STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Transportation & Infrastructure
AGENDA DATE: May 11, 2022
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Dr. Robert Perez
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 28, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Dallas City Code by adding Section 28-61.1. “Standing and Walking in Certain Areas Prohibited” (1) prohibiting standing and walking on medians measuring six feet or less in width, where no medians exist, or in an area designated as a clear zone; (2) providing a penalty not to exceed $500; (3) providing a saving clause; (4) providing a severability clause; and (5) providing an effective date - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
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BACKGROUND
A study of pedestrian fatalities in the City of Dallas found that the vast majority of pedestrian fatalities occur when the pedestrian enters the roadway at a point that is not designated for crossing or standing. Additionally, traffic studies have found that medians under six feet in width, areas with no medians, or areas designated as clear zones are not safe pedestrian refuges.
The U.S. Department of Transportation, American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, National Association of City Transportation Officials, and Section 4.3.5 of the City of Dallas Street Design Manual recommend a minimum median width of six feet for a median to be used as a pedestrian refuge. The Texas Department of Transportation recommends an area of four feet from the face of the curb for curbed roadways, or 10 feet from the edge of a travel lane for non-curbed roadways, to be free from obstructions to provide a way for recovery of errant vehicles.
Prohibiting pedestrians from standing in a roadway median, on a divided roadway where no median exists, or in a clear zone will protect the health and safety of both pedestrians and motorists. It is in the best interest of the City for public health and safety to prohibit pedestrians from standing in a roadway median, where no median exists, or in a clear zone and is in line with the City of Dallas’ efforts towards achieving their “Vision Zero” goals.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
Information about this item was presented to the Government Performance and Financial Management Committee on October 25, 2021.
City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on December 3, 2021. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY%2021-22%20Memos/12-3-21%20Friday%20Memo_Ordinance%20Amending%20Chapter%2028%20Motor%20Vehicles%20and%20Traffic.pdf>
Information about this item was presented to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 18, 2022.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This action has no cost consideration to the City. Ordinance enforcement of penalty up to $500.00 may generate additional revenues to the City.