Pedestrians can have real anxiety about crossing busy California Streets, but a new law now gives them a few extra seconds of breathing room at many intersections.
The Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) law brings a change to many of the most heavily-traveled intersections in our fast-moving California cities. The law will also bring welcome relief to bicyclists who soon will be able to cross intersections when a “walk signal” appears.
Leading Pedestrian Interval Adds Safety for California Pedestrians
A new law passed in 2022 increases the amount of time pedestrians have to get across an intersection by giving them the jump on cars and trucks.
AB 2264 requires new crosswalks and traffic signals controlled by Caltrans to be programmed differently. They’ll be programmed to allow pedestrians an extra 3 to 7 seconds of lead time with a walk signal before motorists get a green light.
The idea is to give pedestrians some lead time to begin their journey on a crosswalk. It also gets those on foot out in the crosswalk earlier so that drivers preparing for a turn can spot them easier. Hopefully, pedestrians can get out of the way of the flow of traffic must faster too.
The law requires all traffic lights newly erected or replaced by the state to come equipped with this extra pedestrian padding. Existing traffic signals that can be easily upgraded or reprogrammed are also earmarked for the change.
LPI Already Helping Los Angeles Pedestrians
The legislation also encourages all city DOTs to start including Leading Pedestrian Intervals in their road construction projects.
As CalBike reports, Los Angeles is already leading the way. They’ve installed LPI at several intersections, including Hollywood Boulevard and Normandie Avenue. Locals seem to enjoy the bonus time to traverse the bustling intersection.
Safer Rides for California Cyclists Coming Thanks to LPI
If new timing patterns can help pedestrians cross the street more safely, why not extend the extra seconds to bicyclists too?
A new law taking effect in 2024 will give bicyclists the right to cross an intersection when a “walk” signal appears for pedestrians. With LPI in place, bicyclists get to take off even when the light remains red, as long as a “walk” signal has already appeared.
Riders get to enter and exit the intersection must faster. They get the jump on motorists and put some space between themselves and cars, SUVs, and Trucks.
Assembly Bill No. 1909 allows cyclists to cross on a walk signal beginning on January 1, 2024.
Safe Walks and Bicycle Rides Are the Goals in California
Walkers and bicycle riders are the most vulnerable people who use California lanes. It’s always good news when simple upgrades to our intersections can make a real difference in their safety.
Hopefully, these new ideas are just the start of major traffic reforms to prevent automobile accidents involving pedestrians and riders.
Maison Law of California is an advocate for safe walks and rides for California residents and visitors. If you or a loved one are hurt in a pedestrian or bicycle accident please reach out to a California Pedestrian Accident Lawyer or a California Bicycle Accident Lawyer. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out what your injury is worth and how to demand what’s fair from car insurance companies.
