Resolution urges more pedestrian protections

Avon Lake City Council has approved a resolution in support of Senate Bill 73 to enhance protections for pedestrians when crossing the street.

Meeting via videoconference on Aug. 24, Ward 4 Councilman David Kos, who chairs the Safety Committee, is hoping a resolution will spur the Ohio House to take up the legislation that passed unanimously in the Ohio Senate, 33-0, on Feb. 26.

The legislation would require motorists to stop and yield the right of way to a pedestrian waiting at the curb to enter a crosswalk when there is no traffic signal or if a traffic signal is not operational.

“It’s difficult to get anybody in government to totally agree on things but I think it speaks to how common sense that the state senate thought that this was that they agreed unanimously on the bill,” Kos said.

He stressed if this legislation eventually goes into effect, it will not mean pedestrians can just walk into the street, the onus remains on motorists to yield to pedestrians while waiting at the curb. The law would be in effect when there is no traffic signal and a violation would be a minor misdemeanor.

The Avon Lake Police Department

has advised Council that the flashing crosswalk signs would not qualify as a traffic control signal under this legislation.

Kos added that following consultations with State Rep. Gayle Manning, R-North Ridgeville, the legislation is currently under review by Ohio House’s Transportation and Public Safety Committee where it has yet to receive a hearing.

Council is hoping a resolution in support of Senate Bill 73 will urge the legislature to take action and Kos expressed a willingness to testify in Columbus in support of the legislation.

The council resolution is expected to go three full readings.