Over the past five years, 835 pedestrians were hit by motor vehicles in the city of St. Paul. Due to the high number of crashes, the St. Paul Police, St. Paul’s 17 district councils and St. Paul Smart Trips organized “Stop for Me,” a campaign that aims to lower the number of pedestrian crashes in crosswalks due to careless driving. The campaign was initially launched by St. Paul Smart Trips at select crossings, but the movement grew to become a citywide effort with volunteers from community groups monitoring crosswalks under the supervision of St. Paul Police Department.

A notice was sent to St. Paul residents alerting them that The St. Paul Police department will begin ticketing drivers that do not stop for people in crosswalks beginning the week of April 30. According to the pre-existing Minnesota law, drivers are required to stop for people crossing in crosswalks and they must not overtake a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk. The notice also included suggestions for how to both drive and walk safely on the streets to reduce crashes. For pedestrians, the police department is reminding everyone to check all lanes and show clear intentions to cross so that drivers know what the pedestrian plans to do.

On Apr. 9, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell and Ramsey County Sheriff Jack Serier met with disability advocates to highlight that pedestrians in wheelchairs and walkers most likely need extra time to cross.

St. Paul Smart Trips will be hosting events to train volunteers and police officers on how to safely help walkers cross streets and deal with aggressive drivers. If you are interested in getting involved, visit their site to learn more.