The Sarasota Police Department is again implementing a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) 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 most vulnerable road users, the Sarasota Police Department will be conducting High Visibility Enforcement details from now until May 2024 throughout the City of Sarasota with a focus on several key roadways including:

• North Washington Boulevard (US 301) from 12th Street to 24th Street
• South Tamiami Trail (US 41) from Webber Street to Hibiscus Street
• South Tamiami Trail (US 41) from Arlington Street to Bahia Vista Street
• North Tamiami Trail (US 41) from May Lane to Gary Drive
• Fruitville Road from Tarpon Avenue to Midwest Parkway

The HVE program is in addition to the normal duties the Sarasota Police Department Traffic Unit does daily. The roadways were selected based on crash data involving both pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles. HVE patrols are funded through a contract with the University of North Florida, in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation’s focused initiative to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The goal of the enforcement effort is to increase awareness of and compliance with traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. Enforcement efforts will focus primarily on education to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

“We will continue to educate every driver, pedestrian, and bicyclist to know and understand the rules of the road,” said Officer Jason Frank, Sarasota Police Traffic Unit. “The safety of our community is our number one priority and we must all work together to eliminate traffic fatalities.”

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 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 and results will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for evaluation at the end of the safety campaign.

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