In light of the deadliest year on the road for pedestrians and cyclists in Denver, there is a movement to prohibit all right turns on red throughout the city.
In 2023, a total of 133 pedestrians and 20 cyclists lost their lives on Colorado’s roadways, as reported by the Colorado Department of Transportation.
June Churchill has chosen to live without a car for the past six years.
Churchill expressed his astonishment at the city’s dangerous biking conditions, remarking, “I looked around at the city and I was like, ‘Wow, it’s really dangerous to bike here.'”
Churchill has been facing a daily struggle to find a safe space to ride on the streets of Denver.
Churchill expressed his frustration, stating, “Numerous instances have occurred where cars have abruptly cut me off or I have narrowly escaped being T-boned.”
According to Churchill, many of the issues arise when drivers make right turns on red lights, which leads to crosswalks being blocked and a lack of attention towards pedestrians.
Churchill humorously remarked that cars have no regard for others and will continue taking right turns until everyone else is finished.
There is now a renewed effort to prohibit all right turns on red throughout Denver.
The Denver Streets Partnership has been advocating for this change for the past five years.
Jill Locantore, executive director of Denver Streets Partnership, emphasized the need to prioritize the redesign of our streets to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists. She acknowledged that this process requires a substantial investment of time and funds.
According to Locantore, prioritizing pedestrian safety policies proves to be a more cost-effective approach.
Push for Ban on All Right Turns on Red in Denver Following a Deadly Year for Pedestrians and Cyclists
The city of Denver is considering a proposal to ban all right turns on red in an effort to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. This comes after a particularly deadly year, with a significant increase in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. The ban would aim to reduce the risk of accidents by eliminating the potential conflicts between turning vehicles and vulnerable road users.
According to data from the Denver Police Department, there were a total of XX pedestrian and cyclist fatalities in the city last year, marking a XX% increase compared to the previous year. This alarming rise in fatalities has sparked concerns among city officials and community members, leading to the push for stricter traffic regulations.
Right turns on red have long been a controversial issue in traffic safety discussions. While it allows for increased traffic flow and reduced wait times at intersections, it also poses risks to pedestrians and cyclists who may be crossing the street or using bike lanes. By banning right turns on red, the city aims to prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users and mitigate the potential for accidents.
Proponents of the ban argue that it will create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, as it eliminates the potential conflicts between turning vehicles and those on foot or bikes. They believe that by removing the option of turning on red, drivers will be forced to pay more attention to their surroundings, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
However, opponents of the ban argue that it could lead to increased congestion and longer wait times at intersections, which may frustrate drivers and potentially result in more aggressive driving behavior. They also question the effectiveness of such a ban, suggesting that other measures, such as improved infrastructure and education, may be more effective in improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.
The proposal to ban all right turns on red is still under review, and further discussions and studies will be conducted to assess its potential impact. If implemented, Denver would join a growing number of cities across the United States that have already banned or restricted right turns on red as part of their efforts to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety.
According to Locantore, simply altering the law doesn’t guarantee an immediate change in people’s actions. In light of this, her coalition is advocating for the city to prioritize addressing hazardous intersections, such as Federal Blvd. and Colfax Ave.
Pedestrian fatalities reached a record high statewide in 2023, and the city of Denver is not exempt from this concerning trend.
In the past year, city streets in Denver have witnessed a significant increase in pedestrian fatalities. According to the crash dashboard of the Denver Police Department, there were 32 pedestrian deaths in the city, marking a staggering 113% rise compared to the figures from a decade ago.
Denver is being urged to take inspiration from cities like New York City and Seattle, which have already implemented the desired change. Advocates are hopeful that Denver will follow suit and make the necessary adjustments.
Locantore emphasized the moral obligation to take action and ensure the safety of all individuals on the streets.
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