11 Law Enforcement Agencies Team Up to Protect Trail Users

As summer approaches, largest ‘crosswalk crackdown’ to date focuses on trail crossings

Trail use soared during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent counts indicate that the trend in trail popularity continues. As the school year winds down and summer vacations commence, drivers need to be extra cautious and should expect more people biking and walking as residents and visitors lace up their sneakers to enjoy the more than 450 miles of local trails in Central Florida.

Starting May 10^th, 11 law enforcement agencies across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties will team up to enforce Florida’s driver yield laws during the largest crosswalk enforcement in Central Florida history. Drivers who fail to yield or stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks will receive warnings or citations to spotlight the importance of staying alert at all trail crossings.

Popular trail crossing locations to be enforced include:

• Kissimmee Loop Trail Crossing at 898 N. Hoagland Blvd. (Kissimmee)
• West Orange Trail Crossing at Votaw Rd. (Apopka)
• Seminole Wekiva Trail Crossing at E.E. Williamson Rd. (Seminole County)
• West Orange Trail Crossing over Oakland Ave./SR-438 (Oakland)

A complete list of crosswalks and all enforcement details can be found in the May 6, 2022 Press Release HERE.

Dubbed Operation Best Foot Forward, these crosswalk enforcement actions are part of a greater, comprehensive effort to educate drivers about Florida’s driver yield laws and curb the pattern of aggressive behavior towards pedestrians. Plainclothes deputies and officers cross the street at marked crosswalks during the operation, giving drivers ample time to yield as Florida law requires. Drivers who fail to comply may be issued a warning or a citation starting at $164 and three points on their license.

Participating agencies include the Sheriff’s Offices from Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County, as well as the Apopka, Casselberry, Kissimmee, Longwood, Oakland, Orlando, St. Cloud, and Winter Park Police Departments. By increasing awareness of other road users, these law enforcement agencies and the rest of the Best Foot Forward coalition work to improve Central Florida streets for all through enforcement, ongoing evaluations, and the implementation of engineering solutions.

For more information, see the May 6, 2022 Press Release HERE.