3 weeks. 2 deaths. 1 single block. What is it going to take for SLC to FINALLY get serious about traffic enforcement in downtown?
On September 16th, a pedestrian was hit and killed on 4th south and Main Street: [https://kutv.com/news/local/pedestrian-killed-in-downtown-salt-lake-hit-and-run-suspect-at-large\](https://kutv.com/news/local/pedestrian-killed-in-downtown-salt-lake-hit-and-run-suspect-at-large)
Today, less than 3 weeks later, a motorcyclist died after hitting a truck (ETA: at 4th and West Temple): [https://www.ksl.com/article/51632702/fatal-crash-closes-salt-lake-city-intersection\](https://www.ksl.com/article/51632702/fatal-crash-closes-salt-lake-city-intersection)
Regardless of who may be to blame, the problem boils down to the same thing: total lack of enforcement of any traffic safety laws in the downtown core. From running red lights, gunning through yellow ones, riding scooters on sidewalks or riding bikes through intesections going opposite of traffic, navigating downtown in any form feels more and more fraught every day.
I have no answers. But the Downtown Community Council (I'm the current chair) is the Neighborhood Group trying to bring about some change. We're/I'm looking for help, but I'm also looking for solutions. (And maybe a place to vent a tiny bit).
I know the instinct (I'm often guilty of it) is to look at the ways solutions will be vetoed by the Leg, but perhaps some smart and passionate people can come up with something that could spark some change.
We're already working on getting scooter speed throttled in the core of downtown. On more sidewalk signage indication which direction to ride and not riding on the sidewalks. But there is so much more to be done in order to get back to feeling SAFE to walk in downtown, without fear that you are putting yourself at grave bodily injury simply for being on a street or sidewalk.
DMs open. Sorry for the rant. I love Downtown. How can we make this awful aspect of it a bit better!
Signed,
Sighing in Salt Lake
**UPDATED TO ADD:**
**This month, the Downtown Community Council is hosting the folks in charge of logistics for the LDS Open House.**
**If you want to find out what streets are closing down for the Temple re-opening, please join us! It's also a great chance to talk directly to our representatives from the Mayor's office, as well as our Downtown City Councilperson, Jennifer Napier-Pierce.**
**When: October 21st, 6pm-7:30**
**Where: 18 Rio Grande Street at the Gateway (South of the Splashpad).**
**Please join us! We meet the third Wednesday of every month. DM me with any questions.**