Proposed Pedestrian Safety Ordinance in in Dover Scheduled for Consideration at This Week’s Council Meeting

January 26, 2026/Joe Ciccanti

Dover Councilman David L. Anderson is thanking residents for increased engagement and support of the proposed Pedestrian Safety Ordinance, Ordinance 2025-21, ahead of City Council consideration. Supporters say the measure is designed to improve safety at busy intersections and medians for both pedestrians and drivers, not to criminalize panhandling or acts of kindness, though some opponents have raised concerns that people would be prevented from receiving help. As proposed, City officials say  Ordinance 2025-21 would add a new section to City code governing behavior at medians and intersections, including limits on remaining on medians beyond two crossing opportunities and on approaching moving vehicles in ways that cause them to slow or stop. The ordinance also includes provisions for drivers who stop or slow to engage in behavior that disrupts traffic.The proposal expressly excludes sidewalks and private property and adopts a warning-first approach, with a written warning for an initial offense and escalating fines for repeat violations.
 
Additional Information from the City of Dover:
Councilman David L. Anderson noted increasing public engagement around the City’s proposed Pedestrian Safety Ordinance, Ordinance 2025-21, ahead of City Council’s consideration.
 

“Residents have asked for clear rules that keep people out of harm’s way at busy intersections,” Anderson said. “Ordinance 2025-21 is focused on safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Despite some unbelievable misrepresentations of the ordinance and its purpose, the people of Dover are speaking out. A friend’s petition just crossed 500 signatures consisting mostly of your neighbors, 4 former police chiefs joined the current chief and cosponsor of the ordinance in endorsing the ordinance,” added Anderson.

Supporters reject the notion that the ordinance is aimed at preventing people from receiving help; rather, they see it as a compassionate approach to safety.
 
“Let’s be clear: this ordinance is not anti-panhandling. It does not silence anyone, criminalize speech, or prohibit kindness. It simply draws a bright line at the edge of the roadway, where the cost of one misstep is not inconvenient, it is a life lost. Cities across America have enacted similar measures only after suffering preventable fatalities. Dover has the chance to act before it’s too late,” wrote former Transportation Secretary Jennifer Cohan.
 
The ordinance has garnered significant support, including a petition with 519 supporters and endorsements from 5 Dover Police Chiefs as well as former Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.
 
As proposed, Ordinance 2025-21 would add a new section to City code addressing behavior at medians and intersections, including restrictions on remaining on medians beyond two crossing opportunities, and on approaching moving vehicles in a way that causes them to slow or stop. The ordinance also includes provisions that apply to drivers who stop or slow to engage in ways that disrupt traffic.
 
The proposal expressly excludes sidewalks and private property, and it establishes a warning first approach, with a written warning for a first offense and escalating fines thereafter.
 
The ordinance was originally scheduled for consideration on Monday, January 26, 2026, but due to a weather delay, the City Council is anticipated to vote on it during the re-scheduled meeting on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at City Hall Council Chambers, 15 Loockerman Plaza. The agenda includes an Open Forum at 6:15 p.m., with the meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. The City also provides virtual access information on the posted agenda. Please watch the city Facebook and web site (cityofdover.gov) for a snow date. For weather-related updates or further changes, residents should check the City’s website and official channels.
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