Transportation Commission forwards shared‑streets ordinance, designates Spokane Falls Boulevard pilot

The Spokane Transportation Commission voted unanimously to recommend a shared‑streets ordinance to the City Council process, and designated a single pilot street for initial implementation.

Commissioners approved language extending the post‑installation compliance window from 30 to 60 days and added a clause that “the 10 mile per hour speed limit sign and the signage requiring vehicles yield to pedestrians shall not be posted until the required elements listed in .08.071 c are installed and the defined entrance or entrances are determined,” a change staff said was intended to ensure signage aligns with finished street treatments. John (staff) summarized those final edits before the roll‑call vote.

Why it matters: the ordinance provides a regulatory framework for “shared streets” — where pedestrians are prioritized and vehicle speeds are low — and the pilot will test signage, enforcement and operational details before other corridors are considered. Staff said the initial designated corridor is Wall between Maine and Spokane Falls Boulevard and that the city will work to get the pilot “up and running” before expanding the program.

What staff said: John told the commission the ordinance was pared to a single pilot corridor for careful implementation and testing. Colin Quinn Hurst, who is working on micromobility and parking issues, outlined coordination with Lime and noted related questions about signage and enforcement that the commission can address while the pilot is implemented.

Next steps: staff will brief the PIES committee and then submit the ordinance to the council calendar for committee and council consideration. The commission vote was unanimous.