Fwd: Re: Speed limits

[Ken Medlin <dev-plan@moscow.com>]

Subject:     Re: Speed limits
Sent:        7/26/19 9:33 AM
Received:    7/26/99 6:37 AM
From:        Gary Richardson, rencom@micron.net
To:          Smartgro, smartgro@onenw.org
[Forward comment:  I thought our list would appreciate this "analysis" of 
the Boise area traffic problems.  As the Moscow-Pullman area begins to 
feel the increases in auto and bike traffic, we ought now to consider 
alternatives to the present patterns and speeds of handling vehicular 
uses of our available spaces. Maybe someone could pass this along to 
appropriate  city and county officials in our area. Thanks. W. Ken 
Medliln.] 

=====  A message from the 'smartgro' discussion list  =====

30-35 MPH is the most efficient maximum speed for urban traffic flow. It
yields the best roadway capacity because at speeds above that, to avoid
colliding, cars have to be spaced further apart, thus taking up more
roadway. Also, at higher speeds, car engines operate less efficiently,
producing more particulates and less complete fuel combustion. It's also
safer for all concerned, drivers and pedestrians alike; most people 
survive
crashes at those speeds, especially if they're wearing seatbelts.

Traffic-light timing in Ada County is much better than it was 10 years ago
and will be even better when the ACHD central control center is completed.
But from what I'm reading on the TLCNet, this area could benefit from some
modern roundabouts replacing lights at many intersections; they cause
traffic to slow to 10-15 MPH but do not stop the flow altogether, thus
reducing driver frustration and carbon monoxide emissions.

Red-light running has become a serious problem throughout the country.
"Robo-cop"or photo enforcement has been a very successful deterrent in 
other
cities.

Time-strained over-achievers ought to slow down and enjoy the area while
there's still something left to enjoy.

The state and Micron are the largest employers in the valley; the are
(mostly) downtown and in southeast Boise.

----- Original Message -----
From: ty <ty@micron.net>
To: Smartgro <smartgro@onenw.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 1999 10:36 PM
Subject: Speed limits


>
> =====  A message from the 'smartgro' discussion list  =====
>
> Ok, it's been a while since I've weighed in with my unpopular opinions...
>
> This speed limit thing is not the answer.
>
> The red-light running is a serious problem, but did you stop to think why?
> I think it's because:
> a. Speeds are too slow and people are getting fed up
> b. ACHD has done a poor job of using studies and technology to synchronize
> signals
> c. Those &#$@ speed bumps
> d. We're the only city without lagging left turns (that'll keep the
> red-light runners honest!)
> e. The affordable housing is on the far west and south-east sides of town,
> where there ain't no jobs.
> f. Most of us are time strained over-achievers who can't stand to putz
> along
> g. We all want DSL modem speeds, why not expect reasonable traffic speeds?
> h. The laws of physics DON'T apply to me
>
> Seriously, if we continue to set the bar unreasonably low, drivers will
vote
> with their throttles, and anarchy will prevail...
>
> Ty
>
>
>
>




------------------------
William K. Medlin
Dev-plan associates
930 Kenneth Street
Moscow ID 83843
208/892-0148
dev-plan@moscow.com