Published February 20 2026
Law enforcement agencies representing Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond and Kirkland jurisdictions today announced the launch of the Eastside Safe Streets Task Force, a regional partnership aimed at reducing the increased reckless driving, modified exhaust and street racing incidents.
Starting Feb. 12 and running indefinitely, police officers representing the four agencies will combine resources to patrol neighborhoods most likely to attract reckless driving incidents and events that encourage street racing in the city. Community members are also encouraged to participate by calling non-emergency lines for their respective departments or dialing 911 if they are witnessing a crime or a life-threatening event.
Law enforcement will issue tickets to motorists who are speeding or driving a vehicle with a modified muffler – which increases the noise of the vehicle. Motorists who are driving recklessly or racing other vehicles may be arrested or criminally cited for these dangerous actions on the roadway.
“Reckless driving and street racing incidents have no boundaries and occur across all cities and jurisdictions. The Eastside Safe Streets Task Force is a thoughtful partnership that will combine resources, address the region’s growing concerns and hold people accountable for threatening the safety of others,” said Wendell Shirley, Bellevue police chief.
“The safety of our community remains our highest priority. As Chief of Police of Issaquah, I am proud to support the Eastside Traffic Safety Task Force, a regional partnership focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities caused by impaired, distracted, and dangerous driving,” said Paula Schwan, Issaquah police chief. “Through coordinated enforcement, public education, and data-driven strategies, we are working to prevent tragedy and keep our roads safe. Traffic safety is not about citations; it is about saving lives. With the continued support of our partners and community, we can make lasting progress toward safer streets across the Eastside.”
“Reckless driving and street racing put lives at risk and disrupt the sense of safety in our neighborhoods,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “By working together across jurisdictions, we’re sending a clear message that this dangerous behavior won’t be tolerated and that keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility.”
“Speeding is a significant public safety concern that increases the risk of serious injuries,” said Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean. “We’re pleased to partner with our neighboring agencies on a coordinated effort focused on safer speeds and safer roads for everyone.”
According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there have been about 1,973 speeding-related fatal crashes in the state since 2015. This includes about 411 speeding-related fatal crashes in King County during that time frame. For 2025, Bellevue Police responded to 4 fatal traffic crashes and 36 traffic crashes where an individual sustained a serious injury. A 2024 survey by the Commission also found that only about 27.2% of all drivers reported to have never driven more than 10 mph over the speed limit.
Prior to the launch of the Eastside Safe Streets Task Force, the Bellevue Police Department announced its own traffic safety emphasis – the Safer Roads Initiative. Through the month of January, Bellevue Officers issued 299 speeding tickets, a 62% increase compared to 2025 (185 tickets), and 19 tickets for motorists driving with a modified exhaust, a 375% increase from 2025 (4 tickets).