Vulnerable Road User Ordinance Goes Into Effect March 1

The Vulnerable Road User Ordinance was passed on December 7, 2010 and scheduled to take effect March 1, 2011.

This Ordinance is intended to provide protection of Vulnerable Road Users.

WHO IS A VULNERABLE ROAD USER?

Pedestrian, runner, physically disabled person, highway construction/maintenance worker, tow truck operator, utility worker, person on horseback, a person operating equipment other than a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to a bicycle, hand cycle, horse-driven conveyance, or unprotected farm equipment, a worker with legitimate business in or near the road or right-of-way, or stranded motorist or passenger.

WHAT MUST A DRIVER DO

An operator of a motor vehicle passing a Vulnerable Road User operating on a highway or street shall:

Vacate the lane being used by the Vulnerable Road User if two or more lanes exist

Pass the Vulnerable Road User at a safe distance, three feet if the operator’s vehicle is a passenger car or light truck and six feet if the vehicle is larger than a light truck to include commercial motor vehicles

Operators of Motor Vehicles making a left turn at an intersection, alley, or private road or driveway shall yield right of way to a Vulnerable Road User

The operator of a motor vehicle may not overtake a Vulnerable Road User traveling in the same direction and subsequently make a right turn in front of the Vulnerable Road User unless the operator is safely clear of the vulnerable road user

An operator may not drive a vehicle in a manner that cause intimidation, harassment or threatens a Vulnerable Road User.

DEFENSE TO PROSECUTION

It is a defense to prosecution under this section that at the time of the offense the Vulnerable Road User was acting in violation of the law.

QUICK REVIEW

The operator of a motor vehicle must create a safe environment for a Vulnerable Road User by giving them space on the road and yielding the right of way.

FINE FOR VIOLATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 017466

Fine up to $500