(October 29, 2014) – The Portland Bureau of Transportation and Portland Police Bureau advise the traveling public that a crosswalk enforcement action is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. to raise awareness of pedestrian safety and Oregon traffic laws.

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 2^nd, which means the clock turns back one hour and darkness arrives earlier in the afternoon.  The City is urging all travelers to be visible and look out for each other, especially as people adjust to the time switch and low light conditions of late fall and winter.

Drivers can do their part by driving at or below the posted speed and continuously scanning the environment for pedestrians and people on bicycles and being ready to stop as needed.  

Bicyclists, by state law, must have a white front light and rear red reflector or red light at a minimum.

Pedestrians are encouraged to be more visible by wearing retro-reflective wear, carrying a flashlight or blinking strobe, and investing in bright and contrasting outerwear.

Crosswalk enforcement action promotes safety

The City police and transportation bureaus are holding this month’s crosswalk enforcement action during the evening rush hour to reinforce the need for drivers to stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in the crossing at all times. 

 Each crosswalk enforcement action involves a designated pedestrian crossing at a marked or unmarked crosswalk while police monitor how people who are driving, bicycling and walking adhere to traffic safety laws.

Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk and pedestrians who fail to follow Oregon traffic laws may be issued a warning or citation.

The N Lombard Street at N Leavitt Avenue crossing has a marked crosswalk (marked on one leg), curb extensions, and signage to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians in the crossing. 

Crosswalk enforcement actions are an effective way to communicate pedestrian right of way laws to both drivers and pedestrians. The transportation and police bureaus do enforcement actions about once each month in response to requests by community members, city traffic safety engineers, and Portland Police to educate the general public on the rules at marked and unmarked crossings.

Learn more about the Transportation Bureau’s safety work at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/40390 and pedestrian rights and responsibilities at http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/435879.

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Media Contact: Diane Dulken

503-823-5552, diane.dulken@portlandoregon.gov