(Image: U.S. DOT Volpe Center)
As it is focusing most of its year-end energy on pounding out the city’s 2027-2028 budget, the Seattle City Council passed a bill last week advancing safety measures aimed at shielding pedestrians and cyclists from fatal side-impact collisions involving large vehicles.
The passage follows the June death of bicyclist Christian Salyer after the Seattle school teacher was struck and killed by the driver of a city contractor recycling truck turning off 12th onto Yesler in June.
Sponsored by Councilmember Rob Saka, the ordinance directs the Department of Finance and Administrative Services with the Seattle Department of Transportation and community stakeholders to draft recommended safety requirements for all city contractors.
Modeled after Boston’s safety standards, the proposed rules will focus on requiring truck side guards which cover the exposed space between a truck’s front and rear wheels to prevent vulnerable road users from slipping underneath.
Officials will also evaluate complementary equipment including convex mirrors and safety decals.
Officials must submit the recommendations to the council by May 1st.
CHS reported here last month as lawyers representing Salyer’s family filed suit against waste contractor Recology and the employee operating the collection truck but did not target the City of Seattle in the wrongful death case.
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