Comments on: Decatur Speed Limits: Public Input Requested

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 20:00:29 +0000

In a perfect world, yes, streets would be engineered based on context and desired speeds and not just through rote allegiance to the Green Book. But it’s certainly a factor that the difference between what the city is trying and what you’re suggesting might be the difference between five *thousand* dollars and five *million* dollars.

With this effort, will we suddenly get guaranteed ped and bike-friendly speeds? No. But will we get $5,000 worth of compliance (or whatever it costs to redo the necessary signage)? Most likely.

By: TeeRuss

TeeRuss — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 19:54:14 +0000

That all sounds great in theory, but in reality a 15 mph differential causes major safety issues for you and everyone around you. In other words, it’s counterproductive.

By: Stan

Stan — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 19:42:56 +0000

+1. Agreed.

By: TopHat Cat

TopHat Cat — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 18:23:07 +0000

Also, once the police officer leaves, the speeds ramp right back up. I stood in my front yard with my iPhone camera aimed at the street and all cars immediately started slowing down but traffic sped back up again when I stopped.

By: Larkspur

Larkspur — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 18:01:56 +0000

Tons of high school and middle schooler cross S. Candler daily. If they stay late at school for activities, there is no crossing guard. I think S. Candler is a bit different than most of the other streets because it is completely residential (in Decatur) and doesn’t have traffic lights at every block to slow down traffic and to allow for safe crossing. I have long been in favor for traffic calming measures on that road, however it is a state route which has been an impediment. The crosswalk with flashing lights has helped, but I have seen drivers go around a car stopped to let pedestrians cross. Perhaps reducing the speed to 25 mph will slow traffic on that road down to 35-40 mph instead of 45-50 mph. And enforcing the speed limit would be good, although I have been told it’s difficult for police to ticket on S. Candler because of the curves or hills.
I am strongly in favor of reducing the speed limit to 25 mph for any sections of streets running through residential areas.

By: TeeRuss

TeeRuss — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:52:11 +0000

This is a huge step backwards in terms of what we now know from many studies about traffic safety and speed limits. Drivers (i.e. generally rational human beings) typicallly coalesce around a natural speed for most roads, based on perceptions of safety. Imposing a single speed limit on every road in Decatur means posting irrational, inappropriate speed limits on many roads.

If you want to change driver behavior, change the roads, not the speed limits.

By: James Johnson

James Johnson — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 17:32:00 +0000

I know that you don’t live on South Candler because, if you did, you would not be complaining about efforts to reduce the speed limit on that street.

I’m going to tomorrow’s public input session. I will be the guy talking about South Candler. Find me and I will happily treat you to Twain’s finest brews.

By: The Walrus

The Walrus — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 15:30:41 +0000

How do you know I don’t live on Candler? And 65 mph is absurd as well. “Honey, I just saw someone driving 65 mph, I know the speed limit is already 35 mph, but please call the city and ask that the speed limit be lowered to 25 mph. That’ll slow em’ down!”

I will take you up on the beer offer though…