WS Item 4 - Vulnerable Road User Work Session PresentationItem 4
Vulnerable Road User Ordinance
Vulnerable Road User Ordinance
Prepare an ordinance
Do not proceed with ordinance
Need further study
Presentation Outline
Background
Who are Vulnerable Road Users
Typical Ordinance Regulations
Texas Transportation Code
Other Cities
Strategic Management System
Questions/Feedback
Background
DFW: the 10th Most Dangerous
Metro Area for Pedestrians in 2011
2011 Walk Friendly Audit
2011 Citizen Survey
Southlake 2030 Plan
Council Members’ Request
Who are Vulnerable Road Users?
Pedestrians
& Cyclists
can also include:
Construction/
Utility Workers
Stranded Motorists
Equestrians
Electric Wheelchairs
Farm Equipment
Motorcyclists
Vulnerable Road User Ordinance
Safer roads for all types of users.
Rules for vulnerable road users to follow to enhance their safety.
Rules for motorists to safely share the road and pass vulnerable road users.
–The 3’ Rule.
Texas Transportation Code
Cyclists:
Follow same rules as motorists.
Ride along right curb, unless unsafe or lane is
less than 14’ wide.
May ride 2 abreast, but may not impede reasonable flow of traffic.
Pedestrians:
Yield to motorist unless at intersection or crosswalk.
May walk on road when no sidewalk is available.
Texas Transportation Code
Motorists:
Avoid collision with pedestrians.
Exercise proper precaution when a child or injured person is in the roadway.
All vehicles must:
Pass at a safe distance.
Reenter lane when safely clear of the passed vehicle.
Maintain clear distance when following another vehicle.
Penalties for Failure to Yield or Reckless Driving
VRUO Addresses
Defines “Vulnerable Road User”
Defines “Safe Distance”
Defines a “Safe Right Turn” in front of cyclist/VRU
Prohibits throwing items at cyclists/VRUs
Provides a defense to prosecution if cyclist/VRU violates ordinance
Increases general awareness of VRUs
Provides an additional protection for VRUs beyond the penalties for Failure to Yield/Reckless Driving
Other Cities in Texas with Vulnerable Road User Ordinances
Denton
Plano
Austin
Edinburg
Helotes
El Paso
Fort Worth
New Braunfels
San Antonio
Beaumont
Brownsville
Proposed Approval Schedule
January 22, 2013 - SPIN Meeting
February 19, 2013 - City Council 1st Reading
March 5, 2013 - City Council 2nd Reading
Vulnerable Road User Ordinance
Prepare an ordinance
Do not proceed with ordinance
Need further study
Questions?