The next phase of an initiative aiming to decrease pedestrian and bike crashes in St. Paul is underway through Oct. 12.

The Stop for Me campaign, funded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, aims to improve pedestrian safety through a number of approaches — from educational efforts to increased fines from police for motorists who violate traffic laws.

Data collected by the city indicated that from Jan. 1 through Aug. 29, 169 pedestrian and bike crashes occurred in St. Paul.

“The data shows that a bike or pedestrian is hit in St. Paul almost every other day,” St. Paul Police Cmdr. Jeremy Ellison said.

The first campaign phase, begun in April, was an educational period. Officers issued warnings — 1,076 — to motorists who failed to stop for pedestrians.

During the second phase, in June, officers wrote 633 citations, involving monetary fines. Officers also cited drivers who pulled around another car stopped for someone crossing a street.

“St. Paul is stepping up enforcement. Passing another vehicle carries a stiffer penalty that allows you to appear in court,” said Sgt. Mike Ernster, St. Paul police spokesperson.

The third phase, in August, saw a decrease in citations issued. Officers gave drivers 386 citations during the period.

“This is directly related to the increase in compliance we’re seeing,” Ellison said. “The compliance rate was 32 percent during the first phase of this campaign and is now up to 74 percent.”

These updates in yield rates go on display on signs around the city each week.

Ellison says the next goal of the program is to decrease the number of crashes.

The U study accompanying the campaign tested 16 sites across St. Paul, half of which receive treatment of increased education, signage and police enforcement, while half go without.

Nichole Morris leads the eight-person team of undergraduates and researchers involved in the study.

“Even sites that haven’t received treatment are improving,” Morris said. “We’re seeing dramatic changes. We’re changing the driving culture in St. Paul.”