Police to step up crosswalk safety enforcement
Residents should be aware of three new laws

Beginning on Monday, April 9, 2012, the Boulder Police Department will be performing proactive enforcement at city crosswalks.  As priorities allow, officers will target Boulder’s busiest intersections to make sure drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are following three new rules that went into effect in February.

 

The three amendments to the Boulder Revised code are:

 

  • “Stop at crosswalk required” [7-4-77] stipulates that when one vehicle stops to yield for a person in a crosswalk, another vehicle cannot overtake and pass that vehicle.
  • “8 mph speed limit for bicycles in a crosswalk” [7-5-5] establishes a speed limit of 8 mph for bicyclists during the immediate approach, entry and traversal of any crosswalk that spans a roadway.
  •  “Pedestrian obedience to traffic signal required” [7-5-15(f)] targets the use of flashing crosswalks (those with flashing yellow crosswalk signs) by requiring a person crossing to enter the crosswalk with the warning device activated.

The rules are intended to address some of the most frequent problems highlighted in “Safe Streets Boulder,” the city’s recent traffic study analyzing data from motor vehicle collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians. The data compiled during a 40-month period indicated that overall, the city’s street safety record is good, considering the high number of pedestrian and bicycle trips in Boulder.

 

“Most people are using common sense and following the law, but there are still some problem areas in town. We’re stepping up enforcement to educate citizens about the new laws. Ultimately our goal is to save lives and prevent more accidents,” says Cmdr. Carey Weinheimer.

 

The report found that crosswalks at intersections are the most common location for collisions and identified 15 of the most accident-prone spots. Police will focus enforcement efforts at those locations.  Four of the intersections are along Broadway, adjacent to the University of Colorado campus. The University of Colorado Police Department will also enforce the city’s pedestrian ordinances and focus on high traffic areas of campus.

 

Possible penalties for violating the new laws are listed below:

 

  • Stop at Crosswalk Required [7-4-77]: possible $300 bond, $125 mail-in fine and 4 point violation
  • Speeding bicycles in Crosswalks [7-5-5]: possible $100 mail-in fine and 0 points
  • Pedestrian Obedience to Traffic Signals [7-5-15(f)]: possible $50 mail-in fine and 0 points