Council refers downtown right-on-red safety ordinance to Public Works

Councilman Speaker 9 presented an ordinance intended to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers in downtown Providence by requiring drivers to come to a full stop before turning right on red at downtown intersections. The speaker said, if passed as written, the change would take effect in 2027 in the downtown area and thanked the Providence Streets Coalition and named advocates Liza Birkin and Dylan Giles for their work.

The presenter framed the ordinance as aligning with national safety standards and emphasized the need to educate the public about new signage. After the presentation the council recorded no extended debate and referred item 11 to the Committee on Public Works for committee review and further consideration.

The transcript does not record an implementation schedule beyond the 2027 date cited by the presenter, nor does it show a final adoption vote on the ordinance during this session; the council took the procedural step of referral so the committee can hold hearings and recommend next steps.