Nearly 500 crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists this year on the Suncoast: What is law enforcement doing about it?

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Bradenton Police are still searching for the suspect involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash Saturday before midnight in the 1000 block of 14th Street West in Bradenton. A 36-year-old bicyclist was killed. The driver took off.

It is one of hundreds of crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians this year. Local law enforcement is looking to curb those numbers. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says it starts with education.

The sheriff’s office will conduct a high visibility enforcement program starting this Sunday through May 2025. It will focus on pedestrian and bicyclist safety.

“We have a list of 10 locations throughout Sarasota County where our deputies will be, seven are in north county, three are in south county,” said Sergeant Chuck Flint.

The Florida Department of Transportation identifying those high crash spots for the sheriff’s office.

“We’re looking to educate the public and reduce the fatalities and serious bodily injuries between pedestrian’s, cyclists, and motorists,” said Sgt. Flint.

The Sarasota Police Department, Bradenton Police Department, and Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will also conduct their own high visibility enforcement programs.

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