An Act to improve parking and pedestrian safety

This bill requires Massachusetts municipalities and commercial building owners to install physical barriers, such as bollards or retaining walls, between parking areas and sidewalks to prevent vehicles from accidentally hitting pedestrians or buildings. The law specifically applies to on-street parking next to commercial buildings and off-street lots for new developments, ensuring that these safety features do not reduce the minimum width required for accessible walkways. Additionally, the legislation creates a 15-member advisory commission to study best practices and develop future regulations for improving pedestrian safety in parking and public spaces. While the bill mandates these construction standards, it also allows for waivers in unique circumstances where compliance would be an unreasonable burden, provided alternative safety measures are implemented.