HARTFORD (AP) — State officials and local police departments are stepping up efforts to prevent jaywalking and other violations that endanger bicyclists and pedestrians.

The Hartford Courant reports they're responding to an increase in pedestrian deaths. Seven police departments received up to $15,000 each for a pedestrian safety pilot program that runs through the end of January.

East Hartford police are assigning officers for special duty shifts to cite people who don't use crosswalks when crossing busy streets, including Main Street.

The state transportation department said it's the first year of the law enforcement piece of the initiative. The educational piece of the statewide campaign was already in place.

The state was eligible for federal funding from the National Highway Safety Administration because more than 15 percent of roadway fatalities in the past two years have involved pedestrians and bicyclists.

The transportation department coordinated with police in municipalities where there have been issues with pedestrian safety. The participating police departments are: Hartford, East Hartford, New Britain, Waterbury, Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven.