New York City has officially made jaywalking legal as of this past weekend, enabling pedestrians to cross streets outside designated crosswalks and even against traffic signals.
This change in law comes after the City Council approved legislation last month. Mayor Eric Adams chose to neither sign nor veto the bill within the required 30 days, allowing it to become law.
While jaywalking is now allowed, the law clarifies that pedestrians do not have right of way and should yield to oncoming traffic.
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Historically, jaywalking laws were established in the 1930s at the behest of the auto industry to prioritize vehicles over pedestrians, according to America Walks, a Seattle-based advocacy group. New York had prohibited jaywalking since 1958, with fines reaching up to $250.
Recently, other cities and states, including Kansas City, Denver, California, Nevada, and Virginia, have also decriminalized jaywalking. According to Mike McGinn, executive director of America Walks, cities should focus on street safety through better design rather than enforcing jaywalking laws.
Addressing Racial Disparities
Brooklyn Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who sponsored the legislation, pointed out that most jaywalking tickets were issued to Black and Latino residents. She argued that legalizing jaywalking addresses these racial disparities and reflects everyday behaviors.
“Every New Yorker jaywalks,” she noted in an email. “People are just trying to get where they need to go.” She believes police resources could be better allocated than issuing jaywalking fines.
Mayor Adams’ Position
In response to the law, a spokesperson for Mayor Adams emphasized the risks associated with crossing against traffic lights and in the middle of blocks, warning that pedestrians could still face civil liability for accidents.
“All road users are safer when everyone follows traffic rules,” Liz Garcia said, urging pedestrians to utilize existing safety features, such as crosswalks and pedestrian signals.
Calls for Further Reform
The Legal Aid Society has welcomed this legislative change, viewing it as a necessary step in eliminating laws that disproportionately target communities of color. They expressed hope that more outdated laws will be addressed moving forward.
The NYPD refrained from commenting specifically on the law, but reiterated its commitment to enhancing traffic safety and reducing collisions.
This article includes information from The Associated Press.