SPOKANE — Spokane residents could soon navigate a downtown street where pedestrians and cyclists take priority over vehicles, as the city council prepares to consider a “shared streets” ordinance that would establish the city’s lowest speed limit.
The proposed ordinance targets a block of Wall Street between Spokane Falls Boulevard and Main Avenue as its first location. If approved, the speed limit on that stretch would drop from 20 mph to 10 mph, requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
“It’s part of a series of things we’re trying to do to increase safety in the downtown area, and also just make it a more warm, more inviting place for people walking,” said Jon Snyder, the city of Spokane’s director of transportation and sustainability.
The city plans to add planters and outdoor seating areas to further encourage foot traffic and create a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Carlos Rivas, who works downtown, said he would support the ordinance.
“If it was to be changed, it would be cool. The problem right now is the lack of safety around this part of the street,” Rivas said.
Acacia Coy, who lives in Spokane, said she thinks the city should either leave the road as is, or block it off to cars entirely.
“I feel like it might just add to injuries and accidents or road rage. You know, people have a hard time with bikers anyway on the road,” Coy said.
If the ordinance passes, the city could eventually designate additional streets as “shared streets,” though not every road would qualify.
“You can’t just take any street and go, ‘Oh! That’s a shared street.’ It has to meet certain requirements,” Snyder said.
Streets eligible for the shared streets designation must have light traffic volumes and be frequently used by cyclists and pedestrians, among other criteria.
The city council will hold a first reading of the ordinance during Wednesday’s meeting. The proposal would still require a final reading before becoming law. If approved, Snyder estimates the new speed limit could take effect in the fall.
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