To: Alfred H. Foxx, Director Department of Transportation
I am writing on behalf of the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee (MBAC) to express our support for the city’s efforts to enforce current laws that govern vehicles when turning right on a red signal light at key intersections, particularly where there is significant bicycle traffic. We believe that aggressively enforcing “No Right on Red” prohibitions and the requirement for a full stop before making an authorized right turn on red is essential to protecting the safety of cyclists and pedestrians and to enhancing the livability of the City of Baltimore . The use of photo enforcement strikes us as important as it is not practical for police officers and Special Traffic Enforcement Officers to be present at all times and all locations.
The majority of intersections in the city permit drivers to turn right at a red light, after coming to a complete stop. “No Right on Red” signs are only put in place when a clear danger to pedestrians, cyclists, and/or drivers has been identified. Some “No Right on Red” signs have even been put in place as a result of accidents or fatalities at the intersection. Unfortunately, some irresponsible drivers have been ignoring the prohibition. At intersections where a right turn on a red signal is authorized, some drivers have been ignoring the requirement to come to a complete stop before turning and are “rolling” through the intersection as if at a “Yield” sign.
Cyclists waiting to proceed through the intersection can easily be overlooked by drivers because they are smaller than a motor vehicle. Thus, “No Right on Red” rules at select locations and the requirement for a full stop before making an authorized right turn on red are vital in the prevention of bicycle accidents and fatalities.
Because of the clear danger posed by their violation, we hope that the city will do its utmost to enforce “Right on Red” restrictions.
Sincerely,
Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee
