 News media contact:
Hannah Schafer
(971) 235-8472
hannah.schafer@portlandoregon.gov
@pbotinfo
PBOT News Advisory:
Crosswalk education and enforcement action planned for SE 82 Ave at SE Cooper St on Thursday, May 2
Raising awareness of pedestrian safety and Oregon traffic laws
(April 30, 2019) – The Portland Bureau of Transportation and Portland Police Bureau will conduct a crosswalk safety education and enforcement action on Thursday, May 2 at the unmarked crossing on Southeast 82 Avenue at Southeast Cooper Street from noon to 1:30 p.m. to raise awareness of pedestrian safety and Oregon traffic laws. PBOT also reminds everyone that it is illegal to drive in the center turn lane.
Under Oregon law, EVERY intersection is a legal crosswalk, whether it is marked or unmarked. People driving must stop and stay stopped for people walking when the pedestrian is in the travel lane or the adjacent lane.
The crossing on Southeast 82 Avenue at Southeast Cooper Street has an unmarked crosswalk, median island and signage. In addition, stop lines indicate where people driving should stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk, making all travelers more visible.
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Southeast 82 Avenue, a Vision Zero designated high crash network street, had a total of 49 fatal and serious injury crashes in 2007-16, the most recent 10-year period for which data are available. The intersection of Southeast 82 Avenue at Southeast Cooper Street had a total of 4 crashes including no fatal or serious injury crashes, during this same time period.
People walking legally in Portland and hit by a person driving who fails to stop for them, is the number one cause of pedestrian crashes resulting in death and serious injury. People driving can do their part by having more patience, driving at or below the posted speed, continuously scanning the environment looking for people walking and bicycling, and being ready to stop as needed.
 Southeast 82 Avenue at Southeast Cooper Street. Image by Google.com
Education and enforcement actions such as the May 2 event are a key part of the City of Portland’s citywide effort to achieve, Vision Zero, the goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Each crosswalk education and enforcement action involves a designated pedestrian crossing at a marked or unmarked crosswalk while police monitor how people driving, bicycling and walking adhere to traffic safety laws. Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk and pedestrians who fail to follow Oregon traffic laws may be issued a warning or citation. A Portland Bureau of Transportation staff member will serve as the designated pedestrian crossing the street during Wednesday’s action.
Crosswalk education and enforcement actions are an effective way to communicate traffic laws to people driving and walking. The transportation and police bureaus do education and enforcement actions in response to requests by community members, city traffic safety engineers, and Portland Police to educate the general public on the rules at marked and unmarked crossings.
Learn more about rights and responsibilities for crossing streets in Oregon (in English; Español); and view the results of previous actions.
Portland is committed to ending traffic violence in our communities. Through the Vision Zero program, the City of Portland and our partners are working to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our streets.
To request a Vision Zero community briefing or enforcement action in your area, call the 823-SAFE Traffic Safety Hot Line at (503) 823-7233, or submit a Traffic Safety Hot Line request at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/69703.
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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation
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