The city of Denver is considering a ban on all right turns on red in response to the alarming increase in pedestrian and cyclist fatalities on its roads.
In 2023, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported that a total of 133 pedestrians and 20 cyclists lost their lives on the state’s roadways.
June Churchill has chosen to live without a car for the past six years.
Churchill was amazed by the city’s perilous biking conditions as he glanced around. He remarked, “It’s truly unsafe to bike here.”
Churchill has been struggling to find a safe space to ride on Denver city streets every day.
Churchill expressed his frustration, stating, “I have encountered numerous instances where cars have cut me off or nearly collided with me.”
Churchill pointed out that much of the trouble arises when drivers turn right on red, obstructing crosswalks and failing to pay attention to pedestrians.
According to Churchill, cars have no regard for others and will continue to make right turns without waiting for everyone to finish.
A new effort is underway to prohibit right turns on red throughout Denver.
The Denver Streets Partnership has been advocating for this for five years.
According to Jill Locantore, the executive director of Denver Streets Partnership, the key to improving our streets is to prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists by redesigning the infrastructure and promoting slower, safer speeds. However, she acknowledges that this process will require significant investment of both time and money.
According to Locantore, prioritizing pedestrian safety policies offers a more cost-effective approach.
Pushing for a Ban on All Right Turns on Red in Denver Following a Deadly Year for Pedestrians and Cyclists
According to Locantore, simply altering the law does not guarantee an immediate change in people’s behavior. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing hazardous intersections, such as Federal Blvd. and Colfax Ave., as advocated by her coalition.
Pedestrian fatalities reached a record high in 2023 across the state, and the city of Denver also witnessed concerning statistics.
The Denver Police Department’s crash dashboard reveals a concerning statistic: 32 pedestrians lost their lives on city streets last year, marking a significant 113% increase compared to a decade ago.
Advocates hope that Denver will take inspiration from cities like New York City and Seattle, which have already implemented this change.
“We have a moral obligation to take these steps and do what we can to make our streets safer for everybody,” Locantore emphasized.
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