Pedestrian Safety Ordinance

Share Pedestrian Safety Ordinance on Facebook Share Pedestrian Safety Ordinance on Twitter Share Pedestrian Safety Ordinance on Linkedin Email Pedestrian Safety Ordinance link

The City of Columbia is seeking community input on a proposed Pedestrian Safety Ordinance related to activity in certain roadway environments. The ordinance was developed following a Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study, which examined local crash data, roadway conditions and national safety practices. The study identified locations where higher speeds, greater traffic volumes and narrow medians may increase the risk of conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.

The proposed ordinance would establish rules for pedestrians and motorists at intersections and roadways meeting specific criteria. These include locations where at least one of the following applies, to at least one adjacent roadway:

  • A speed limit of 35 mph or higher
  • Traffic volumes greater than 15,000 vehicles per day
  • Medians less than six feet wide

The full text of the ordinance can be found in the ‘Documents’ section of this website.

The City Council has tabled the bill to Feb. 2, 2026, to allow additional time for public engagement. Residents are invited to review the ordinance and supporting study and share their thoughts to help inform the Council’s decision.

Comments will be accepted through Jan. 23, 2026.

The City of Columbia is seeking community input on a proposed Pedestrian Safety Ordinance related to activity in certain roadway environments. The ordinance was developed following a Street and Intersection Pedestrian Safety Study, which examined local crash data, roadway conditions and national safety practices. The study identified locations where higher speeds, greater traffic volumes and narrow medians may increase the risk of conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.

The proposed ordinance would establish rules for pedestrians and motorists at intersections and roadways meeting specific criteria. These include locations where at least one of the following applies, to at least one adjacent roadway:

  • A speed limit of 35 mph or higher
  • Traffic volumes greater than 15,000 vehicles per day
  • Medians less than six feet wide

The full text of the ordinance can be found in the ‘Documents’ section of this website.

The City Council has tabled the bill to Feb. 2, 2026, to allow additional time for public engagement. Residents are invited to review the ordinance and supporting study and share their thoughts to help inform the Council’s decision.

Comments will be accepted through Jan. 23, 2026.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Please leave your questions on the proposed ordinance here.

  • Share Are there any actions that will be taken against people who are caught disobeying the ordinance? How will something like this be handled? Fines or ticketed? Court? on Facebook Share Are there any actions that will be taken against people who are caught disobeying the ordinance? How will something like this be handled? Fines or ticketed? Court? on Twitter Share Are there any actions that will be taken against people who are caught disobeying the ordinance? How will something like this be handled? Fines or ticketed? Court? on Linkedin Email Are there any actions that will be taken against people who are caught disobeying the ordinance? How will something like this be handled? Fines or ticketed? Court? link

    Are there any actions that will be taken against people who are caught disobeying the ordinance? How will something like this be handled? Fines or ticketed? Court?

    trtownsend2 asked about 2 months ago
    If passed, individuals who are violating the ordinance would receive a ticket. A ticket for violating the proposed ordinance would be eligible for the Community Support Docket. Per the City PA, cases that are on the Community Support Docket only end in fines or arrest warrants being issued as an absolute last resort. It is also extremely rare for anyone to be in the Boone County Jail on a City Ordinance/Misdemeanor charge for more than 3 days. This is due to the BCJ already being at capacity with defendants in Felony cases and the fact that the City (Police Department) is charged a housing fee of $49 per day once the defendant is there on City Ordinance/Misdemeanor charges more than 3 days. In the past 3 fiscal years (25',24', & 23') CPD has had paid $0 in housing fees to the BCJ. 

    • Community Support Docket: The City of Columbia Municipal Court Community Support Docket provides an alternative court process for individuals experiencing homelessness and veterans who have been charged with a local misdemeanor. Individuals attend this special court docket and set goals, in cooperation with DIVERT staff, the prosecutor, and the judge. DIVERT staff provides or links participants with ongoing case management support and monitors participants’ progress. The status of each case is reviewed in a monthly meeting of the prosecutor, DIVERT staff, and court officials. The goal of this process is to work towards dismissal while connecting the individual to long term case management and local resources.
Page last updated: 24 Jan 2026, 08:08 AM