FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2021
CONTACTS: Angie Schmitt:
614-499-3239
angie@3mphplanning.com
Caro Jauregui
562-320-2139
Caro@calwalks.org
National Discussion to Highlight Trend Toward Decriminalization of Jaywalking
More and more cities and states are rethinking rules that criminalize walking. From Virginia to California to Kansas City, decriminalizing jaywalking is no longer a radical idea but an increasingly viable policy proposal.
It is also a moral imperative, say leaders like New Jersey transportation expert Charles T. Brown and John Yi of Los Angeles Walks.
On May 3, these experts will be leading a national discussion outlining progress toward decriminalization taking place across the country. Panelists will include:
Virginia Delegate Patrick Hope (D-Arlington) whose bill, HB 5058, led to the removal of jaywalking as a primary offense in the state of Virginia.
Michael Kelley, Policy Director at Bike Walk Kansas City, who will explain the effort underway in that city (Kansas City, Missouri) to decriminalize all minor biking and walking infractions.
Caro Jauregui of California Walks, who will offer an update on the progress of AB1238, which recently passed out of the Transportation Committee in the California Assembly.
Angie Schmitt, author of Right of Way: Race, Class and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America (2021 Island Press) who will provide background on the impetus for the change.
Jaywalking enforcement has frequently been found to be racially biased. Additionally, experts from urban planning and other fields are beginning to better understand the structural reasons for pedestrian deaths and injuries (such as hostile road design and increasing large trucks and SUVs).
All of the panelists and moderators are available this week for interviews.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_in_n-k2CTCmoUSzUC5ZUNQ