Kentucky bill targeting pedestrians on busy state roads heads to Beshear’s desk

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A bill aimed at stopping pedestrians from standing near busy state roads is on Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk.

This legislation would prohibit a person from kneeling, reclining or standing in any portion of a state-maintained right-of-way that is not designated for pedestrian use.

State Rep. Kevin Jackson, the bill’s sponsor, said it’s not directed at panhandlers.

“Anywhere there’s a crosswalk or a sign you can walk across the street or a park bench, we’re not messing with those, but these would be high-traffic areas like coming off the interstate,” Jackson said.

According to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety, 937 crashes involved a pedestrian in 2025, and 96 were fatal.

The bill is currently awaiting the governor’s signature.