New Ordinance Created To Protect Pedestrians

El Paso police said officers will issue citations to motorists who break the new ‘vulnerable road user’ ordinance beginning March 1.

In 2010, there were 18 traffic-related pedestrian deaths on El Paso roadways. City Rep. Beto O’Rourke has said that makes El Paso one of the deadliest cities in Texas. He proposed the ordinance last December, and it passed city council. Only Rep. Carl Robinson voted against it, saying it would create unnecessary rules for police officers.

The ordinance is meant to create a safe environment for anyone on a roadway, who is not in a vehicle. Runners, cyclists, pedestrians, people on horseback, construction and maintenance workers, tow truck operators, utility workers and disabled persons are protected under the ordinance.

Motorists must give them at least 3 feet of space, can’t cut them off or make a turn in front of them unless they are clearly out of the way, and must give vulnerable road users their own lanes, when possible.

“You can’t harass them, you can’t honk at them, you can’t scare them”, said Darrel Petry, a police spokesman.

Fines for breaking the ordinance can be up to $500 and can include a court date.