Don't call the cops on me but I admit to having a heavy foot when I'm behind the wheel, always pushing the speed limit by a few miles an hour.
It's stupid I know; I don't really get anywhere but a few seconds faster. But it's not as dumb as the officials in the state's largest city going along for a ride on a state law that requires raising the speed limit in order for cops to use radar when most vehicles are moving at or above the posted limit.
This does mean much to Westsiders who seem to enjoy gridlocked streets caused by over-development. But in the Valley with its broad streets and lower density, it means the new speed limit city officials have approved for Corbin Avenue in my area and many other streets will go to 45 or even 50 mph.
That's crazy since many drivers will go five miles an hour over the posted speed limit and the threat to pedestrians, cyclists, children will be even greater than it is today.
Fortunately, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Burbank, who's considering a run to succeed Wendy Greuel representing the East Valley on the LA City Council, is pushing AB766, the Safe Streets Bill, which would allow cities with the help of Neighborhood Councils to set rational speed limits that put safety first.
Krekorian has provided a fact sheet (speedfacts.doc) that explains the issue in detail.
Community activist Stephen Box and the Bike Writers Collective he's part of are organizing support for AB766, including a citizen lobbying effort in Sacramento.
On Monday, they are coordinating an email campaign to take to Sacramento in advance of a committee hearing. So if you want to stop me and others from driving too fast send an email to SafeStreets@BikeWritersCollective.com . Do it now, I am.
Here's a sample letter:
It's stupid I know; I don't really get anywhere but a few seconds faster. But it's not as dumb as the officials in the state's largest city going along for a ride on a state law that requires raising the speed limit in order for cops to use radar when most vehicles are moving at or above the posted limit.
This does mean much to Westsiders who seem to enjoy gridlocked streets caused by over-development. But in the Valley with its broad streets and lower density, it means the new speed limit city officials have approved for Corbin Avenue in my area and many other streets will go to 45 or even 50 mph.
That's crazy since many drivers will go five miles an hour over the posted speed limit and the threat to pedestrians, cyclists, children will be even greater than it is today.
Fortunately, Assemblyman Paul Krekorian, D-Burbank, who's considering a run to succeed Wendy Greuel representing the East Valley on the LA City Council, is pushing AB766, the Safe Streets Bill, which would allow cities with the help of Neighborhood Councils to set rational speed limits that put safety first.
Krekorian has provided a fact sheet (speedfacts.doc) that explains the issue in detail.
Community activist Stephen Box and the Bike Writers Collective he's part of are organizing support for AB766, including a citizen lobbying effort in Sacramento.
On Monday, they are coordinating an email campaign to take to Sacramento in advance of a committee hearing. So if you want to stop me and others from driving too fast send an email to SafeStreets@
Here's a sample letter:
Continue reading Fast and Furious LA-Style: Raising the Speed Limit to Raise Revenue.
Ron Kaye