Spokane: Mayor, City Council Announce New Traffic Safety Improvements
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~ Spokane City Officials Announce New Initiatives to Improve Traffic Safety

On Wednesday, Mayor Lisa Brown, Council President Betsy Wilkerson, and members of the Spokane City Council unveiled a comprehensive package of new initiatives aimed at enhancing traffic safety in downtown Spokane and throughout the city. This multi-faceted effort includes new policy proposals, data-driven enforcement strategies, and infrastructure improvements to create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The need for these initiatives has become even more pressing in light of the increase in traffic fatalities across the nation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spokane has not been immune to this trend, making it crucial for the city to take action to protect its residents and make its transportation network more accessible for all.

One of the proposed policies is a ban on turns on red throughout downtown. This ordinance will be implemented gradually over several years, with initial intersections identified based on high pedestrian traffic. This measure aims to reduce accidents caused by drivers making right turns without properly yielding to pedestrians.

In addition, the City Council will consider establishing a Play Streets Program that will allow neighborhoods to temporarily close non-arterial streets for community activities such as block parties. This program is set to begin in June and run through Halloween.

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To further strengthen traffic safety efforts, Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall announced the formation of a new motorcycle Traffic Safety and Education Unit. This unit will centralize four officers to focus on traffic safety, with three additional officers dedicated specifically to DUI enforcement.

The city has also expanded its Automated Traffic Safety Camera program with two new cameras at E Mission Ave and N Greene St. These cameras will be installed early this summer as part of last year's Safe Streets Executive Order.

Mayor Brown also plans to convene a multi-disciplinary work group known as the Traffic Fatality Review Team. Comprised of representatives from various departments including police, fire, streets, engineering, planning, and human services, this team will review fatal crash cases and make recommendations for improving traffic safety. The goal is to eliminate serious and fatal injury crashes within the city, and this will be a 12-month pilot project.

In a statement, Mayor Brown emphasized the importance of prioritizing traffic safety improvements as a means of building stronger and more connected communities. She sees each new policy and strategy as an investment in protecting lives and creating a safer Spokane for all.

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Council President Wilkerson echoed this sentiment, stating that the city's commitment to traffic safety is in full motion. She expressed excitement about the new initiatives, including the "No Turn on Red" policy, the Play Streets Program, and the dedicated motorcycle traffic unit. She believes that these efforts will help reimagine strategies and infrastructure to enhance transportation safety in neighborhoods.

Councilmember Zack Zappone also emphasized the importance of making Spokane more accessible and safer for everyone who uses its streets. He believes that these initiatives will contribute to achieving this goal.

Police Chief Kevin Hall stressed that traffic safety is a crucial aspect of public safety. He stated that everyone deserves to feel safe on Spokane's streets, regardless of how they travel. Chief Hall expressed pride in supporting these comprehensive traffic safety initiatives, which he sees as a partnership between the police, the city, and the community.

In conclusion, these new initiatives represent a significant step towards making Spokane's streets safer for all residents. By implementing new policies, utilizing data-driven strategies, and improving infrastructure, city officials are demonstrating their commitment to saving lives and building stronger communities through enhanced traffic safety measures.

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