Photo by Erin Achenbach

Utility poles bisect the narrow sidewalks on the west side of Lemay Ferry Road in October 2020 presenting issues for those who use wheelchairs or have other mobility concerns. The east side of Lemay Ferry has accessible sidewalks, but for anyone on the west side, the only way to reach the accessible east sidewalk is by directly crossing the street, or riding in the street next to the closest crosswalk at Victory Drive.

A motion to override St. Louis County Executive Sam Page’s veto of a bill aimed at keeping pedestrians off roadways failed to get enough votes at last week’s County Council meeting.

The legislation, introduced by 6th District Councilman Ernie Trakas, R-Oakville, passed by a 4-3 vote May 16, but was ultimately vetoed by Page. The legislation would have banned sitting, standing and walking along roadways if a sidewalk is available. Failure to do so could have resulted in a ticket. It allowed for some exemptions, including for law enforcement and first responders, people lending aid in an emergency, those dealing with a vehicle issue and those entering or exiting a bus and other public transit.

Pedestrians would have been required to walk on the left side of the roadway or in its shoulder facing opposing traffic if no sidewalk were available.

Five votes are needed to override a veto; it was a 4-2 vote June 13  with Trakas; 3rd District Councilman Dennis Hancock, R-Fenton; 4th District Councilwoman Shalonda Webb, D-Black Jack; and 7th District Councilman Mark Harder, R-Ballwin, in favor while 1st District Councilwoman Rita Heard Days, D-Bel-Nor; and 5th District Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, D-Maplewood, were opposed. Second District Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, D-Chesterfield, was absent.