To download this brouchure in its full color original state as published by METRO, click here.
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The Houston Police Department has begun a special city-wide campaign to improve pedestrian, bicyclist and motor vehicle safety by educating the public on the laws. The next step will be to begin enforcing those laws while continuing the education process. We are now in the education phase of their program and on June 13 we will enter the educational/enforcement phase that will last until June 30. After that it will be normal enforcement.

--- The first step will be a two week HPD-provided public education program. HPD will continue the education effort but will begin enforcement after June 12.

--- June 13 to June 30 HPD officers will be at the intersections on the corners at locations of the greatest problems reminding pedestrians and others about the laws and encouraging compliance. They will write tickets during this period in the case of blatant disregard.

--- HPD will be dealing with the bikes racing down the sidewalks. Bikes on the sidewalks are not allowed although they recognize a courier will need to get from the street to the bike rack.

--- They will use officers on overtime during this education phase to not take regular duty officers off the streets and reduce coverage.

--- This is a City-wide effort by HPD.

Be Part of the Solution -- If you know of pedestrian signals where the timing is not right as there is not time to cross the street before it changes, the signage is wrong or other problems then report it to 311 by telephone or by sending an email to 311@CityOfHouston.net. If you submit it by email you will get a response from a real person and later a notice of what they did. Use this for potholes or anything that needs to be fixed in the streets. You can be part of the solution.

The majority of the laws related to this effort are from the State and are posted as follows:

 

WALKING SAFELY:

As you walk around Downtown, Midtown and Texas Medical Center (TMC) areas, it is important to remember to stay alert and always watch for oncomming cars, busses and trains.

Set an example for others by obeying the rules:

KNOW WHEN TO WALK:

Before Crossing:

	Push the "Walk" button. (DOwntown Area Signals are Automated) Wait for the Walk Signal Look left, right and left again. Watch for turning cars.
	A flashing "Dont Walk" signal warns you that it is not safe for you to begin crossing the street. If you have already entered the crosswalk, quickly proceed to the other side. If you have not started crossing the street, wait for the "Walk" signal.
	A solid "Dont Walk" signal means that you should not cross the street. Stay on the curb and wait for the signal to change.

WALKING SAFELY ALONG THE RAIL LINE:

METRORail trains travel along the street just like other vehicles and are very quiet. In fact, trains make less noise than busses and most cars. When walking near the rail line always remember:

WALKING SAFELY IN THE TMC/HERMANN PARK AREA

With extensive vehicle traffic, busses and METRORail running on Fannin in the Texas Medical Center and Hermann Park, pedestrians need to be cautious when crossing this busy street. Pedestrian signals have been placed at each median to alert you when it is safe to cross the northbound and southbound lanes. The "WALK / DONT WALK" signals have been timed so that only one direction of Fannin can be crossed during each light cycle.

TAKE A WALK ON THE SAFE SIDE

When it comes to safety, YOU are your own best defense. Make it a part of your everyday life. Know the facts that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.

For more information on safety, visit Metro's Web site at: www.ridemetro.org or contact the METRO Police Community Outreach at (713) 615-6464 or METRO Police CBD/TMC Patrol at (713) 615-6476

 

 

Downtown Mobility Initiative

Mobility in the downtown area consists of four forms of transportation - walking, bicycling, driving, and the Metro light rail system. In an effort to encourage a safer. interactive environment among citizens utilizing these forms of transportation. The Special Operations Division of The Houston Police Department established the Downtown Mobility Initiative to promote mobility safety through education and enforcement. The goal of the program is to increase safety among pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in and through the downtown area. Mobility Related Ordinances Some of the more common offenses related to pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles, which carry a maximum fine amount of up tin) $200.00, include:

o (Crossing not at an intersection or crosswalk when near a signalized intersection. (JAYWALKING')

o Failure to obey a pedestrian control signs displaying (Don't Walk) (Wait).

o Walking along and upon roadway where sidewalk provided.

o Standing in the roadway to solicit (a ride) (contributions)(employment) (business)

o Riding a bicycle on a sidewalk in business district.

o Riding a bicycle without a helmet (under 18 years of age)

o Running red light - bicycle.

o Operating a bicycle on the wrong side of the street. o Failure to operate a bicycle as near as practicable to the right curb.

o Failure to yield right-of-way in pedestrians, to-wit: (state name of person) faced with a pedestrian control signal.

To download this (above) brouchure in its full color original state as published by METRO, click here.

For information specifically about bicycle offenses, right of way and other bicycle information go to: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/KIDS/BIKETOUR/CITYBIKE/INDEX.HTMLHH

Here are links to web sites of the state laws governing pedestrians and bicycles:

For chapter 552, pedestrian laws: www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/TN/content/pdf/tn.007.00.000552.00.pdf

For chapter 551, bicycle laws: www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/TN/content/pdf/tn.007.00.000551.00.pdf