New Springfield law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians, bicycles in **or near** a crosswalk | KY3

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

The city of Springfield becomes one of the few cities in the country where a driver is required to yield to pedestrians waiting near a crosswalk.

In early November, the city council approved a series of City Code amendments allowing pedestrians to remain on the sidewalk while requiring vehicles to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian approaching or waiting within three feet of a crosswalk.

“Previous City Code reflected state law which does not require a driver to yield unless the pedestrian is already in the roadway,” explains Traffic Safety Professional Mandy Buettgen-Quinn. “This language can be problematic for vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly. The addition allows a pedestrian to remain within the safety of sidewalk and places more responsibility on the driver to slow or stop for them.”

Amendments also include a statement providing bicyclists the rights of a pedestrian over a motorist in a crosswalk if the bicyclist is dismounted while approaching, entering and crossing.

MoBikeFed comment: Springfield officials indicate that recent crosswalk safety campaigns have increased drive compliance in stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks from 25% to 45%.

However, that leaves 55% of drivers still non-compliant. Meaning: drivers are flying through crosswalks even when pedestrians are crossing in them.

The new 3-foot law is designed to encourage more drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

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