Crosswalks and Right-of-way in Austin, TX

Today over lunch, my co-workers and I were discussing the crosswalks around Austin and pedestrian rights. My understanding is that zebra striped crosswalks give pedestrians right-of-way over traffic. However, it’s Texas, ya’ll.

Too many times I see cars completely ignore pedestrians (or myself as a cyclist walking my bike) stepping into a crosswalk. Perhaps this is more understandable on the newly painted crosswalks. For example, the 4th street pedestrian / bike lane now has zebra strips to cross both south and north access roads of highway 35. However, these are so new that one day, I watched as some scooters crossed in front of traffic bearing down on them from the access road. The cars honked loudly and never slowed. Thankfully, no one was hit.

What are the specific rules for crosswalks in Austin? Do pedestrians have right-of-way if there is traffic on the road? Or, is it better to wait until there’s no traffic and then cross as quickly as possible?

According to this City of Austin Pedestrian Safety and the Law pdf, pedestrians do have right of way at crosswalks. If a pedestrian starts crossing in a painted crosswalk, cars need to stop. At least the flashing red beacon light crosswalks get a little more traction. But, the handout clearly states that even at a painted crosswalk in between intersections and without lights, the pedestrian has the right-of-way.

That knowledge didn’t make me feel any safer on my ride home from work today. Going east on Barton Springs Road, just after crossing Azie Morton, and before the left turn to Chuy’s, a couple stepped out into the painted pedestrian crosswalk. The car in the right lane stopped in time. I was cycling in the left lane and saw the couple while at the same time hearing the squeal of tires as another vehicle behind me slammed on their brakes. I braced myself to either be hit or to hear the crash of car hitting car. Thankfully, neither happened.