Suszynski
With summer approaching, two lawmakers are hoping to pass a bill that would require crosswalks to be placed near most athletic fields and playgrounds in New York state.
The bill, known as Erin’s Law, would require at least one crosswalk installed across all roads abutting playgrounds and athletic fields, with at least one “pedestrian crossing” or “yield to pedestrian” sign to be placed nearby.
Erin’s Law is sponsored by Assemblyman Phil Steck, D-Loudonville, and Senator Michael Ranzehofer, R-Amherst.
Bill A.5657/S.3435-a was drafted because of 13-year-old Erin Suszynski, who, on June 9, 2012, was struck by a car in the town of Amherst while returning home from a neighborhood playground. Eleven days later she died from her injuries.
Steck
There were no pedestrian crosswalks available to Erin and her friend within any reasonable walking distance from the playgro
und. Steck and Ranzenhofer say this is not an unusual situation, and many athletic fields and playgrounds across the state do not have a safe means for pedestrians to cross abutting streets to access playgrounds, ball fields and basketball courts.
Encouraging walkable communities, family exercise and use of local playgrounds and athletic fields are important health and social goals, and it is critical that safer access to these amenities be provided to access these facilities.
Erin’s Law would amend the General Municipal Law by adding section 137. This bill excludes placing crosswalks near restricted highways or in other places that would lead to unsafe pedestrian traffic.
Ranzenhofer
The bill has no fiscal implications to the state but would require local municipalities to budget for the crosswalks and signage.
Currently, the bill is in the Assembly Transportation Committee and the Senate Local Government Committee.
The ill has no fiscal implications to the state but would require local municipalities to budget for the crosswalks and signage.
Currently, the bill is in the Assembly Transportation Committee and the Senate Local Government Committee.
