Proposed Safety Improvements in D.C.: Fewer Right Turns on Red Lights and 20 MPH Speed Limits

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has proposed a slew of traffic safety changes, some of which could go into effect in early 2019.

1 minute read

October 25, 2018, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Red Light

Helen89 / Shutterstock

"After at least 31 people were killed on DC roads this year, Mayor Muriel Bowser and her administration announced [this week] a slew of steps to try to halt the carnage," according to an article by David Alpert.

The most exiciting proposal will probably be the idea to ban right turns on some 100 intersections in the District. Another headline could be devoted to the potential of adding "neighborhood slow zones," where speed limits would be set at 20 miles per hour.

A previous report from another source claimed that right turns on red would be banned throughout the city, but Alpert here revises that claim. More details on the proposed safety proposals and additional analysis by Greater Greater Washington staff are included in the article.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 in Greater Greater Washington

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Two people on bikes in red painted bike lane with bus in traffic lane next to them.

Understanding Road Diets

An explainer from Momentum highlights the advantages of reducing vehicle lanes in favor of more bike, transit, and pedestrian infrastructure.

April 17 - Momentum Magazine

Aerial view of large warehouses across from development of suburban single-family homes in Jurupa, California with desert mountains in background.

New California Law Regulates Warehouse Pollution

A new law tightens building and emissions regulations for large distribution warehouses to mitigate air pollution and traffic in surrounding communities.

April 17 - Black Voice News

Purple Phoenix light rail train connected to overhead wires at sunset.

Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension

The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.

April 17 - Arizona Republic