PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Debra Carpenter drives on 86th Avenue North in Seminole several times a week.

Each time she crosses the Pinellas Trail just west of 113th Street, she takes a moment to slow down.

What You Need To Know

  • Drivers say the Pinellas Trail crossing on 86th Avenue North is confusing

  • Neighbors say trail goers don’t use the warning lights when crossing

  • Pinellas County reminds drivers and trail users to use caution when crossing

“There’s something different about this particular crossing that makes it dangerous for bicyclists, runners, trail users and for motorists,” Carpenter said.

The Pinellas Trail is the 54-mile pathway that loops Pinellas County, used by runners, walkers and bikers.

It crosses many roads, like 86th Avenue North, where there are warning lights that trail users can turn on.

Carpenter says many of them don’t. Often times, she says cyclists will quickly cross without any warning to drivers.

“I’ve had a number of near misses here. People who blow right through there without putting the light on. Without stopping. And it was a good thing I slowed down,” Carpenter said.

She believes one reason trail users don’t use the lights is that the button is easy to miss.

“I’ve seen very few bicycles that actually get all the way to the sign and then push the light. The sign should be turned,” Carpenter said.

Spectrum Bay News 9 asked Pinellas County about this. They say the standard for the flashing sign is for it to be parallel to the trail rather than perpendicular.

The county also asks that drivers use caution there. But neighbors like Carpenter say drivers are already very aware of that crossing.

“A lot of people have learned the hard way that you have to slow down or someone is going to get killed or seriously injured,” Carpenter said.