Columbia’s new pedestrian safety ordinance takes effect Wednesday morning.
The city council voted 5-2 in February to approve the ordinance, which restricts pedestrians and drivers from interacting at medians and intersections that are narrow (less than six feet wide), where the speed is 35 miles per hour or higher and average daily traffic is 15,000 or higher. Columbia council members Valerie Carroll and Vera Elwood cast the “no” votes.
Columbia Police say the ordinance is about pedestrian and driver safety and that standing or remaining on medians in the middle of busy roadways creates risk for both parties. CPD also says the ordinance does not prohibit lawful protests or panhandling at safe locations.
A group called “Alliance for the First Amendment” says the ordinance is unconstitutional and they plan to panhandle Wednesday along Columbia’s Business Loop between Rangeline and Garth and on Stadium from Worley to Broadway to draw attention to their concerns.