“Sen. Saldana releases bill to repeal jaywalking.
Take action now to ask your legislators to support!”
It’s time for Washington’s harmful jaywalking laws to go!
Jaywalking laws don’t protect pedestrians from getting hit by cars; are disproportionately enforced against low-income people, people of color, and unhoused individuals; and are an inefficient use of police resources.
How We Got Here
More than a century ago, Spokane, Washington, passed an anti-jaywalking law in 1918 that made crossing the street outside a designated crosswalk a punishable offense. A decade later, most cities and towns across Washington state enacted similar laws criminalizing jaywalking.
FACT
The term “jaywalking” started as a slur meaning an unintelligent, rural person who didn’t know how to navigate city life.
Have you or someone you know been impacted by jaywalking enforcement?
We’re looking for Washingtonians who’ve been stopped for jaywalking and want to share their stories.
3 Reasons to Repeal Washington’s Jaywalking Laws
SAFETY
Contrary to popular belief, jaywalking laws don’t keep pedestrians safe.
Equity
Race informs who gets stopped for jaywalking.
efficiency
Repealing jaywalking laws preserves public resources.
PLACES that Have Repealed Their Jaywalking Laws
Data Shows Jaywalking Laws Disproportionately Enforced Against Black People
Washington state isn’t the only place disproportionately targeting Black people for jaywalking. From San Diego, California, to Atlanta, Georgia, police issue an inordinate percentage of jaywalking tickets to Black residents.
GET INVOLVED
Join our efforts to repeal Washington’s jaywalking laws by endorsing the Free to Walk Washington campaign, signing up for action alerts, or sharing your jaywalking story with us!
OUR COALITION
Join us in the fight to repeal Washington’s jaywalking laws and protect pedestrians