Trending...
- Spokane: Camp Sekani Update 7/9/26
- Stigma Across Borders: Concerns Grow Over Discrimination Against Shincheonji Members Abroad
- Sahar Education Invites You to Celebrate Afghan Culture and Community
~ 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.
More on Washingtoner
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.
More on Washingtoner
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.
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.
More on Washingtoner
- New Thriller 'Counterframe' Explores the Hidden Vulnerabilities of Modern Society
- Tacoma: Arrest Made in Connection with 2024 Homicide
- Award-Winning Heritage at South Brunswick Continues to Thrive as One of New Jersey's Premier New Home Communities
- Four Seasons Cleaners Debuts Santa Barbara County's First 24/7 Dry Cleaning Kiosk New self-service
- WhereTu Launches to Help Americans Build Successful Lives Abroad
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.
More on Washingtoner
- Appliance EMT Expands Built-In and Walk-In Refrigerator Service in Metro Atlanta
- LawProactive Launches SB 37-Compliant Attorney Marketing Software With Exclusive City Territories Across California
- Cogs and Marvel expands EMEA leadership team for next phase of growth
- Dave Freer's "Storm-Dragon" Wins First-Ever Prometheus Special Award For Young Adult Fiction
- T. Jones Group Celebrates Two Wins and Multiple Project Nominations at the 2026 HAVAN Awards
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.
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- Kolbus Introduces the Next Step in Casemaking Efficiency
- Spokane: Camp Sekani Update 7/9/26
- Florida Law Advisers, P.A. Named Best Divorce Firm of 2026 by Expert Law Attorneys
- Sahar Education Invites You to Celebrate Afghan Culture and Community
- Homicide Arrest – 1000 Block of South Tacoma Way
- City of Spokane, Catholic Charities Showcase Innovative Homeless Outreach Program at National Conference
- MD Marine Electric Announces Rebranding as MD Electric Group
- Sounds of LA County: 27 Parks.108 Concerts. One County
- Only One Flight Stands Between Los Angeles Youth Leaders and a Life-Saving Mission in South Africa
- Stigma Across Borders: Concerns Grow Over Discrimination Against Shincheonji Members Abroad
- Wu-Tang Made One Album for One Buyer. This Band Makes One Original Song for Every Fan
- Tacoma: Preparing the Bid Workshop on July 22
- World Cup Crowds Are a Stress Test for America's Restrooms
- Postmortem Pathology Expands Access to Private Autopsy Services in Las Vegas
- How Sacramento Families Are Using Private Autopsies to Protect Inheritances, Resolve Insurance Claims, and Find Closure
- Los Angeles' Best Food: Food Journal Magazine Examines the Trends Shaping the City's Dining Scene
- Spokane: SPD Make an Arrest in Connection with an Arson that Happened on June 9
- Landmark Construction Expands Glass, Glazing, and Commercial Remodeling Services Across Los Angeles County and Surrounding Areas
- Tacoma: Statement from At-Large Council Member Latasha Palmer and At-Large Council Member Olgy Diaz Regarding Stand-Alone Data Centers
- Tacoma: Homicide Investigation – 6900 Block of East D Street