District 1 resident urges council to require protected bike lanes after 21 traffic deaths

Alejandra Castaneda, a District 1 resident, told the Denver City Council during the public comment period that “As of today, 21 people have been killed in preventable and predictable traffic deaths in Denver.” She urged council members to press the mayor’s administration and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTTI) to act to prevent more deaths.

Castaneda said the community has repeatedly been told that council sets policy and approves funding while DOTTI implements projects, but she urged council to use its platform and funding authority to require safety measures. “Require DOTTI to automatically install safety features like sidewalks, raised crosswalks, and protected cycle lanes whenever routine road maintenance occurs,” she said.

She described a recent local fatality — identified in her remarks as “Sally” — at a known dangerous intersection in District 1, and said the community’s own investigation produced policy recommendations. Castaneda proposed zoning changes to increase density, pilot civilian enforcement for crash response and investigations, and use technology such as active intelligence speed assist in fleet vehicles. She also urged use of speed safety cameras “as an interim measure” and prioritized funding for transit and bus-rapid-transit over expanding car capacity.

Castaneda cited a local statistic in support of stronger measures: “Local data shows 99% of city employees driving a city owned vehicle drive over the speed limit,” a claim she raised while urging a mix of engineering, enforcement and investment in alternatives to driving.

The comment period is not a forum for council responses; the council did not take questions or votes during the session. Castaneda asked that council members and DOTTI follow up on her email requesting a meeting to discuss implementation of the safety proposals.

The public comment concluded with Castaneda asking the council to prioritize equity when using enforcement and technology so that safety improvements do not disproportionately burden already-vulnerable residents.