Press Release: Cross’ Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act passes IL House

March 11, 2010

Rep. Cross proposes bill to better protect people with disabilities

House Bill 5095 unanimously passes the Illinois House TODAY 

(Plainfield) Acting on the suggestions of his constituents, Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) proposed legislation that creates the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act—to help bring more awareness to the rights of pedestrians with disabilities and to impose a fine on those who violate this new Act. 

“Pedestrians with disabilities should have equal rights to the full use of streets, sidewalks, highways and walkways of the streets,” said Cross.  “Current state law doesn’t impose a fine for those who violate this Act—violators under this new law, who deny or interfere with the rights of a pedestrian with a disability to use streets, sidewalks, highways and walkways of this state, would face a misdemeanor charge.” 

Plainfield residents Valerie Brew-Parrish and Richard Parrish live with physical disabilities every day—they wanted to make sure that people with disabilities in Illinois communities were better protected and to bring awareness to some of these issues statewide. 

“Rep. Cross listened to our concerns and has really been a champion for us,” said Brew-Parrish.  “If we can get this legislation passed, I truly believe that pedestrians with disabilities will be safer.” 

The bill also includes a provision that would allow for safer road crossings.  It would require drivers to stop their vehicles at least 10 feet before approaching a pedestrian with a disability who is crossing a street and using a mobility device, service animal, or white cane.  It would also require the motorist to take all necessary precautions to avoid an accident or injury to the pedestrian with a disability. 

HB 5095 unanimously passed out of the Illinois House today, it now heads to the Illinois Senate for consideration.