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Commission hears staff briefing on 'no turn on red' policy, encourages further study and outreach
Summary
After a staff presentation on right-turn-on-red history, research, and local crash statistics, the commission discussed targeting more 'no turn on red' restrictions in high-pedestrian areas and flagged education, signage and enforcement as next steps. Commissioners voiced support for cautious, area-based expansion and asked staff to return with further analysis.
The Transportation Commission received a staff briefing and wide-ranging public comment on Tuesday about the city’s use of "no turn on red" signs and where the restriction should be applied.
Tom (traffic staff) gave a research-based presentation that traced the national history of right turns on red, cited federal guidance (MUTCD and FHWA), and summarized local data. Tom noted that crashes specifically reported as pedestrian/bike incidents involving right turns on red are relatively rare: "We've had 14 with a ped bike within the past five years," he said, and emphasized that many conflicts go unreported and that observational studies are often used instead of crash reports.
Tom outlined three policy tiers used elsewhere: blanket bans (citywide or downtown), area bans (downtown/campus), and location-specific restrictions focused where pedestrian and bicycle volumes are high or where separated bike facilities create conflicts. He also reviewed the BRT-related restrictions installed in 2024 and suggested next steps including targeted corridor reviews, time-of-day restrictions, and improved sign placement.
Public commenters supported more aggressive use of no-turn-on-red for safety. Benjamin Wolma urged the commission to "put forward a desire to implement no turn on red across the city and make it the norm," citing the Vision 0 action plan. Nicholas Davies and Gabriel Hill argued for broader application and for changing driver expectations over time. Several commissioners suggested targeting downtown or campus areas first, noting that area-wide approaches make public education and enforcement more feasible.
Commissioners and staff discussed legal and practical constraints. Staff said signage is legally required for the restriction to be enforceable and that an area-based approach could entail installing many signs. Commissioners emphasized education and enforcement and asked staff to research examples from other cities and to consult the city attorney about legal options for area-based approaches.
No formal motion was taken; the commission asked staff to return with further analysis, legal guidance, and possible area-based or time-of-day scenarios for next steps.
Next steps: staff will examine corridor- and area-based scenarios, review MUTCD and state statute constraints with the city attorney, and report back with recommendations on sign placement, public education strategies and potential pilot areas.
