Columbia’s city council has voted 5-2 to approve a controversial proposed pedestrian safety ordinance, after more than three hours of emotional testimony Monday evening from residents and council discussion.
Council members Valerie Carroll and Vera Elwood cast the “no” votes. Supporters say it’s about protecting pedestrian lives while some critics say it targets the homeless who panhandle in medians.
The approved ordinance will restrict pedestrian use of medians and traffic islands at intersections where the speed is 35 miles per hour or higher, average daily traffic is 15,000 or higher and that are less than six feet wide.