JSO Launches Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Enforcement Through May 2027

**Key Facts** • JSO launches high-visibility enforcement details November 3, 2026, running through early May 2027 • 33 fatal crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists recorded in Jacksonville from January through October 2026 • 31 fatal crashes recorded by the same point in 2025 • Enforcement will focus on education, with warnings or citations issued depending on circumstances • Campaign funded by Institute of Police Technology and Management and Florida Department of Transportation • Jacksonville designated as Focus City by Federal Highway Administration due to high pedestrian and bicycle fatality rates

## What Happened

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced October 27, 2026, that it will conduct high-visibility enforcement details throughout Duval County starting November 3, 2026, to address the dangers experienced by pedestrians and bicyclists. The enforcement campaign will run through the beginning of May 2027, according to the JSO press release.

According to JSO, the high-visibility traffic enforcements will be held in several high-traffic areas across the city. Enforcement efforts will focus on educating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists about safe road-sharing practices. Violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances.

JSO reported that since the start of 2026, there have been 33 fatal crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists in Duval County. By the same point in 2025, there had been 31 fatal crashes. The two-crash increase represents a continuing pattern of pedestrian and bicyclist vulnerability on Jacksonville roads.

## Background and Context

Jacksonville has been designated a Focus City by the Federal Highway Administration due to high pedestrian and bicycle fatalities. According to the City of Jacksonville Planning Department, Florida remains a Focus State, and Jacksonville is located within a designated Focus Metropolitan Planning Organization region under federal safety programs.

The city's overall traffic death toll mirrors recent years. According to News4Jax reporting from October 5, 2026, Duval County recorded 127 traffic fatalities by early October 2026, compared to 130 at the same point in 2025. JSO data shows the city also recorded 21,077 total traffic crashes in 2026 to date.

Fatal pedestrian and bicyclist crashes have occurred across Jacksonville neighborhoods in 2026. Action News Jax reported an August 26 crash on Kernan Boulevard and McCormick Road where an elderly bicyclist was struck while turning left onto McCormick Road and later died at a hospital. JSO identified that incident as the 117th traffic fatality in Duval County in 2026 and the fourth involving a bicyclist.

Earlier in 2026, on February 26, a woman in her mid-40s was killed while crossing Hodges Boulevard and Richmond Park Drive. According to Action News Jax, JSO reported the crash occurred on a dark part of the road and was the 10th deadly crash involving a pedestrian that year.

Jacksonville's most dangerous intersections have been identified through city data. According to News4Jax reporting on 2025 JSO data, Main Street North and State Street West topped the list with 483 crashes, nearly 150 more than the second-ranked location. Blanding Boulevard and Argyle Forest Boulevard logged 337 crashes, making that westside corridor one of the most hazardous stretches in the city.

The City of Jacksonville has undertaken pedestrian safety improvement projects. In January 2026, City Council approved a $6 million pedestrian safety improvement project along Bay Street near EverBank Stadium, co-funded by FDOT and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The project includes raised tabletop pedestrian crossings designed to slow traffic. Council also approved a $4.4 million signal improvement project at the Braddock Road and Dunn Avenue intersection.

## How This Affects Jacksonville Residents

The high-visibility enforcement campaign will be active in high-traffic areas across Duval County from November 2026 through early May 2027. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists should expect increased law enforcement presence in areas with high crash rates or heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

JSO's enforcement approach emphasizes education alongside enforcement. Officers will work to educate all road users about safe practices. Violations such as failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, jaywalking in dangerous conditions, or bicycling without proper lighting may result in warnings or citations.

The traffic enforcement contract funding these efforts was awarded by the Institute of Police Technology and Management in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, according to JSO. The campaign represents a coordinated state and local response to Jacksonville's pedestrian and bicyclist safety challenges.

## What You Can Do

JSO issued safety reminders for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers to reduce crashes and save lives.

**For Pedestrians and Bicyclists:** • Stay visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at dawn, dusk, or night. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing or entering intersections. • Be predictable: Follow traffic signals, use crosswalks or bike lanes when available, and avoid sudden movements that drivers cannot anticipate. • Stay alert: Keep your head up. Avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones that block surrounding sounds. • Look before crossing: Always scan for turning vehicles, check both directions, and confirm drivers see you. • Use caution around driveways: Vehicles may pull out quickly. Slow down, look for movement, and be prepared to stop. • Be defensive: Assume drivers may not see you. Give yourself time and space in case another driver behaves unpredictably.

**For Drivers:** • Slow down in neighborhoods and areas with pedestrian activity • Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections, especially when turning • Give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing • Check blind spots before turning or changing lanes • Avoid distractions and put phones away while driving • Expect pedestrians and bicyclists at crosswalks and intersections

Residents who witness dangerous driving, walking, or bicycling behavior can report concerns to JSO's non-emergency line at 904-630-0500. In emergency situations, call 911.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Where will enforcement be focused?** JSO stated that enforcement details will be held in several high-traffic areas across Duval County but did not list specific intersections or corridors. Based on city crash data, residents should expect increased enforcement at high-crash locations such as Main Street North and State Street West, Blanding Boulevard and Argyle Forest Boulevard, and other busy corridors.

**Will I receive a citation or a warning?** JSO indicated that enforcement efforts will focus on education. Violations may result in warnings or citations depending on the circumstances. The severity and danger of the violation, and whether education or enforcement is more appropriate, will guide officers' decisions.

**What traffic laws apply to bicyclists in Florida?** Florida law treats bicycles as vehicles in most circumstances. Bicyclists must obey traffic signals and signs, ride in the same direction as traffic, and use lights when riding at night. Bicyclists are permitted to use the full lane when necessary for safety. Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing.

**How can I report dangerous intersections or road conditions?** Residents can report traffic safety concerns to the City of Jacksonville at 630-CITY (2489) or through the MyJax app. Concerns about specific intersections or crosswalks can also be directed to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority or FDOT District 2.

## Resources

**Jacksonville Sheriff's Office** • Non-Emergency: 904-630-0500 • Emergency: 911 • Website: jaxsheriff.org **City of Jacksonville** • 630-CITY (2489) / 311 for city services • MyJax app for reporting concerns • Planning Department Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety: jacksonville.gov **Florida Department of Transportation District 2** • Traffic Safety Information • Report road hazards and concerns