QUESTION OF THE DAY: Will Columbia’s median ordinance improve pedestrian safety?

Columbia's police department has been at work educating people on a law taking effect July 1 that will make it illegal to linger in medians at busy city intersections.

The law is like those in several other cities, and by its letter, looks to prevent collisions between pedestrians and vehicles at busy medians. However, critics see it as a blatant way to move panhandlers, many of whom are homeless, out of public view.

At least one pedestrian safety group also says it's not an effective approach to making roads more pedestrian-friendly.

Do you think the new law will make roads safer for pedestrians? Let us know by voting in the poll.