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Denver Mayor Defends 'Road Diet' Compromise on Alameda Avenue
Debate over traffic flow and safety measures sparks accusations of political influence
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston is facing backlash over revisions to the Alameda Avenue 'road diet' project, which aimed to reduce the four-lane stretch to three lanes to prioritize pedestrian safety. However, the city revised the plan to maintain four lanes with 'turn pockets', a move critics claim was influenced by lobbying efforts. Johnston denies these allegations, citing concerns about worsening commute times and the potential for traffic to be diverted onto residential streets.
Why it matters
The Alameda Avenue debate reflects a broader national conversation about 'road diets' - traffic calming measures that reallocate road space to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The controversy highlights the tension between prioritizing vehicle traffic flow and creating more walkable, bike-friendly urban environments.
The details
The original plan for Alameda Avenue aimed to reduce the four-lane stretch to three lanes, but the city revised the plan to maintain four lanes with 'turn pockets'. Critics claim this revision was influenced by lobbying efforts, which Johnston denies. The core of the disagreement lies in differing visions for Denver's streets, with activists advocating for prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety through lane reductions, while others fear increased congestion and the redirection of traffic onto residential streets.
- The Alameda Avenue project has been under debate for over six months.
- The city plans to pilot the two-lane version of the project and collect data on speeds, traffic volumes, crash rates, and neighborhood impact.
The players
Mike Johnston
The mayor of Denver who is facing pressure over the Alameda Avenue project and has expressed concerns about worsening commute times and traffic diversion onto residential streets.
Denver City Council
Eight Denver City Council members have formally called on Mayor Johnston to reinstate the original plan for a full narrowing of Alameda Avenue.
What they’re saying
“Where do you think those ten or fifteen thousand (cars) went? Those are cars that are going on other streets to obtain to the same path.”
— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver (City Cast Denver)
“That is not the way you have a civil discourse.”
— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver (newsy-today.com)
What’s next
The city plans to pilot the two-lane version of the Alameda Avenue project and collect data on speeds, traffic volumes, crash rates, and neighborhood impact. A working group comprised of neighborhood and business representatives will be convened to 'iron out additional details'.
The takeaway
The Alameda Avenue debate highlights the ongoing tension between prioritizing vehicle traffic flow and creating more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly urban environments. As cities across the country grapple with these issues, Denver's data-driven approach to evaluating the impact of 'road diets' may serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to balance the needs of different transportation modes.
