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S 7549

Requiring that vehicles yield the right of way to multi-use trails that cross roadways

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy Cooney

Vehicles must yield to multi-use trail users at all trail crossings, including intersections and mid-block crossings.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
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Bill Summary · S 7549

Summary: S 7549 – Requiring that vehicles yield the right of way to multi-use trails that cross roadways

Overview

S 7549 is a bill introduced in the Senate on April 22, 2025, titled “Requiring that vehicles yield the right of way to multi-use trails that cross roadways.” The bill is currently REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION, indicating it is being reviewed by the Senate Transportation Committee. The primary sponsor is Jeremy Cooney. A companion bill exists in the Assembly (A 5768), and S 8210 from a prior session is listed as related.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core aim is to improve safety for users of multi-use trails (e.g., pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and other non-motorized trail users) by ensuring motor vehicles yield when a trail crosses a roadway.
  • The measure seeks to clarify the right-of-way dynamics at trail crossings to reduce conflicts between vehicles and trail users.

Key Provisions (as typically anticipated in this type of bill)

Note: The exact statutory language is not provided in the materials available. The following provisions are commonly included in bills of this nature and may be reflected in S 7549 once enacted:
- Definition of “multi-use trail” and cross-traffic situations where a vehicle must yield to trail users.
- Requirement that motor vehicles yield the right of way to trail users at trail crossings, including at intersections and mid-block crossings where a trail crosses a roadway.
- Standards for signage, road markings, and potential signals to indicate heightened right-of-way protections for trail users.
- Exceptions (e.g., emergency vehicles, law enforcement, maintenance vehicles performing official duties, active construction zones).
- Compliance standards for drivers, including potential penalties or fines for violations.
- Training or public information requirements to educate motorists and trail users about the new rule.
- Coordination with local governments and transportation agencies for implementation and signage installation.
- Effective date or phase-in period after enactment.

Affected Parties

  • Motor vehicle operators and road users who encounter cross-traffic with trails.
  • Trail users (pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized users) who rely on safe crossings.
  • Local and state transportation departments responsible for road signage and crossing design.
  • Law enforcement and adjudicatory bodies responsible for enforcement and penalties.

Procedural Status and Timeline

  • Introduced: April 22, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. This indicates the bill is in the committee review phase, with potential subsequent floor consideration if advanced.
  • Related/Companion Legislation: A 5768 (Assembly companion) and S 8210 (prior-session bill) — suggesting ongoing or previously considered policy in this area.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Jeremy Cooney.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public safety: Aims to reduce vehicle–trail user collisions at crossing points.
  • Traffic flow: Could influence driver behavior and cross-traffic patterns near trail crossings.
  • Implementation costs: Signage, markings, and possible signaling upgrades may incur state or local expenses.
  • Legal/educational needs: Public outreach and driver education to ensure awareness of the new yield requirement.

Next Steps

  • Monitor committee hearings and the bill’s text for exact definitions, exceptions, penalties, and effective dates.
  • Review any amendments that clarify cross-traffic scenarios, conflict points, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Consider alignment with related bills (A 5768, S 8210) and any proposed amendments in the companion or prior-session measures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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