ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The city St Petersburg announced that they received $3.6 million from a federal grant that is being invested in traffic safety as it continues to grow.

The money comes from a federal initiative with a mission to have zero pedestrian fatalities.

“Pedestrians and bicyclists have really exploded in St. Pete with all the activity going on downtown,” said Sgt. Michael Schade, who is in the traffic section at St. Pete Police Department.

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The increased activity has led to an increase in crashes, some of which have been fatal.

Earlier this year, St. Pete police more than $60,000 in a state grant for pedestrian safety education. Areas targeted included 34th Street North and South, Fourth Street North and South, and 16th Street South.

There are areas of the city that even avid cyclists said they avoid because of safety concerns.

“Forty-ninth street is kind of narrow for as much traffic as there is now,” said one cyclist.

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The city said it will use the federal money to implement safety treatments, including improved lighting, crosswalks, curb extensions and reduced speed zones.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch released the following statement on Friday:

“This grant will fund efforts that will improve our residents’ quality of life by addressing road safety hazards that pedestrians and drivers face on a daily basis.”

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