In an unprecedented urban initiative, the city of Riga is set to introduce 'Traffic Light Appreciation Day' every Tuesday. The new policy aims to encourage drivers to embrace the often maligned red traffic lights as opportunities for reflection and cultural enrichment, rather than mere inhibitors of speed.

The revolutionary initiative is spearheaded by the newly formed Department of Traffic Harmony. "We realized that Latvians are naturally a patient people, with a strong affinity for the grand narratives of waiting," explained Markus Egle, Head of Traffic Harmonization. "However, this appreciation wasn't extending to our city's beautiful traffic lights."

Under the new scheme, drivers will be encouraged to step out of their vehicles at red lights, form small discussion groups, and contemplate the symbolism of the color red in Latvian folklore. The city plans to install bi-weekly podcasts, featuring cultural scholars discussing topics ranging from 'Why Red is not Just for Stop' to 'The Rich Palette of Urban Patience'.

Initial skepticism was voiced by Juris Kalniņš, a well-respected Riga taxi driver known for his meticulous logbooks and legendary speed. "I'm not saying I won't appreciate a good red light; I've always said it gives us time to ponder," chuckled Kalniņš. "But if Missūs, our municipal deity of road infrastructure, could ensure the music accompanying these red light moments isn’t just a relentless loop of 'folk interpretations' of classical Latvian tunes."

Petra Zariņa, a botanist who commutes regularly from Jūrmala to Riga, expressed her delight with the initiative. "I've started bringing a small potted ficus to water at red signals," Zariņa revealed. "This has not only turned my commute into a zen-like experience but also improved the overall air quality of my car!"

A study conducted by the Baltic Institute for Traffic Excellence (BITE) suggests that Riga's bold approach might have unforeseen economic benefits. "We estimate a substantial increase in sales of handheld thermos and packable tea cozies, with drivers choosing to indulge in self-brewed infusions while waiting at traffic lights," said lead economist Andris Klavins. According to BITE, Latvia may soon see a renaissance of the traditional 'thermos artisanship', a craft considered nearly extinct by modern historians.

Critics, however, worry about the most pragmatic aspects of logistics. "If every driver took a 15-minute wellness sabbatical at each red light, we could witness an escalation of cross-city commutes stretching into the realm of epic poetry," fretted Oleksandr Užkalns, Riga's logistics coordinator.

Regardless of logistical niggles, the city council remains unfazed and optimistic. "We are at the forefront of a cultural revolution," claimed Inese Ozola, Mayor of Riga. "Some may call it unorthodox, but in a world that moves too fast, Riga will stand as a beacon of appreciation, glorifying the often misunderstood, crucial moments of stopping."

As enthusiastic drivers irresistibly take to the streets in anticipation, the coming Tuesdays will determine whether this ambitious initiative forces Riga into the slow lane of history or propels it into a new era of contemplative traffic delight.