Workshop Item Brian Podany, Safety Services Director/Chief of Police
Title
Median Safety Ordinance
Executive Summary
The median safety ordinance is being proposed due to concerns of pedestrians standing for long periods of time in the median of high traffic intersections within the City. The ordinance still allows for safe crossing of roadways but prohibits standing in the median for multiple light cycles. Details are contained in the ordinance and background.
Background
The attached median safety draft ordinance arose out of police and resident concerns about pedestrians standing for long periods of time in the median of certain high-traffic intersections in the City of Blaine. There are several high-traffic, high-speed arterial roadways within the City that have been identified as potentially dangerous for pedestrians. Both residents and police have identified multiple intersections where this has been a problem and there have been repeated incidents at those locations. Pedestrians standing in high traffic roadway medians present an increased risk of being struck by a vehicle and impeding traffic flow. Feedback from officers who have responded to complaints of this problem note that those who partake in the action that have been requested to move to a position of greater safety have refused to do so as it is not prohibited by law.
The attached proposed median safety ordinance prohibits pedestrians from standing within the intersections identified in the ordinance for a duration longer than two crosswalk signals. It does not prohibit crossing as directed by traffic signals. It additionally prohibits motorists from stopping or standing in their vehicles to address pedestrians who are standing in medians. This helps to ensure safety in preventing crashes and promoting efficient traffic movement.
Enforcement of the ordinance will begin with education and requests for movement from the prohibited activity. For continued or repeated violations, enforcement action will be an option.
Strategic Plan Relationship
N/A
Board/Commission Review
N/A
Financial Impact
N/A
Public Outreach/Input
N/A
Staff Recommendation
Staff is asking council to consider passage of the ordinance to be implemented into the City of Blaine Ordinances. Time is provided for council input and questions.
Attachment List
Draft Median Safety Ordinance
City Attorney Memo