From Bike Walk Central Florida
In Summary:
Law enforcement agencies across nine Central Florida counties will conduct crosswalk enforcement operations from March 10 through April 3 as part of Operation Best Foot Forward. The initiative targets drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians and cyclists in marked crosswalks, a violation that carries a $164 citation and three points on a driver’s license. Organizers say the effort combines enforcement, education, and engineering strategies to improve pedestrian safety and increase driver compliance.
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As Central Florida residents head outdoors for Florida Bicycle Month, law enforcement agencies across the region are increasing enforcement at crosswalks near parks and trails.
The effort, known as Operation Best Foot Forward, will run from March 10 through April 3 and will target drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians and cyclists in marked crosswalks. The initiative involves coordinated enforcement across nine Central Florida counties, including Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, and Volusia.
Related: It's not getting any safer for Florida's bicyclists.
During the operation, plainclothes officers will enter marked crosswalks while other officers monitor nearby traffic. Drivers who fail to yield as required under Florida law can receive a citation carrying a minimum $164 fine and three points on their driver’s license.
The enforcement campaign is organized by the Best Foot Forward for Pedestrian Safety program, which is administered by the nonprofit Bike/Walk Central Florida.
Program officials say the effort is intended to address a persistent safety problem. Data collected by Best Foot Forward indicates that fewer than half of Florida drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks near parks and trails.
Research published in the journal Injury Prevention also found that the risk of child pedestrian fatalities is more than twice as high near parks as near schools, a difference researchers attribute to the additional traffic controls typically present in school zones.
“With the start of daylight saving time coinciding with Florida Bicycle Month and spring break, this is an important opportunity to remind drivers that it is the law to stop for pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks,” said Vince Dyer, director of the Best Foot Forward program. “More people will be outside enjoying parks, trails, and recreational areas, and drivers should stay alert when approaching these locations.”
Organizers say the enforcement campaign is part of a long-term strategy that combines education, enforcement, and low-cost roadway improvements to improve pedestrian safety.
The program supports local Vision Zero initiatives, which aim to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries.
According to Bike/Walk Central Florida, driver compliance at marked crosswalks has improved significantly since the program began. When Best Foot Forward launched in 2012, only 17% of drivers yielded to pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Today, that number has increased to nearly 50%.
A full list of crosswalk locations and enforcement schedules is available at bikewalkcentralflorida.org/obff.
Bike/Walk Central Florida, founded in 2010, advocates for safer streets and expanded active transportation options across the region. The organization works with more than 100 local and regional partners to promote safer walking, biking, and mobility infrastructure.
Key Points:
- Operation Best Foot Forward will run from March 10 through April 3 across nine Central Florida counties.
- Plainclothes officers will cross at marked crosswalks while nearby officers monitor drivers who fail to yield.
- Drivers who do not stop for pedestrians can receive a $164 citation and three points on their license.
- Data shows fewer than half of Florida drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks near parks and trails.
- The program combines enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements to improve pedestrian safety.
