City of Columbia explores ordinance that would bar panhandling at major intersections
Olivia Hayes
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia has suggested an ordinance that would make panhandling illegal at high-traffic intersections.
“They’re calling it a pedestrian safety measure, but in reality it’s a getting the homeless out of the median ordinance,” said John Trapp, Executive Director for Columbia’s Room at the Inn.
The ordinance would regulate the use of medians, road crossings and islands by both motorists and pedestrians at intersections with speeds of 35 mph or greater, average daily traffic volumes of 15,000vehicles or greater, or where the median width is fewer than 6 feet wide.
The City hired George L. Crawford & Associates to conduct a street and intersection pedestriansafety study. The study identified 47 pedestrian crash areas that meet the criteria.
Mike Burden, CEO of Local Motion, says the ordinance would restrict behavior without providing additional safety precautions.
“Columbia already regulates unsafe crossings through its existing ordinances and effective improvements come from redesigning high speed corridors, lowering speeds, making intersections more accessible for all users,” Burden said.
Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study (Draft)Download
The study recommends guiding pedestrians to crosswalks and designated areas to enhance safety. This measure also aligns with the city’s Vision Zero plan that focuses on safety measures to protect all road users.
If adopted, the ordinance will:
Prohibit crossing a major road anywhere except in a crosswalk, a pedestrian-control signal or an intersection if those things aren’t available.
Prohibit being on a median less than 6 feet wide except when crossing the road.
Prohibit getting out of cars while in a traffic lane or within a major intersection.
Prohibit approaching cars on a major road unless the car is legally parked.
Prohibit people in vehicles from engaging with pedestrians at major intersection.
Trapp said he understands the city’s approach, but it could have unintended consequences.
“It is unsafe for them to be out there, but there’s a good chance that they will just relocate elsewhere to where they have a First Amendment right to panhandle,” Trapp said. “Most likely downtown.”
The rules would not apply to police, rescue personnel, people who have vehicle breakdowns, public employees, workers with a valid permit or people distributing items with valid permits, or people entering stopped vehicles in passenger loading zones, such as bus stops.
The city would start a public education campaign for drivers and pedestrians if the ordinance passes.
Sydney Olsen, with the City of Columbia, said they plan to introduce the ordinance at Monday nights meeting. If the council agrees to table the discussion then they will hear a report from staff and discuss the content at their second meeting in November.