St. Louis County Executive Sam Page vetoed a bill last week that would have prohibited pedestrians from walking in county roadways if a sidewalk is available.
The bill, sponsored by 6th District Councilman Ernie Trakas, R-Oakville, was passed by the County Council 4-3 May 16.
The bill would have banned sitting, standing and walking in county roadways, and violators could have faced ticketing. The legislation allowed some exemptions for law enforcement, other first responders and people responding to an emergency situation, as well as people dealing with vehicle issues that occurred while driving.
“Pedestrian safety is a concern but making it illegal to walk in the roadway is not the answer,” Page said at a press conference May 30. “The passage of (the bill) came with good intentions but unintended consequences and I’ll be vetoing that bill.”
Page said in an ideal world the county would have the necessary funding to build new sidewalks and repair existing sidewalks but that “in reality, funding is limited.”
“We have more infrastructure needs than revenue,” Page said. “Unless we can provide a comprehensive system of good sidewalks, we cannot punish our residents for walking in the street.”
The council can override the veto but it would take at least five votes.
