Crime & Safety

Largo Police Start Bicycle Safety Campaign

The Largo Police Department launched a public safety program Tuesday to make motorists aware of the state law that requires cars to give bikes 3 feet of clearance.

Largo Police Sgt. George Edmiston grabbed a bottle of window cleaner and a plastic scraper and began the task of applying about 70 stickers to the department's marked squad cars.

The orange and white window decals with the message, "Share the road it's the law," let vehicles know of the required 3 feet motorists must give cyclists when they pass and travel on the roadways together.

Largo is the first law enforcement agency in Pinellas County to place the decals on its vehicles. Largo modeled its program after one used by the Tampa Police Department. The goal is public education, Edmiston said.

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"A lot of people glance over and look when they stop next to a police car," Edmiston said.

The was approached by several cyclist groups to start the program to make the public aware of the law. Resident David Sandmann went to the Largo City Commission for help in making Largo motorists aware of the law earlier this year. Sandmann was almost hit a couple times near Rosery Road, he said.

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