Columbia’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission met Wednesday evening to discuss a potential new pedestrian safety ordinance.
The ordinance was created after a Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study, was conducted which looked at crash data, road conditions and safety practices used around the country.
The study identified locations where high speeds, higher volumes of traffic and smaller medians might contribute to a greater risk of collision between pedestrians and cars.
"It will impact all of Columbia because we have major roadways", said Commissioner Chair Elke Boyd. "Pedestrians will be affected because it will make it basically impossible for them to get around the city because there are a lot of places …
Columbia’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission met Wednesday evening to discuss a potential new pedestrian safety ordinance.
The ordinance was created after a Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study, was conducted which looked at crash data, road conditions and safety practices used around the country.
The study identified locations where high speeds, higher volumes of traffic and smaller medians might contribute to a greater risk of collision between pedestrians and cars.
"It will impact all of Columbia because we have major roadways", said Commissioner Chair Elke Boyd. "Pedestrians will be affected because it will make it basically impossible for them to get around the city because there are a lot of places that don’t have a crosswalk."
According to the city of Columbia, if passed, the ordinance would create regulations for pedestrians and drivers at certain intersections and roadways that meet the following criteria:
- A speed limit of 35 mph or higher
- Traffic volumes higher than 15,000 cars each day
- Medians less than 6 feet wide
"It goes way beyond pedestrian safety," said Boyd. "It makes it illegal for you to be on a major roadway unless you’re in a vehicle."
Residents are encouraged and invited to look over the ordinance and share their thoughts until Jan. 23.