Cambridge is making streets safer by banning right turns on red at every city traffic light. This move is part of the city’s effort to keep people safe, cut down on accidents, and improve how smoothly traffic moves around.
Background
The goal is to better protect pedestrians and cyclists who are more at risk. While many spots in town already had this rule, on November 7, 2022, the City Council decided to apply it everywhere. The city looked at places like Washington D. C. that have had good results with this approach.
In 2023, staff put up 225 new “No Turn on Red” signs across the city to follow Vision Zero goals.
Check out the Council Order.
Making Intersections Safer
The new “No Turn on Red” signs should help lower crashes at intersections. If drivers can’t turn right when the light’s red, there’s less chance they’ll hit other cars coming through or bump into cyclists and walkers.
When turning on red is allowed, drivers often focus more on getting through quickly than watching out for people nearby. That distraction can lead to injuries for vulnerable road users in those areas.
This change shows Cambridge’s commitment to Vision Zero – which aims to wipe out all serious crashes and deaths while making travel safer and fairer for everyone.
Status Update: All city-owned intersections now have No Turn on Red signs installed.
