Transportation committee amends resolution to encourage — not require — reflective gear for pedestrians after debate

The House Committee on Transportation on March 25 amended HCR136 and HR130 to encourage pedestrians to wear reflective gear between dusk and dawn rather than to impose implementing regulations requiring such gear.

The committee chair proposed technical language changes that removed regulatory requirements and replaced them with encouragement. The chair said the change avoids placing the full burden of safety measures on pedestrians while still promoting awareness that reflective gear can increase visibility.

Department of Health representative Justin Medina told the committee the pedestrian-first approach generally supports built-environment changes such as traffic calming and lighting rather than measures that place responsibility primarily on vulnerable road users. Multiple testifiers, including public-health and active-transportation groups and members of the biking and walking advocacy community, provided written and oral comments opposing a mandate and urging systemic safety improvements.

Representative Absalyn (vice chair) said she appreciated the amendment but would vote no, arguing the committee should focus on slowing vehicles and improving physical infrastructure rather than relying on rules that primarily affect pedestrians. The roll call recorded at least one no vote and a stated reservation from another member; the committee adopted the amended recommendation to move the measure forward as an HD1 with technical amendments for clarity, consistency and style.

The amended resolution encourages pedestrians to wear reflective gear as an option for personal safety but does not create a regulatory requirement or penalty. The committee and public-health witnesses emphasized that systematic changes to street design, lighting and traffic speed are the primary evidence-based approaches to reducing pedestrian injuries.