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Bicycles/Pedestrians

Safety Toolbox: Enforcement programs


In this section:

 

Ordinance changes

Generally, ordinance changes can cover a wide range of enforcement issues.  Some examples of ordinance changes are as follows:

  • Driver violations against disabled pedestrians or those carrying orange flags require an appearance before the city's Justice Court judge. The fine schedule ranges between $0 and $1,850 with a recommended fine of $425. Repeat driver violations against any pedestrian in a crosswalk within a year of a previous offense trigger the same court appearance requirement and fine schedule.

A separate fee schedule for bicycle infractions and a bicycle parking requirement for new development are also examples. Ordinance changes may also be used to generate funds for bicycle or pedestrian improvements.  For example, an ordinance may require all new development and re-development over a certain size to implement pedestrian or bicycle improvements or to pay an in-lieu fee to fund improvements throughout an area.

 

Enhanced police enforcement

Increase the presence of police in area with high pedestrian and bicycle use, or high-conflict areas in order to curb unlawful motorist behavior. Methods of enhanced enforcement include: (1) more police assigned to traffic control, (2) more frequent ticketing of traffic violations, and (3) higher fines.

 

Pedestrian sting operations

These programs target motorists who violate the right-of-way of pedestrians crossing the street, especially those who do not stop for the pedestrian when the cars in the adjacent lane have stopped. May involve a decoy who attempts to cross the street in the crosswalk.

 

Photo enforcement

Two types: red light and speed enforcement.  Activated by loops in the pavement, red light cameras photograph the license plate and sometimes the driver of any vehicle entering an intersection after the light has turned red. Speed trailers similarly photograph the license plate of cars as they pass a van with radar located inside.  Warnings or citations can be sent to offenders. Double-parking can be discouraged with similar measures.