Title
Resolution to Endorse HB 4738 and the Creation of a Statewide Crosswalk Law
Memorandum
Currently there is no statewide crosswalk law standard, with each community creating its crosswalk laws that may 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: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Approved by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
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 a more restrictive pedestrian cross-walk law than they would be in other cities, causing confusion and unsafe behavior;
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 have adopted by local communities in Michigan; 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 Eaton, Griswold, Hayner, Lumm, and Smith