Jaywalk Near a School? Forget About It

The next time you want to jaywalk in a school zone, you better check yourself at the curb.

The voted 7-0 Monday to approve an ordinance making it illegal to do just that.

Staff reported the city has made concerted efforts to push for public safety near school zones, including forming the Safe Routes to School program. The city has been awarded $1.6 million in grants for the program, which includes outreach, education and enforcement.

Despite the city's efforts, staff reported some schools, particularly and , which are both located near busy thoroughfares, are still experiencing safety concerns.

To that end, the ordinance was introduced, making it illegal to jaywalk in or near a school where proper signage is posted.

A state law prohibits crossing "mid-block" in an area between two signalized crossings, but staff reported many Gilroy school zones only have one signalized crossing or none at all.

According to the meeting's agenda packet, the city's Public Works Department and the have sufficient funds in their operating budgets to perform the work needed to enforce the ordinance.