Help Make 28th Street Safer for All Road Users
Changes are coming to 28th Street!
The City of St Petersburg is implementing much-needed safety improvements along 28th Street, specifically between 13th Ave N and 18th Ave S. In the first phase of this project, the City plans to add separated bike lanes from 13th Ave N to 1st Ave N.
The addition of protected bike lanes on 28th Street will significantly enhance safety, livability, and connectivity for the surrounding neighborhoods. This project aims to:
- Calm vehicle speeds along this predominantly residential corridor, fostering a more peaceful and predictable environment for all road users. Slower speeds are directly associated with fewer crashes, and when incidents do occur, they are less likely to result in serious injury or death. Furthermore, traffic calming measures will help reduce noise pollution, making the street more enjoyable for residents, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
- Provide a safe and accessible route for cyclists, including children, seniors, and less experienced riders. The protected bike lanes will create a physical barrier from moving vehicles, significantly enhancing comfort and safety compared to traditional painted bike lanes. This improvement will encourage more individuals to consider biking as a viable transportation option.
- Establish a key connection to the Pinellas Trail, one of the region’s most vital multi-use pathways. This connection will extend the trail’s reach further into residential neighborhoods, creating new opportunities for car-free travel to jobs, schools, parks, and local businesses.
- Encourage residents to swap some car trips for bike trips, particularly for short errands and commutes. This shift not only alleviates traffic congestion but also contributes to lower carbon emissions, enhances public health, and reduces the wear and tear on local streets. Over time, fewer cars on the road will result in fewer crashes, leading to a safer, healthier neighborhood for everyone.
In summary, the introduction of protected bike lanes on 28th Street is more than just a transportation upgrade—it represents an investment in public safety, environmental sustainability, neighborhood vitality, and equitable access to mobility.