Push to Ban Right Turns on Red Gains Momentum in Denver

Amidst a rising concern for pedestrian and cyclist safety, there is a growing push to ban right turns on red lights across Denver. The initiative stems from various influential factors, including longstanding advocacy efforts from groups like the Denver Streets Partnership and recommendations from citizen transition committees formed by Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration.

According to Rob Toftness of the Denver Bike Lobby, Denver councilwoman Shontel Lewis has emerged as a prominent voice supporting the endeavor within the city council. Additionally, the city’s commitment to Vision Zero, a strategy aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and injuries, has fueled the momentum for the ban. As Denver continues to witness an increase in Vision Zero-related incidents, coupled with budgetary constraints, proponents argue that banning right turns on red presents a cost-effective intervention that can be implemented immediately.

While the idea is still in its early stages, signs restricting right turns on red have begun to appear at select high-volume intersections, aligning with recommendations from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

“Turns on red are a relatively new idea in the US. Reverting our municipal code back to a safer version is good policy,” Toftness says. “Turn on red collisions are relatively low but it has been shown through data that when this policy was enacted it had a negative effect on intersection users outside of a vehicle.”

Advocates emphasize the numerous benefits of the proposed ban, including enhanced safety for pedestrians and cyclists, streamlined traffic flow, and simplified decision-making for drivers. Furthermore, the recent enactment of Colorado’s Safety Stop law, allowing cyclists to treat red lights as stop signs, underscores the need to eliminate conflicts between cyclists and turning vehicles at intersections.

“Colorado’s new Safety Stop law allows cyclists to treat red lights as stop signs, and with the proliferation of curb-side protected bike lanes, this also eliminates conflicts with cyclists and right turners at intersections,” Toftness says. “Honestly, the stack of reasons to do this versus not is pretty one-sided.”

Other North American cities are also looking at a similar policy to enhance the protection of vulnerable road users. A policy which is the rule rather than the exception across Europe. San Francisco, for example, tested out the idea in one downtown neighborhood and the results are positive. The bicycle-friendly city of Montreal banned right turns on red in 2017. This is also the policy in New York City, aside from Staten Island.

The Denver Bicycle Lobby has affirmed its intent to lobby for this change, aiming to collaborate with city council members to advance the initiative, akin to previous successful efforts such as the Freedom To Walk legislation. As discussions progress, stakeholders remain focused on prioritizing the safety and accessibility of Denver’s streets for all road users.