An Act to improve parking and pedestrian safety

This bill requires developers in Massachusetts to install physical barriers, such as bollards or retaining walls, at commercial parking areas to prevent vehicles from entering sidewalks or crashing into buildings. The law specifically applies to new or significantly renovated commercial buildings and mandates that these safety measures be designed to stop cars while maintaining the minimum width required for pedestrian walkways. Additionally, the legislation establishes a new Pedestrian Safety Design Advisory Group composed of 15 members from various government agencies and industry organizations to study best practices and make recommendations for future safety regulations. While the bill sets specific construction standards, it also allows for waivers in unique circumstances where compliance would be an unreasonable burden, provided alternative safety measures are implemented.