California is one of the most progressive states in the country by pretty much every metric that matters, but especially in terms of its pro-pedestrian and pro-cycling laws. Not only does our state legislature and local municipalities pass laws specifically concerning the rights of cyclist and pedestrians, but lawmakers consistently look to activities like walking and cycling when considering policies that strive to accomplish things like reducing greenhouse gas emissions or improving the health of citizens.
Here are just three of the ways California is a state others look to when trying to draft alternative transportation policies:
Three Feet for Safety Act
California set a new high standard with the “Three Feet for Safety Act”. Put into effect on September 16, 2014, this law demands that all motor vehicles give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Any motorist who violates this law and is observed by law enforcement will be cited a minimum fee of $35, which increases to $233 if any injury occurs as a result of the dangerous passing procedure.
These fines may not sound like much, but when adding court fees they increase to $233 and $959, respectively, at minimum, according to the Bike East Bay website. So those who get caught being rude and passing too close will hopefully have a strong reminder of why they shouldn’t do that again.
Almost Every Intersection Is a Crosswalk in San Francisco
Most states have laws stating that pedestrians have the right-of-way in a crosswalk. While these laws certainly protect pedestrians by encouraging motorists to watch out and stop, they have a side consequence of forcing pedestrians to cross only at crosswalks. In certain cities where crosswalks seem to be a commodity in short supply, exercising your pedestrian rights can end up feeling more frustrating than liberating.
Not so in San Francisco! We have laws on the books here stating that any intersection wider than 25 feet can be officially considered a crosswalk unless “no crossing” is posted. Walk San Francisco claims that their goal is to expand access to all of these intersections, eliminating “no crossing” signs and giving pedestrians safe right-of-way throughout the city.
Even when just considering the intersections we currently have, not having to look for official crosswalks takes some of the burden off of pedestrians’ shoulders and puts it rightfully upon the drivers.
Walking and Biking Drive Policy Changes
The State of California has many policies that encourage walking and biking even if their initial goal was related to other causes. For instance, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 encourages communities to invest in walking and biking accessibility in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Another similar source of empowerment for alternative transportation advocates comes from California’s “Health in All Policies” Executive Order, which states that all policies and governmental agency practices must take into account and consider the potential impact on public health, even when those policies and practices themselves are not directly related to public health and health services.
Under this guideline, nearly every new urban planning initiative must consider walkability and bikeability along with the safety of those using alternative transportation. Los Angeles, for instance, utilizes a “Complete Streets” project checklist during planning to make certain that elements like bike lanes and attractive, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes are always considered.
If You Have Been Injured, Contact a San Francisco Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Despite all of these efforts, California unfortunately still leads the nation in pedestrian fatalities. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, know that you have a right to pursue fair compensation. You don’t have to take your injury lying down! Contact a San Francisco pedestrian accident lawyer and bicycling accident lawyer today.
Leave a Reply