interactions with residents and visitors in the city of Sarasota will be documented, the release adds. At the end of the safety campaign, it notes, “the results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for evaluation.”