Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740 & Lisa Garnder, City Council Director of Communications, 509.625.6226
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 11:40 a.m.
Mayor Lisa Brown, Council President Wilkerson, and members of the Spokane City Council on Wednesday announced a comprehensive package of new initiatives aimed at improving traffic safety throughout downtown and across Spokane. This multi-pronged effort includes new policy proposals, data-driven enforcement strategies, and infrastructure improvements to create safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic fatalities have increased across the nation, including in Spokane. These new efforts reflect the City of Spokane’s commitment to saving lives and making its transportation network more accessible for all.
No Turn on Red
The Spokane City Council will soon consider a proposal prohibiting turns on red throughout downtown. If passed, the ordinance will be implemented over several years with initial "no turn on red” intersections identified based on high pedestrian traffic.
Play Streets Program
The Spokane City Council will also soon consider a proposal to establish a Play Streets Program. This program will make it easier for neighbors to temporarily close non-arterial streets to provide car-free safe spaces for neighborhood play and community activities, such as block parties. This program will begin in June and run through Halloween.
Spokane Police Department Traffic Safety and Education Unit
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall has announced the formation of a new motorcycle Traffic Safety and Education Unit. This unit will centralize four officers to traffic safety efforts, with three additional officers focused on DUI enforcement.
Automated Traffic Safety Cameras
Following last year’s Safe Streets Executive Order, the City of Spokane has expanded the Automated Traffic Safety Camera program with two new cameras at E Mission Ave and N Greene St. Installation will begin early this summer.
Traffic Fatality Review Team
Mayor Brown will soon convene a multi-disciplinary work group to evaluate the engineering, environmental, vehicle, and behavioral factors in fatal crashes within the City of Spokane. This team will consist of police, fire, streets, engineering, planning, and human services staff who will review fatal crash cases. The team will use crash data to make recommendations for counteracting the factors identified to reach the goal of eliminating serious and fatal injury crashes. This will be a 12-month pilot project.
“Prioritizing traffic safety improvements helps build strong, more connected communities. Every new policy and data-driven strategy is a clear investment in protecting lives and creating a safer, stronger Spokane for all,” Mayor Lisa Brown said.
“Our commitment to traffic safety is in full motion,” said Council President Betsy Wilkerson. “We are excited to introduce new initiatives, including a 'No Turn on Red' policy, a play streets program to bolster community events, a dedicated motorcycle traffic unit, and more. Together, we are reimagining strategies and infrastructure to garner our neighborhoods’ overall transportation safety.”
“Everyone deserves safe streets, whether walking, biking, or driving,” said Councilmember Zack Zappone. “These initiatives will make Spokane more accessible and safer for everyone who uses our streets.”
“Traffic safety is public safety. No matter how you travel, everyone deserves to feel safe on Spokane’s streets,” said Police Chief Kevin Hall. “The Spokane Police Department is proud to support the comprehensive traffic safety initiatives announced by Mayor Lisa Brown, Council President Wilkerson, and the Spokane City Council. These forward-thinking efforts represent a citywide commitment to saving lives and building safer neighborhoods. Together, we are making Spokane safer and more accessible for everyone. Traffic safety is not just a policy—it's a partnership between the police, the city, and our community.”
