News Summary
The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) is intensifying efforts to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in response to a troubling increase in traffic accidents in the city. With an average of 15 pedestrians injured in 2025 and two fatalities, the TPD is extending its High Visibility Enforcement program and launching the Crosswalks to Classrooms initiative. Community support for safety measures is strong, but concerns remain over state demands to remove pavement markings in crosswalks. Proactive patrols and new safety projects aim to curb traffic-related incidents in the city.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) is enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety measures, citing a concerning rise in traffic accidents within the city. An average of 15 pedestrians have been injured in traffic crashes in 2025, with two fatalities reported. The initiative comes as Tallahassee consistently ranks among Florida’s top 10 cities for traffic crashes, prompting urgent steps to protect vulnerable road users.
The TPD will extend its High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) program for the sixth consecutive year. This program focuses on educating drivers about pedestrian and cyclist safety while actively monitoring for traffic violations, issuing either warnings or citations as necessary. This year’s enhanced patrols will be funded through a partnership with the University of North Florida and the Florida Department of Transportation.
In addition to the HVE program, the Crosswalks to Classrooms initiative aims to significantly reduce risks at street crossings. This initiative will feature high-visibility markings for crosswalks, which research has shown can reduce vehicle speeds and improve driver compliance with traffic laws. An analysis from a Bloomberg study indicated a 50% reduction in pedestrian crashes following the installation of decorative safety crosswalks.
Despite these positive developments, the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles recorded 165 pedestrian-related crashes in Leon County alone in 2025, resulting in five deaths. Bicycle accidents are also a concern, with the Department noting 67 bicycle crashes in Leon County, including one fatality. These figures place Florida as the leading state in the U.S. for metro-area pedestrian fatalities, with Leon County ranking third behind Pinellas and Volusia counties.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board is set to consider funding of $5,000,000 for the Meridian Street Pedestrian and Street Safety (PASS) Project on October 23rd. This project aims to further enhance pedestrian safety in the area.
In a bid to improve safety, Leon County crews will begin removing fencing and walls at the Washington Square construction site starting Monday night. This operation will impact surrounding streets from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Wednesday. These measures align with the broader push for pedestrian safety amidst rising traffic accident rates in the city.
Residents have expressed strong support for crosswalk safety measures, emphasizing the urgent need for continued improvements. However, recent action by the Florida Department of Transportation has raised concerns. The agency issued an ultimatum demanding the removal of all pavement safety markings in crosswalks. Residents worry that this could negatively impact local pedestrian safety, particularly given the already high rates of traffic-related incidents.
As a response to ongoing concerns about safety in urban areas, TPD is increasing proactive patrols to protect pedestrians and cyclists. The department’s commitment demonstrates a growing awareness of these issues and the need for effective interventions. Officials believe that with enhanced measures and community involvement, they can reduce the alarming trends in traffic accidents.
In addition to local efforts, the U.S. stock markets recently closed higher, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.1%, the Dow up 1.1%, and the Nasdaq increasing by 1.4%. Meanwhile, Florida has seen a notable dip in gas prices, with an average gallon reaching a nearly two-year low, as reported by AAA auto club.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the CRA Board meeting to see if funding for safety initiatives will be approved. The proactive steps taken by the TPD and community members will be critical in addressing the pressing need for pedestrian and cyclist safety throughout Tallahassee.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Florida Retains No. 7 Ranking Among Public Universities
FAMU President Unveils 100-Day Action Plan for Change
Tallahassee City Commission Meeting Set for Critical Discussions
Leon County Residents Protest Colorful Crosswalk Removal
Tallahassee Police Department Reports on School Speed Zone Enforcement
Tallahassee Police Detain Juveniles and Recover Firearms
Escalating Safety Concerns in Leon County Schools
Leon County to Remove Colorful Crosswalks Amid Outrage
Leon County Investigates Multiple Deaths and Homicides
Tallahassee City Commission Approves Key Grants and Appointments Amid Fire Service Fee Controversy
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Police Patrol as Pedestrian and Bicyclist Danger Rises
- Wikipedia: Pedestrian Safety
- As Painted Crosswalks Removed Elsewhere, Leon Projects Safe for Now
- Google Search: Persistent Pedestrian Safety Efforts
- Leon County Pedestrian Fatalities Surpass Pre-COVID Levels
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Measures
- TPD Expands Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Efforts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Safety
- Capital City Questions FDOT’s Misguided War on Safe Crosswalks
- Google News: Pedestrian Safety Tallahassee
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
