Crime & Safety

State Raises Awareness for Pedestrian, Bike Safety

The Florida Department of Transportation is targeting Hillsborough County in an effort to decrease deaths and injuries.


The City of Temple Terrace is committed to improving facilities for walking and biking and has organized a signage and striping program to encourage bike riding within the community. On Friday, the South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers, or SWFBUD, praised the City of Temple Terrace Friday for .

However, with 16 pedestrian and eight bicyclist deaths already in 2012, Hillsborough County is on track to match or even top 2011 when 30 pedestrians died on county roadways.

That’s why the Florida Department of Transportation and local law enforcement are taking action to curb those numbers. FDOT launched “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow … Safety Doesn’t Happen By Accident” yesterday. The public service campaign is designed to raise awareness about the need for pedestrian and bicycle safety on Florida’s roads.

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Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties will pilot the program during a four-week period, according to a FDOT media release.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Florida is the country’s most dangerous state for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Tampa Bay metro area is No. 2 in the country for deaths.

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"If the Tampa Bay area were a state, we'd be 16th in the country for number of pedestrian deaths per year," the Times quoted Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Maj. J.R. Burton as saying during a press conference yesterday unveiling the pilot awareness program.

Here’s what’s involved in the campaign:

  • Public service announcements highlighting the need for pedestrian/bicycle safety;
  • A law enforcement component that involves officers citing motorists and pedestrians alike for violating rights of way and other traffic regulations.

Facts About Pedestrian Crashes from FDOT

  • 22.7% of all traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries involve pedestrians
    and bicyclists
    48% of pedestrians are killed when crossing the road, but not at an
    intersection
    43% of pedestrian traffic fatalities occur at night on illuminated streets
    Alcohol is a factor in just over 40% of all pedestrian fatalities

Are you concerned about pedestrian and bicycle safety in Temple Terrace? Which roads concern you the most?


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