The city of Bellevue is concerned about the dangerous risks many pedestrians are taking downtown, ignoring construction site perimeters and skipping crosswalks in an effort to shore up the distance to their next destination.

City transportation spokeswoman Tresa Berg said building inspectors and downtown developers have been reporting a large number of pedestrians are ignoring signs directing them away from the numerous construction projects there and making their own paths.

“They see a lot of pedestrians around lunchtime just disobeying the ‘No Crossing Here/Sidewalk Closed’ signs,” Berg said, adding many are plugged in to iPods or texting when they wander onto downtown roads absent of walkable sidewalks. “They’re walking across five lanes of traffic without a crosswalk.”

There are nine active downtown Bellevue construction projects and more on the way this summer, Berg said, which could worsen the problem.

The most notable trouble spot is near Kemper Development’s Lincoln Square expansion on Bellevue Way, which should improve when missing sidewalk is replaced on Northeast Fourth following further site development, Berg said.

An increased police presence has been requested to monitor for violators, the penalty being a $56 fine for anyone failing to obey the signs.

The city is developing a Youtube video regarding construction traffic and safety, and has been updating drivers and commuters about transportation changes through its Facebook and Twitter feeds.