SPD participates in program to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety

Oct. 13, 2026

SARASOTA, FL -- The Sarasota Police Department is once again participating in a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) campaign improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers across the city.  The goal is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities by reminding residents and visitors to stay alert and share the road responsibly.  Sarasota County ranks among the top 25 counties in Florida for serious and fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists.

To help prevent these tragedies, Sarasota Police officers will conduct education-focused enforcement efforts.  The goal is to raise awareness among drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists about the traffic laws designed to keep everyone safe.  While the emphasis is on education, officers will issue warnings or citations, when necessary, with a focus on the below locations.  The following locations were chosen based on crash data.

  • SR 63 (US 301):  Golf Street to 5th Street
  • SR 63 (US 301):  10th Street to 21st Street
  • SR 63 (US 301):  32nd Street / Myrtle Street
  • SR 45 (S. US 41):  Arlington Street to Bahia Vista
  • SR 780 (Fruitville Road):  Cocoanut Avenue to Lemon Avenue
  • SR 780 (Fruitville Road):   Florence Avenue to Midwest Parkway
  • S. Osprey Avenue:  Bay Road to McClellan Parkway
  • SR 45 (N. Tamiami Trail U.S. 41):  10th Street to 42nd Street
  • Tuttle Avenue:  Belvoir Blvd. to 6th Street
  • Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way:  Central Avenue to SR 683 (US 301)

Sarasota Police officers have been focusing on areas with higher rates of traffic incidents and pedestrian activity, educating the public on safe behaviors including:

  • Yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks
  • Watching for bicyclists in travel lanes
  • Avoiding distractions behind the wheel
  • Obeying speed limits and traffic signals
  • Officers encourage if individuals are walking, riding or driving, that safety is a shared responsibility.  By staying aware and courteous, the community can make our roadways safer for everyone who uses them.

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. 

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