In response to the growing share of traffic fatalities nonmotorized users represent in the U.S., the U.S. DOT has made bicycle and pedestrian safety a high priority, state laws are beginning to address the needs of nonmotorized road users, transportation agencies are installing new types of facilities, and cities are stepping up traffic enforcement. All of this, however, is being done within a framework that has for decades prioritized high-speed travel—arguably one of the greatest obstacles to pedestrian and cyclist safety. This has played out in many ways, but particularly in the design process.
speed limit
How Paris is making the pedestrian a priority
Paris recently made the bold move of implementing a citywide 20 mph speed limit. While some smaller cities across the globe have implemented this policy and others have put stricter speed limits on certain streets, Paris is the first city of its size to enforce a citywide 20 mph speed limit. In New York City, efforts are underway to convince lawmakers that a maximum speed limit of 20 mph can work there also.
Phoenix aims for slower, more pedestrian-friendly downtown streets
A new study of transportation options in downtown Phoenix aims to improve walking, biking, and transit, as well as prioritize amenities for pedestrians, in order to revitalize the area and encourage people to spend time downtown instead of just getting in and out quickly.
Update: St. Louis area variable speed limits come down
Missouri DOT is removing 70 variable advisory speed limit signs on I-270 and I-255 mentioned in the October 14th edition of SSTI News. Although a recent report indicated that similar signs have been having a positive effect on congestion in the Minneapolis area despite drivers’ general disregard for the speed limits, MoDOT has decided to remove the signs to lower operating costs and reduce confusion.
Signs alert drivers: Slow down; there’s congestion ahead
Drivers headed for traffic jams largely disregard advisory variable speed limit (VSL) signs intended to slow traffic in advance of downstream congestion. However, while drivers are not adjusting their speeds to comply with the limits, the signs do appear to be having a positive effect on congestion.
Britain to raise motorway speed limit to 80mph
Britain plans to raise the speed limit on the country’s motorway system from 70mph to 80mph. The government expects the move to increase economic efficiency and commuter satisfaction through the reduction of journey times. Studies …