As a cyclist, pedestrian, and driver, I was curious about what the Virginia Code says. Here it is:

§ 46.2-924:

Drivers must yield to pedestrians “at” crosswalks. It repeatedly says “at” and does not say “in” crosswalks, though perhaps local practice & enforcement interprets this as “in.”

This applies to any crosswalk anywhere, whether mid-block or end of block, including those single-stripe walks that are frankly hard to see (like the one across from Elevation Burger).

It also applies to any intersection where the speed limit is 35 or less, even if there is no marked crosswalk.

The one pedestrian restriction is this: “No pedestrian shall enter or cross an intersection in disregard of approaching traffic.” So you can’t just jump out in front of cars. Still, once you are “at” the crosswalk, cars are supposed to yield to you.

§ 46.2-925

If there are traffic controls (Walk/Don’t Walk), pedestrians must obey those. But I was told by a police officer that the cars-must-yield law overrides the peds-must-obey-signals law. Cars must stop for anyone “at” (or at the very least, “in”) a crosswalk, even if the ped is jaywalking.

Now, for cyclists:

§ 46.2-904

Bikes (and other things like rollerblades, etc.) MAY be prohibited from using certain sidewalks, crosswalks, paved trails, etc., either by local codes (if posted) or by control devices (like signs).

But otherwise bikes can ride through crosswalks (true of any crosswalk, not just WO&D crossings) AND have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians when doing so: “A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or an electric power-assisted bicycle on a sidewalk, shared-use path, or across a roadway on a crosswalk, shall have all the rights and duties of a pedestrian under the same circumstances.”

There are stop signs for bikes, so bikes must stop. And bikes, like pedestrians, may not “disregard” oncoming traffic when entering. But cars still must yield to both.

The case I referred to above was in Arlington, in the Custis Trail crossing at Lynn Street, next to Key Bridge. I was riding my bike in the crosswalk (obeying the pedestrian crossing light) and a car turned across the crosswalk & struck me. He was found at fault. Interestingly, the sign there says for cars to yielld to all “persons” in crosswalk, making explicit on the sign what the law actually says: that cyclists are to be treated like pedestrians when in a crosswalk unless posted otherwise.

Pedestrian safety –
http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/safety/programs/pedestrian/index.asp

Bicycle safety –
http://www.dmvnow.com/webdoc/safety/programs/bicycle/index.asp

Michael’s idea for reconfiguring the W&OD crossing at West sounds good – and since bikes are supposed to stop anyway it seems like the sharp turn should be acceptable (although I might support a Yield sign for bikes wishing to take the direct route).

As for Gordon’s comment – are “controlled” crosswalks (ones with walk/don’t walk signs) under different rules than other kinds of crosswalks? If I cross Broad even when the sign says Don’t Walk could I be cited (for jaywalking or something)?

I guess I need a refresher on the rules of the road.

Personally, I never cross any street without keeping an eye out in both directions, regardless of the traffic rules, signs, lights, etc. Heck, I’m usually looking around when I’m walking on a sidewalk that’s close to traffic. Cars scare me.

The blinkers I’m referring to are these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002F1NNRY/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p199_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0BRW6CWVZ67E2JBB9CD9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Sorry for the lengthy link.

I hope a follow-up will be posted regarding the woman and her dogs.

Betty and I know the crossing at issue as both drivers and walkers. The clear dangers “screamed” for action. Will the unfortunate accident finally prompt long overdue AND meaningful action to make the “The Little City” branding encompass the reality of a safer city?