Residents press council on speeding, crosswalk safety and 'right on red' rules in downtown Renton

Residents used the public-comment period to press the council for traffic-safety changes in downtown Renton and the northeast corridor. Resident Paul Dutton urged the city to address persistent speeding on Northeast Fourth Street and asked for physical measures such as raised concrete barriers and a protected crosswalk at Rosario to reduce dangerous driving and discourage stunt driving. Dutton said drivers travel at high speeds late at night and that temporary calming measures would be a relatively low-cost fix. Downtown resident Tristan Cochin recommended creating a downtown zone that bans right-on-red turns, arguing that consistent zoning and large signage would reduce driver confusion and prioritize pedestrian safety. Cochin said many drivers treat downtown streets as through routes and urged the city to prioritize walkers and downtown residents over through traffic. Council members acknowledged the comments. The council president summarized public comments and noted that “public works has taken a look” at a right-on-red ban but that no formal report has yet been returned to council. No formal motions or council actions were taken during the public-comment period; these were requests and suggestions for staff consideration. Why it matters: Residents said dangerous driving patterns affect walkability and safety in downtown and neighborhood corridors; several speakers urged quick, low-cost changes such as signage, protected crosswalks and targeted traffic-calming installations.