Maybe a difference of five or even 10 miles per hour might not sound like a lot to someone, but when you look at the data, it makes a significant difference in the likelihood of injuries and fatalities…
MBJ, we’re being killed. Lower the speed limit in Chicago.
This is all good, but we also need a fuck ton more transit. Less cars on the road will make it safer for everyone.
I personally think they should expand the speed ticketing beyond school and park areas. I got one of the warning letters and just decided I’ll always drive the speed limit even if some asshole is riding my bumper and honking. The truth is trying to speed to the next stoplight isn’t going to get you to your destination any faster.
Lowering the speed limit isn’t going lower the amount of cars stopped in the bike lane, opening car doors in front of bikers, or turning in front of bikers. What we truly NEED is more people just all around paying attention to what they’re doing while in a car. It may be anecdotal, but all the bike crashes I’ve seen or heard of have been with cars going well below 30 mph, if they’re not stopped or stopping. I’m all for medians separating bike lanes and car lanes, but I’ll be real here, building infrastructure costs money. Lowering the speed limit increases ticket revenue.
Speed is the number one factor in the deadliness of a crash. It’s true that speed alone isn’t what makes cars so dangerous to cyclists and pedestrians, but it is very important. Also, while riding a bike having cars whizzing past at 40+ MPH a few feet from you is unpleasant and scary. This discourages people riding, and causes fewer bikes on the road, which means car drivers think about them less and you get more “she came out of nowhere!” statements from drivers.
Good point, we could also use cameras mounted on CTA buses to photgraph motorists parked illegally in the bike lane. These photos could be used to fine the owner of the vehicle and proceeds could fund expansion of safety infrastructure.
I enjoy riding my bike. I also own a car. I’m not a dick while operating either vehicle. Please don’t lower the speed limit or add more speed & red light cameras. You’re only punishing people like me. The dicks will continue to dick.
between lower speeds and higher speeds, lower speeds is the one that will save my life out on the road. call me selfish: i want to live.
I’m glad we’re friends.
If you’re “not a dick” while driving then what’s the problem with cameras? You only get a ticket if you break the law.
I do obey the laws. My last red light ticket came thanks to a dick behind me. I was driving roughly the speed limit and the guy behind me was up my ass. I had my daughter in the car and it was wet. I knew I wasn’t making the light but I could tell the guy behind me wasn’t prepared to stop. I saw the flash and hoped it was for the guy behind me. Nope.
We are talking about speed cameras…
Lowered speed limits - which are the issue at stake in the the OP - would also help people get fewer red light tickets, since it’s easier to stop in time - and more of an excuse to do what you want rather than what the guy behind you wants.
People in hell want ice water
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Valid point. Cyclists need to follow the laws to keep pedestrians safe until the time comes that modes can be properly separated.
I believe raised (level crossing) crosswalks are the most desirable piece of tactical infrastructure we have. This would slow down cyclists and cars dramatically in downtowns, where pedestrians need to be the priority.
