Boulder, CO Gives Absolute Right of Way to Pedestrians

Letter to City Councilman Mike Anglin

Mike: Thanks for forwarding this issue to the City Attorney. This should be taken up as soon as possible. If there is a conflict with state law, then council needs to take this up with our state representatives promptly.

Here is the ordinance from Boulder, CO. It is simple and straight forward. There is no ambiguity. Last night I met with a mom who is visiting here from Boulder. She was shocked when cars would not stop when she was trying to cross Seventh last night. She went into detail about how safe she felt as a pedestrian in Boulder. Our current ordinance is, quite frankly, shameful.

Boulder Revised Code
7-4-23 Yield to Pedestrian Required.Go to the top

A driver shall yield the right-of-way to every pedestrian on a sidewalk or approaching or within a crosswalk.4

(Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 5920 (1997)) http://www.colocode.com/boulder2/chapter7-4.htm


For further reference, please read the California Driver Handbook section regarding pedestrian safety below. Drivers must stop for pedestrians. No ambiguity. It's now part of the culture in every town in California to stop before a pedestrian enters a cross walk. Further, cars are ticketed for stopping at a signal if the driver stops within a crosswalk, regardless of whether a pedestrian is currently crossing or attempting to cross. No stopping in cross walks - period.

CALIFORNIA DRIVERS HANDBOOK
Pedestrians

Pedestrian safety is a serious issue. One in six traffic fatalities is a pedestrian. Drive cautiously when pedestrians are near because they may cross your path.

A pedestrian is a person on foot or who uses a conveyance such as roller skates, skateboards, etc., other than a bicycle. A pedestrian can also be a person with a disability on a tricycle or quadricycle or in a wheelchair.

* Respect the right-of-way of pedestrians. Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block, and at corners with or without traffic lights, whether or not the crosswalks are marked by painted lines.
* Do not pass a car from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you can't see may be crossing.
* Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it at a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to any pedestrian.
* Do not stop in a crosswalk. You will place pedestrians in danger.
* Remember—if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian.
* Allow older pedestrians more time to cross the street.
* Important: Blind pedestrians rely on the sound of your vehicle to remain aware of their surroundings, so it is important that you stop your vehicle within 5 feet of the crosswalk. Drivers of hybrid or electric vehicles need to remain especially aware of this, as the lack of engine noise may lead a blind pedestrian to assume that there is not a car nearby. Follow cues: When a blind person pulls in his/her cane and steps away from the intersection, this gesture usually means for you to go. Additional information regarding pedestrians who are blind can be found on page 40.

Crosswalks

A crosswalk is that part of the roadway where the sidewalk lines would extend across the street and it is set aside for pedestrian traffic. Every intersection has a pedestrian crosswalk whether or not there are painted lines on the street. Most crosswalks are at corners but they can also be in the middle of the block. Before turning a corner, watch for people about to cross the street. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block.

Crosswalks are often marked with white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings. Most often, crosswalks in residential areas are not marked.

Some crosswalks have flashing lights to warn you that pedestrians may be crossing. Look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop, whether or not the lights are flashing.