An elderly man crossing a busy Manhattan intersection stops to stare down a cab he says ran a red light. Atlanta lawmakers are considering a new city ordinance that would make turning right at red stoplights illegal in certain neighborhoods. The proposal is supported by 11 of the 16 members of the city council. They argue that the three neighborhoods named in the ordinance, Downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill, are home to cultural attractions, businesses, and homes that bring in heavy pedestrian traffic.
The main objective of the ordinance is to enhance pedestrian safety and create a sense of community in these neighborhoods. Councilman Jason Dozier, who co-sponsored the legislation, cited a significant rise in pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to car collisions in Atlanta. He stated that there has been a 50% increase in pedestrian deaths since 2020, with 38 pedestrians dying on Atlanta’s streets last year alone.
The legislation aims to address the issue of cars creeping into crosswalks while turning right on red lights. With the increase in vehicle sizes over the years, drivers have larger blind spots and narrower sight lines, making it difficult to see pedestrians. The ordinance seeks to protect the limited space afforded to pedestrians in cities, such as crosswalks.
The ban on right turns on red lights has been a topic of discussion in several U.S. cities. Washington, D.C., approved a similar ban that will take effect in 2025, and other cities like Chicago, Ann Arbor, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Denver have also considered such bans.
Advocates for the ban point to a 1994 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which analyzed crash data and found 558 injury crashes and four fatalities caused by right turns on red in selected states. In Atlanta, according to data from Propel ATL, 38 pedestrians died in crashes in 2022, representing a 23% increase from the previous year.
Supporters argue that the ban is a people-centered policy aimed at protecting vulnerable residents and creating a safer environment. They believe that increased foot traffic from pedestrians leads to higher sales and revenues for local businesses. The legislation aligns with the trend of promoting walkability in cities, which has been observed during the pandemic when businesses utilized sidewalks and parking spaces for outdoor dining.
The Atlanta City Council Transportation Committee will review the ordinance at a meeting on Wednesday. The proposal has gained attention and support as Atlanta aims to prioritize pedestrian safety and community well-being.
