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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 23, 2026

Councilor Smith Landmark "No Turn on Red" Ordinance to Protect Pedestrians, Cyclists, Strollers, Seniors, and Wheelchair Users

PORTLAND, OR - Today, Portland City Councilor Smith, along with her co-sponsor Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane, introduced a sweeping new safety ordinance aimed at eliminating city of Portland high-conflict traffic crashes. The new ordinance when passed by the full council will systematically restrict "Right Turn on Red" maneuvers across the area most dangerous intersections. This ordinance will systematically restrict "Right Turn on Red" maneuvers across the area most dangerous intersections. Backed by data from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and aligned with the city's Vision Zero goals, the ordinance will prioritize the safety of Portland's most vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, parents pushing strollers, seniors, and people using wheelchairs. 

While Oregon state law generally allows drivers to turn right on a red light after stopping, it gives local jurisdictions the authority to restrict the movement where safety conditions dictate. Under Councilor Smith's proposed legislation, PBOT will be directed to evaluate high-crash corridors and Equity Priority Areas, with the installation of "No Turn on Red" (NTOR) signage at intersections with documented histories of fatal incidents.

The urgency of the ordinance is underscored by stark local data and dire frequent accidents in some cases. Worst still, NE 122nd Avenue and Halsey Street witnessed more than 80 crashes within four-years in PDOT estimates. Turn-on-red crashes are inherently dangerous because motorists looking left for a gap in oncoming traffic routinely fail to see seniors, families pushing strollers, pedestrians, and cyclists entering the crosswalk from their right.

"A minor driving convenience should never come at the cost of a human life," said Councilor Smith. "We know exactly where these crashes are happening, and we have a proven engineering solution to stop them. Leaving these intersections unchanged is a choice we can no longer afford to make. Whether you are walking, using a device, pushing a stroller, or a senior neighbor navigating our streets, you deserve to cross safely."

"Every kid should be able to bike to school without fear, our seniors should be able to walk in their neighborhoods with confidence, and every neighbor deserves streets that put people first," said Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane. "By tackling these high-conflict intersection crashes head-on, we are taking real, measurable action to prevent avoidable tragedies and live up to our city's Vision Zero promises." 

National safety studies show that implementing NTOR restrictions can reduce overall crashes at signalized intersections by approximately 9%. The ordinance builds upon successful local implementation in the Northwest Pedestrian District and near high-volume school crossings, where NTOR signs paired with leading pedestrian intervals ("Pedestrian Head Starts") have successfully minimized vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.

The ordinance will be debated in the coming weeks, with lead sponsor Councilor Smith and co-sponsor Councilor Koyama Lane urging fellow council members to fulfill Portland's Vision Zero promise through active infrastructure upgrades rather than passive policy.

About the Sponsors:
The Offices of lead sponsor Councilor Smith and co-sponsor Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane are dedicated to building a safer, more equitable, and highly accessible Portland for all residents, with a core focus on sustainable infrastructure, traffic safety, and community-first transportation policies.

Media Contact:
Elijah Crawford
[email protected]
971-710-2557

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