Bill > S2419

This bill aims to improve pedestrian safety by updating the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's manual for determining pedestrian clearance times at signalized crosswalks. Specifically, the bill requires the department to modify its guidelines to account for pedestrians who walk slower than 3.5 feet per second, including those using wheelchairs, elderly individuals, people with mobility issues, and those assisting or transporting others. Municipalities will be directed to create a comprehensive list of locations within their boundaries where pedestrians are likely to have reduced walking speeds, and then adjust signal walk clearance times accordingly to ensure these pedestrians can safely cross the street. The goal is to make crosswalks more accessible and safer for individuals who may move more slowly, recognizing that not all pedestrians can traverse a crosswalk at the same speed. By mandating these changes, the bill seeks to address potential mobility challenges and reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents caused by insufficient crossing times.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2419