The Portland City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance restricting right turns on red at some of the city’s most dangerous intersections, a move aimed at reducing crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users.
The ordinance, sponsored by Councilor Loretta Smith and approved on a 12-0 vote, directs the Portland Bureau of Transportation to begin installing No Turn on Red signs and making related infrastructure changes at targeted high-crash intersections across the city.
According to information provided by Smith’s office, Portland has identified 30 intersections with the highest rates of serious-injury crashes. City traffic safety data also show that 8% of Portland streets account for 67% of traffic deaths, highlighting the concentration of severe crashes along a relatively small portion of the transportation network.
“Today, the Portland City Council took a bold and necessary stand to proclaim that no street in Portland should compromise human life for the sake of a few seconds of driver convenience,” said Smith. “We have heard the voices of parents holding their children’s hands at crosswalks, seniors navigating busy intersections, and cyclists demanding dignity and safety on our roads. This ordinance is our answer. Traffic safety is not just a policy, it is a matter of life, equity, and the fundamental protection of our citizens.”
The ordinance represents another step in Portland’s Vision Zero effort, which seeks to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by changing street design, traffic operations and driver behavior.
Right turns on red can create conflicts between drivers and people using crosswalks because motorists preparing to turn may be watching for approaching vehicle traffic while pedestrians or bicyclists are entering the intersection.
Under the ordinance, restrictions will focus on high-crash locations rather than imposing a citywide prohibition on right turns at red lights. PBOT will be responsible for installing signs and implementing infrastructure changes at targeted locations.
The city also plans a public education effort to inform drivers about the restrictions as they are implemented.
Smith’s office cited traffic safety research indicating that No Turn on Red restrictions can reduce overall crashes by 9% and pedestrian- and bicycle-related crashes by 41%. Those figures provide part of the rationale behind targeting intersections where people walking and biking face greater risks.
The ordinance places particular emphasis on pedestrians, bicyclists, children, older adults and people using mobility devices, who can face greater consequences when involved in collisions with motor vehicles.
“Progress requires us to challenge the status quo when habits put our neighbors in harm’s way,” said Smith. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues on the Council, our dedicated community safety advocates, and the residents who spoke up to make our streets safer for everyone. Today, we choose safety. Today, we choose life.”
Implementation now shifts to PBOT, which will determine where restrictions are installed and carry out the signage and infrastructure work required under the ordinance.
