As pedestrian safety concerns grow and advocacy groups cries mount, the City-County Council has a series of “No Turn on Red” proposals for downtown intersections. The proposals would likely affect all of downtown Indianapolis, including areas around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, IUPUI and the Indiana War Memorial & Museum.
The proposals follow a study that looked at a five-year history of pedestrian-related crashes in the downtown area. The study found that more than half were from vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians at signalized intersections. Pedestrians’ downtown are two times more likely to be involved in a crash due to a turning vehicle than the rest of Marion County.
“As downtown continues to grow, it’s critically important to ensure connectivity, accessibility, and safety for all,” Council President Vop Osili said in a news release. “’No Turn on Red’ restrictions are the most straightforward way to avoid entirely preventable accidents. My colleagues on the Council and I are committed to continuing to work with Mayor Hogsett and the Department of Public Works to seek and support additional strategies to make our city’s streets safer for all who use them.”
Only a small portion of vehicular crashes involve pedestrians, approximately 1%, but they account for 20% of fatalities involving a vehicle. The risk for severe injury increases with speed. A serious injury is almost certain at 31 miles per hour but can occur at speeds as slow as 16 miles per hour, according to a study done by National Association of Transportation Officials.
The proposals were introduced at the Council meeting on April 3 and will be heard at the Public Works Committee meeting on April 13. If the proposals pass the committee, they will move back to the full Council for a final vote on May 8.
The proposals are a part of the City’s “ongoing commitment to enhancing safety for all users of Indianapolis roads,” according to the Council news release.
“As the Crossroads of America, Indianapolis recognizes the importance of mobility, but we must be equal champions for safety,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “I’m proud to support the Council’s leadership on this effort to strike a better balance between the two, while joining ongoing efforts that make our streets safer.”
Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett at 317-762-7847 or by email JaydenK@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.
