Ann Arbor mayor John Hieftje vetoed last week's repeal of Ann Arbor's crosswalk ordinance. This leaves Ann Arbor's controversial crosswalk ordinance unchanged.
The ordinance requires drivers to yield to pedestrians waiting on the curb to enter a crosswalk as well as to those who are already in the crosswalk.
Ann Arbor City Council voted 6-4 to repeal the crosswalk ordinance on December 2. Eight votes are needed to override the mayor's veto. It doesn't appear there are enough votes for that.
In his veto letter filed yesterday with the Ann Arbor City Clerk, Hieftje said Ann Arbor's crosswalk law increases pedestrian safety. He wrote, "Under the existing language of Section 10:148, pedestrians are able to stop safely on the curb or ramp until the vehicle drivers have recognized their presence and come to a stop. Pedestrians do not have to place themselves at risk before knowing whether or not their right to cross has been recognized by motorists."
Michigan radio previously reported on the recent City Council votes on the crosswalk ordinance.
Virginia Gordan, Michigan Radio Newsroom
