Ask a trooper: Answering questions about crosswalks

Q: When is a pedestrian considered to be in the crosswalk? If the pedestrian is standing on the sidewalk curb looking around, are they in the crosswalk? What if, in the same position, they are facing sideways, still looking around, and talking with someone?

A: No to both parts of the question, but drivers need to be alert in case the pedestrian decides to cross.

Q: When a bicycle is ridden (not walked) across a crosswalk, are we to yield?

A: Well, if the other option is hitting them, then yes, I say you should yield.

Q: In the spring, after the winter’s road wear, if a crosswalk is no longer visible, is it still considered in effect?

A: Yes, and it is probably signed as a crosswalk, too, regardless of the paint on the road (or lack of it). The statutory definition of a crosswalk includes the area between two adjacent corners with sidewalks connecting to the street, even if they are not painted in.

Sgt. Curt S. Mowers is a regional public information officer for the Minnesota State Patrol.

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