Sioux Falls Police Announce Crosswalk Patrol Initiative

The Sioux Falls, S.D., police department has announced a new initiative to make travel safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Argus Leader reports that citywide patrolling of crosswalks will begin to increase Wednesday. Police will focus on areas with heavy foot and bike traffic, including the mall and downtown.

Some officers will wear pedestrian attire as they watch for drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians and for walkers who cross when they’re not supposed to.

Lt. Trent Lubbers says the department’s goal is to educate people. He says officers won’t issue tickets right away, but failure to yield will eventually cost $120.

Lubbers says the effort is a result of a fatal bike accident that happened last month.