The Houston City Council has recently taken a decisive step to bolster public safety by approving an ordinance that bans “sitting, standing or walking on median strips that are six feet wide or less,” as well as on divided roadways lacking a median altogether. Violation of this measure now constitutes a Class C misdemeanor, carrying the possibility of a $500 fine.
The compelling rationale for this ordinance is rooted in alarming statistics. The Houston Police Department recorded its highest-ever number of traffic fatalities in 2024, with nearly 34% involving pedestrians—highlighting the danger posed by narrow medians located mere inches away from fast-moving vehicles. Council Member Mary Nan Huffman, a leading proponent, remarked, “Medians were never meant to be a place for people to walk, sit, stand,” emphasizing that the measure clarifies existing city code and empowers law enforcement to promote safety.
Exceptions, Education, and Enforcement
Fortunately, the ordinance is not without nuance. Exceptions will apply for individuals crossing the street briefly, responding to emergencies, or engaged in authorized work. Additionally, enforcement will begin with a grace period—starting with education rather than citations—as officers inform the public of the new rules before stricter enforcement begins.
Striking the Balance: Safety vs. Equity
However, the measure has not escaped criticism. Council Members Letitia Plummer and Tiffany D. Thomas voiced concerns that this ordinance could disproportionately affect low-income or homeless individuals. Many of these residents may lack access to conventional communication channels such as social media or postal mail, and could unintentionally become targets for fines before they even become aware of the new rules.
Thomas warned of a compounding “chilling effect” from previous ordinances—such as the so-called “civility ordinance” that restricted sitting or laying down in downtown areas. This has reportedly pushed unhoused populations into residential neighborhoods, without expanding access to housing or supportive services In fact, critics point out that the city recently declined to allocate $40 million in federal storm-recovery funding toward homelessness initiatives, raising concerns about the absence of a holistic strategy.
What It Means for Houston
At its core, this ordinance reflects Houston’s grappling with complex—and sometimes conflicting—priorities. On the one hand, it demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing pedestrian fatalities by addressing dangerous behavior on narrow medians. On the other, it raises red flags about equity and the risk of punitive measures unintentionally targeting the city’s most vulnerable residents.
As enforcement begins, how will the city monitor and adapt this policy? Will outreach efforts be inclusive and purposeful? And perhaps most crucially: does the ordinance signal a push for safety—or a push toward criminalization?
Ben Bronston & Associates, with its keen interest in intersectional policy and social impact, can play an essential role in examining Houston’s next steps. How might the firm advise on crafting more compassionate urban policy—one that ensures both public safety and social equity?
Call 713.CALL.BEN ( 713-225-5236 ) or email us for a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL consultation.
[Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.]
