Controlling Traffic In Parks

Central Park in N. Y. had a little flap last year involving their speed limit signs for bicycles in the park. Bicyclists were ticketed for exceeding the 15mph limit, but the tickets were revoked and then the signs were removed. According to the park’s commissioner in the 90s, a study done in 1991 led them to put up 15mph speed limit signs for bikes.

The commissioner said that they drove cars next to bikes to pinpoint the best speeds to travel to avoid killing somebody. That this kind of study is virtually incomprehensible should come as little surprise. Without permitting autos to actually strike the cyclists after traveling at various speeds, there’s simply no way to precisely define death rates.

There’s no doubt , however, that slower speeds are more safe. But setting a speed limit for bikes does not appear the easiest way to achieve safety. It is the vehicular traffic that poses the danger, not the bicyclists who are naturally at risk. The speed of the automobile is the basis in whether a struck pedestrian or cyclist is likely to survive.

The parks in your neighborhood may not be anywhere near as large as New York’s Central Park. That doesn’t suggest traffic isn’t an issue, however. Wherever autos and pedestrians must move near one another, traffic speed should be a concern. Slower traffic means fewer deaths and serious injuries when the unavoidable accidents happen. Slower traffic speeds will mean fewer accidents, too. All of these improve park safety and make the area more pleasurable for both individuals and families.

Pools, hiking and jogging trails, bike trails, baseballs diamonds and other sports fields are all part of most local parks. That means plenty of foot traffic, as well as autos entering and exiting to both drop people off and park. Posting speed limit signs may help, but a feedback sign that shows drivers the velocity they are traveling can help even more.

TraffiCalm has committed to making driver feedback signs that draw drivers’ eyes and reinforce speed awareness. Contact us at trafficalmsystems.com today!