Title
Resolution to Endorse HB 4738 and the Creation of a Statewide Crosswalk Law
Memorandum
Currently Michigan is the only state without language in its vehicle code for a crosswalk law standard. The Michigan State Police offer crosswalk language in the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code, which communities have the option of adopting. Other communities have adopted local ordinances, thus crosswalk laws differ from municipality to municipality. HB 4738 would create a statewide crosswalk law. The relevant amendments to state law that are contemplated in the bill include the following:
Sec. 612a. (1) When traffic is not controlled by traffic signals or traffic signals are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close that it is impossible for the driver to stop and yield to that pedestrian.
(2) A person who violates subsection (1) is responsible for a civil infraction.
Sec. 613e. (1) A pedestrian shall not cross a roadway other than by the shortest route to the opposite curb, except when crossing within a crosswalk.
(2) A pedestrian who crosses a roadway at a point other than within a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway.
And:
(10) When a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of another vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake or pass the stopped vehicle.
Staff
Prepared by: Councilmember Griswold
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is committed to providing the safest right-of-way experience for pedestrians in our City;
Whereas, It may be detrimental to the safety of pedestrians in the City of Ann Arbor if they are subject to an unique pedestrian crosswalk law that differs from other cities, causing confusion, ambiguity and unsafe behavior;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is committed to Vision Zero, reducing pedestrian crashes and eliminating all fatal and serious injury crashes, and in recent years has made significant investments in pedestrian infrastructure, including positive contrast lighting at crosswalks;
Whereas, HB 4738 creates a statewide standard for crosswalk safety that would be effective across the entire state and would replace competing version of crosswalk laws that local communities have adopted in Michigan;
Whereas, HB 4738 creates a statewide standard for crosswalk safety that would be consistent with other state laws, including nearby Illinois;
Whereas, A state crosswalk law would allow for inclusion in Secretary of State publications and testing and private drivers education programs;
Whereas, The State of Michigan controls the transportation-related signage placed in the right-of-way via the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and a state law would be consistent with the crosswalk signage;
Whereas, The University of Michigan Central Student Government unanimously passed Assembly Resolution 8-80, A resolution in support of improving pedestrian safety at the University of Michigan, on March 26, 2019, which states, “There is general agreement that a Michigan law would improve pedestrian safety by creating a single, uniform rule;”
Whereas, The Michigan Department of Transportation supports the language in HB 4738 and their support is critical to the Governor signing the bill into law;
Whereas, Traverse City and Grand Rapids adopted crosswalk ordinances with “Stop for a pedestrian within the crosswalk” language similar to HB 4738; and
Whereas, This language has been introduced in the Michigan Legislature and is pending action in the State House of Representatives;
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor endorses HB 4738 and directs the City Administrator to communicate this endorsement to Ann Arbor’s State Legislative Delegation and to otherwise direct the resources of the city to support this bill’s passage.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Griswold and Lumm