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Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 61
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to local government
- Print number 3435a
- Amend and recommit to local government
- Referred to local government
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Enacts "Erin's Law"; requires crosswalks near athletic fields and playgrounds
In Assembly Committee · Transportation · Sponsor Phil Steck
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S3435A
Title of bill
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to crosswalks near athletic fields and playgrounds
Purpose or general idea of bill
To require pedestrian crosswalks along athletic fields and playgrounds to permit safe access and passage across abutting streets to pedestrians visiting these facilities.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1 - provides that this act shall be known as "Erin's Law".
Section 2 - amends General Municipal Law by adding a new section 137, which provides (1)that at least one crosswalk will be required across all roads, other than restricted access highways, that abut athletic fields and playgrounds; and,(2) that one or more New York State compliant "pedestrian" or "yield to pedestrian" signs visible to each direction of traffic will be required at each crosswalk. It shall not apply to restricted highways or where installation of a crosswalk would lead to an unsafe area for pedestrians.
Section 3 - provides that this act shall take effect eighteen months after it shall have become law.
Justification
On June 9, 2012, Erin Sulkowski, aged 13, was struck by a car while crossing Maple Road in the Town of Amherst returning home from a neighborhood playground. Eleven days later she passed away from her injuries. There were no pedestrian crosswalks available within any reasonable walking distance which would have afforded her, or her friend who was also struck by the vehicle, or the many other children and adults who visit this playground, a safe way to walk from their homes to the playground. This is not an unusual situation, and many athletic fields and playgrounds across our state do not have a safe means for pedestrians to cross abutting streets to access these facilities.
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. bile pedestrians must still exercise care when using a pedestrian crosswalk, these crosswalks, and accompanying warning signs will provide a greater measure of safety.
Prior legislative history
2013-14 - S.5049-A - LOCAL GOV'T
Fiscal implications
None to state.
Effective date
This act shall take effect eighteen months after it shall have become law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.