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Pedestrian and Bicyclist System Program As part of the Public Works Department's Transportation Line of Business, we would like to take this opportunity to inform residents and visitors where our city's sidewalks, restrooms, public concession stands and public parks are located. Secondly, we would like to review some safety tips. Thirdly, we would like introduce the idea of using the local pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure for more than just recreation. We will explore this by introducing the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority's Bikes of Buses program and the Pinellas Trail. Click on the links below fo navigate between places of interest.
The City of St. Pete Beach is sensitive to the needs of pedestrianss and bicyclists. For this reason, we include maps of restrooms, concession stands, public parks and sidewalks. Public restrooms are located in many of our parks and in both concession stands.
Each year thousands of pedestrians are killed while walking, running or jogging along or across public street and highways in the United States. Many of these accidents can be avoided. The major crash types associated with pedestrian accidents are:
What can a pedestrian do to prevent pedestrian accidents? Walk Defensively - Be prepared for the unexpected. Don't let cars surprise you even if the motorist does something wrong like running a stop sign or red light, or makes a sudden turn. Walk Facing Oncoming Traffic - When there are no sidewalks, walk near the curb facing traffic or off the road completely. Cross Streets at Intersections Whenever Possible - Look in all directions before entering the street. Be especially alert to a vehicle that may be turning right on a red signal. If there are marked crosswalks, by all means use them but do not assume that you are completely safe in a marked crosswalk. At Intersections, Look for the Signs or Signals - They will help you to cross safely. Use pedestrian push buttons for crossing protection at signalized intersections where they are available. The lighted "WALK" (or walking person symbol) and "DON'T WALK" (or hand symbol) signals are meant for pedestrians. If the "DON'T WALK" is blinking whlie y;ou are crossing the street in that direction, continue to quickly and carefully complete the crossing. If there are no pedestrian signals, watch the regular traffic signals. Be Careful in Parking Lots - Pedestrians are supposed to have the right-of-way in parking lots but many drivers don't wait for pedestrians. Parking lots can be more hazardous than streets. On streets, traffic usually moves in predictable patterns, but in parking lots, vehicles may be moving in all kinds of directions, including backwards. Avoid Dangerous Moves - Any movement a pedestrian makes that drivers are not expecting could be dangerous. When leaving a school bus, wait a second before crossing the street. Drivers don't always stop for unloading school buses; so you stop, look in all directions and then cross when it is safe to do so. Don't step into traffic from between parked cars since this a sure way to surprise a motorist. Keep Your View of Traffic Clear at All Times - A pedestrian needs to be able to see the vehicles around him. Don't block you view with packages, umbrellas or other objects. After Dark, Wear Light Colored or White Clothing - Drivers can see you better if you are wearing light colored or white clothing. Better yet, wear reflective clothing or carry a lighted flashlight and swing it back and forth to improve you chances of being seen by drivers. In spite of the relatively small percentage of pedestrian travel occuring at night, more than one-third of pedestrian accidents happen during dark conditions. While you may be able to see a vehicle with its headlights on for a mile or so, the driver may not see you until the last 100 feet or so even if you are wearing white clothing. In some cases this is not adequate distance for the driver to react before it is too late. And, if you ware wearing dark clothing, the driver may never see you. Don't Drink and Walk - Most people have heard this refrain for drivers, but it is also true for pedestrians. Alcohol slows your reaction time too! Click here for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority's schedule of service. Wear a Helmet - Bicycle helmets save lives. Most bicycle fatalities and permanent injuries are the result of head injuries. Bicycle helmets can eliminate up to 60% of all bicycle-related fatalities. Florida state law requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. Be Alert and Predictable - Watch all cars carefully. Many drivers are too busy watching other motorists to notice a bicycle. Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road between parked cars. Check oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection. Anticipate hazard and adjust your position in traffic accordingly. Be More Visisble - Wear bright colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night. Make sure your bike has a white headlight, red tailight and red rear reflectors if you ride at night. Ride of the Right - Ride with the traffic, not against it. This is the safest way to ride, the best to be seen and gives drivers more time to safely pass you. Watch Turning Traffic - Be certain you have good eye contact with the driver before riding in front of a waiting car. Be Careful Around Parked Cars - Never ride into the road between parked cars, trucks or other obstacles. Obey all Traffic Laws - Bicycle riders have the same right to the road as car drivers, and they also have to obey the same laws. Ever take the bus or trolley to your destination and wish you had your bicycle with you? Allow the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to introduce you to their Bikes on Buses program. It offers you the convenience of bringing your bicycle anywhere PSTA travels. Or it lets you explore areas you could never get to by bicycle alone. For more information regarding the Bikes on Buses program, click here. You may also call their Info line at 727.530.9911 or print out their PDF flyer. The Pinellas Trail is a great place for joggers, bicyclists, walkers and in-line skaters to experience one of the nation's longest urban trails. The trail extends the entire length of Pinellas County. At this time, the Pinellas Trail does not enter into the City of St. Pete Beach, but you can travel a short distance through the adjacent City of South Pasadena to reach it. For a map of the Pinellas Trail, click here.
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