Posts tagged citizens
City of Boulder to get tough on crosswalk violations—finally
Apr 6th
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
Boulder police officers, citizens, to receive awards for bravery, service
Feb 14th
Boulder police officers, employees and community members to be recognized for outstanding service
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Boulder Police Department will present 23 awards to department employees and community members to recognize them for their contributions in making Boulder a safer place to live. The ceremony will be held at 1805 33rd St. and will begin at 3:30 p.m.
Twelve Boulder residents will receive Outstanding Citizenship Awards:
- Jared Kaszuba assisted a CU student from Nigeria who was being assaulted;
- Norman “Matt” Moore, Nick Tarnofsky, Tyler Adams and Joe Sondag tackled suspect Galen Bercaw as he tried to strangle a woman and steal her purse, and held him until police could arrive;
- “Erin” Kennedy gave police the tip that led to suspect Kevin McGregor, who was recently found guilty of First Degree Murder in the death of Todd Walker;
- Ben Gilbert, Drew Meyer and Jeff Medanich held down an armed, combative suspect who tried to burglarize Gilbert’s home until police could arrive;
- Lisa Hupfer and James Hansen are being honored for their heroics in rescuing a man from a burning car at a local gas station.
Department employees who are being honored include:
Purple Heart
- Sergeant James Byfield was attacked by a suspect with a knife, and suffered a concussion and several broken bones while investigating a vandalism incident on University Hill;
- Officer Christian McCracken responded to a report of a combative suspect and during the incident, suffered a serious head injury.
Medal for Lifesaving
- Officer Kathy Lowe who, at great personal risk, pulled a man from a burning car (along with Lisa Hupfer and James Hansen – see above).
- Officers Ron Perea, Andrew Kirshbaum, Beth McNally and Patrick Vest, who saved a woman who was trying to commit suicide.
STAR Award (Superior Tactics and Response)
- Officer Nathan Vasquez was able to establish a rapport with a distraught, suicidal male at Boulder Community Hospital. The male was armed with a handgun, but Officer Vasquez was able to help resolve the situation peacefully.
Award for Excellence
- Officer Marcus Askins provided superior service and built positive relationships with students and the community as a School Resource Officer for the past six years;
- Police Record Specialist Renée McCoy is our resident composite artist, and her sketches often show an uncanny resemblance to suspects;
- Detective Steve Faber provides the kind of above-and-beyond service on a day-to-day basis that makes the department proud.