You're Breaking The Law In Grand Rapids If You're Not Doing This

Now that we’re approaching summer and more stuff is about to start happening around Grand Rapids that has people out and walking, it’s probably a good time to remind you that crosswalk laws in Grand Rapids require you to stop for pedestrians wanting to cross at marked crosswalks.

When Did Grand Rapids' Pedestrian Ordinance Go Into Effect?

As of Feb 6, 2018, when the Grand Rapids City Commission approved an ordinance requiring drivers to stop for pedestrians AT crosswalks; not IN them. So if they are waiting to cross, you are now legally responsible to stop and let them cross.

Recently, I stopped for some people on Leonard Street by The Mitten Brewing Co. so they could cross. Well, the oncoming traffic didn't get the memo and kept flying past them, even as they were in the middle of the road with me still stopped waiting for them to safely cross.

The 2018 Grand Rapids ordinance requires drivers to fully stop at marked or unmarked crosswalks for pedestrians. The only time you don’t have to stop is if the crosswalk is already regulated by traffic lights or an officer directing traffic.

Get our free mobile app

So heads up - if someone is trying to cross the street, legally, you’re supposed to stop and let them (at least in the city of Grand Rapids). This means you don't have to honk at me or race around me in the middle lane because I’ve stopped. You may kill someone who is trying to cross the street, legally.