NUMB:
970890
VERS:
SUBSTITUTE 1
REF:
XXBY:
ALD. PAWLINSKI
TITL:
Substitute resolution seeking introduction and passage of state legislation relating to uniform regulation of jaywalking.
ANLS:
- Analysis -
This resolution directs the Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration to seek introduction and passage of state legislation to permit pedestrians to cross streets at controlled intersections, uncontrolled intersections, corners and mid-block whenever such crossing does not impede vehicles or countermand the directions of a law enforcement officer or school crossing guard, safety cadet or other authorized person directing traffic.
BODY:
Whereas, Regulations for pedestrian crossing of streets are set by state statute; and
Whereas, State law currently prohibits all pedestrian crossings when vehicles may be impeded or when law enforcement officers are directing traffic, but is inconsistent in other circumstances; and
Whereas, These inconsistent provisions allow pedestrians to cross streets in some circumstances, such as at mid-block and at uncontrolled intersections, but prohibit crossing at other times, such as at some controlled intersections with "don't walk" lights; and
Whereas, Under existing state law, a small group of persons crossing a street together may technically include both lawbreakers and law-abiding pedestrians; and
Whereas, Jaywalking laws have recently been subject to strict enforcement as "quality of life" violations but the discrepancies in state regulations may make such enforcement appear inconsistent; and
Whereas, Visitors to Milwaukee cannot be expected to understand such inconsistent legal rules; and
Whereas, Penalizing pedestrian tourists for their inadvertent violations of state law may create a negative impression of Milwaukee among visitors to the city; and
Whereas, The existing inconsistency in regulation of pedestrians crossing streets is unnecessary, confusing and may create a safety hazard for drivers and pedestrians who do not understand the subtle differences in state law; and
Whereas, It would be consistent and appropriate to permit pedestrians to cross a street at any time that the pedestrians do not impede vehicles or countermand the directions of a law enforcement officer or school crossing guard, safety cadet or other authorized person directing traffic; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Intergovernmental Relations Division - Department of Administration is directed to seek introduction and passage of state legislation that makes uniform all state statutes regulating street crossings by pedestrians; and, be it
Further Resolved, That such state legislation should permit pedestrians to cross streets at controlled intersections, uncontrolled intersections, corners and mid-block whenever such crossing does not impede vehicles or countermand the directions of a law enforcement officer or school crossing guard, safety cadet or other authorized person directing traffic.
ZDPT:
DFTR:
LRB97523.2
CAW
9/30/97