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.
this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2023
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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.
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.
People in hell want ice water
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.
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.
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.
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.
