demonstrates the proposed
pedestrian hand signal.
File photo
A bill that would give pedestrians a way to signal their intentions to cross a street without having to step out into traffic is stalled in the House Judiciary Committee.
Senate Bill 573 (text) will likely not move out for a full House vote unless advocates rally and encourage committee members to vote in favor of the proposal.
The bill passed a full Senate vote last month, but it must be pass out of committee and get a favorable House vote before being signed into law.
Noted lawyer Ray Thomas has worked closely with the BTAs on this bill. Here’s what he says
“This bill is critical for pedestrian safety because it provides a visible signal to drivers that the citizen is exercising their right of way in crosswalks. We must have our staff, clients and friends who live in the districts of House Judiciary members contact their legislators to let them know how important this bill is for Oregon neighborhoods and kids.”
The bill is slated for a work session next Wednesday (5/30) but Thomas says he and BTA lobbyist Scott Bricker have “rolled up our sleeves” to make sure it has the needed support.
Thomas worries that some lawmakers have a false perception that the bill would enhance the legal right-of-way for pedestrians and increase penalties to motorists for not stopping. Thomas says,
“This bill doesn’t change the stop law at all…We simply want pedestrians to not have to go into the traffic lane to signal their intentions…it’s crazy out there right now.”