I suppose it’s not surprising that in a state where cities allow “testing” of self-driving taxis on public roadways around the general public with zero additional safety considerations, that a random person on the Internet knows more about MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) and the CVC (California Vehicle Code) than the city engineers do. Sad to see how far our city leadership has continued to decay.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) , section Section 3B.18 Crosswalk Markings, requires white crosswalk lines, see https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part3/part3b.htm .

In California Vehicle Code – VEH § 21368 specifies yellow crosswalk lines are used near schools, see: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=21368.

While it is not illegal to not adhere to the MUTCD or CVC there is a legal risk in doing so. The Cupertino City Attorney, and the Public Works director, advised against violating the MUTCD and the CVC because it would expose the City to legal action should the presence of a non-compliant crosswalk be claimed to be the cause of any kind of accident or injury. I was Cupertino’s mayor at the time and agreed with the City Attorney and Public Works Director that the rainbow stripe was a better option.

It is true that other cities have chosen to ignore those risks, and have done the rainbow crosswalks, but it is unwise to do so. Santa Clara should really follow Cupertino’s example and opt for the rainbow stripe.