Officials say Pinellas County is among the top 25 in the state for traffic crashes leading to death and serious injuries for pedestrians and bicyclists.

In 2021, nine fatalities were reported in Clearwater involving pedestrians and bicyclists, and officials say there have been four so far in 2022.

Police say a recent incident happened on Nov. 3, when a car hit a bicycle in the area of Keene and Sunset Point roads in Clearwater, leaving the cyclist with life-threatening injuries. Police say the crash could have been prevented by both the bicyclist and driver.

County officials say it’s accidents like those that show exactly why more awareness is needed.

A recently launched campaign has the Clearwater Police Department focusing on individuals violating traffic laws, in an attempt to prevent such tragedies.

“We want to see a vision zero, so to speak, of no fatalities for one year, that’s the ultimate goal,” said Clearwater Traffic Enforcement Supervisor Sgt. Dan Negersmith.

The $21,836 contract funding the campaign is aimed at helping make the streets of Clearwater safer.

Clearwater police say the money helps fund high visibility efforts to help increase awareness of and compliance of traffic laws that protect the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Department officials say they fund those details 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.

Targeted areas include Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Drew Street, Court Street and Missouri Avenue — which are the same busy streets some bicyclists say they try to avoid.

“I wanna stay off the main roads because cars are going 40 mph, and if they have to swerve or something, it happens too fast,” said Clearwater resident Glenn Wade.

Other bicyclists say they agree.

“Them cars scare the heck out of me,” said Rob Milroy, who said he tries to ride through neighborhoods and stick to trails.

Officials say the goal of the campaign is to replace that fear with a feeling of safety.

“We’ve taken one step further — now we’re writing a lot of citations because we have to do something to make the difference,” Negersmith said, noting that some of those citations can cost up to $166.

Department officials say the campaign will run until May 12, 2023.

Safety reminders from Clearwater Police Department:

Drivers:

• Obey speed limits
• Never drive impaired
• Always watch for pedestrians and bicyclists 

Bicyclists:

• Obey traffic laws
• Ride in the direction of traffic
• Use lights when riding at night

Pedestrians:

• Cross in crosswalks or at intersections
• Obey pedestrian signals
• Make sure you are visible to drivers when walking at night