From the Apopka Police Department and Staff Reports
The Apopka Police Department is launching a new push to keep Apopka’s streets safer for those on foot and bikes.
With serious and fatal crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists on the rise, the APD is ramping up enforcement efforts along two of the city's busiest corridors.
Through May 2025, residents will see officers more frequently in these areas, focusing on education and enforcement to curb dangerous behaviors. This initiative isn’t just about handing out tickets—it’s about ensuring everyone on the road, whether walking, biking, or driving, gets home safely.
It's called a High-Visibility Enforcement (HVE) operation to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety along two of the city's most heavily trafficked roads: US-441 (Orange Blossom Trail) and SR-436 (Semoran Blvd). The initiative is targeting areas with an alarming number of serious and fatal accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
Orange County ranks among the top 25 counties in Florida for traffic crashes leading to serious injuries or fatalities for pedestrians and cyclists. The APD is responding to this concern with heightened enforcement efforts to protect these vulnerable road users.
The HVE details, funded by the University of North Florida in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), focus on educating drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians about traffic laws and safe behaviors. The primary goal is to raise awareness and encourage compliance to reduce the risks of accidents.
While education is the main focus, the operation will also involve active enforcement. Depending on the circumstances, violators could receive warnings or citations.
The Apopka Police Department emphasizes several key safety tips:
- Drivers: Always obey speed limits, avoid impaired driving, and remain alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Bicyclists: Follow traffic laws, ride with the flow of traffic, and ensure your bike is equipped with lights when riding at night.
- Pedestrians: Use crosswalks or intersections when crossing streets, follow pedestrian signals, and ensure you’re visible to drivers, especially at night. Where available, always use sidewalks.
With this initiative, the APD aims to reduce the number of tragic accidents in these high-risk areas and ensure safer roadways for everyone in the community.
