SPEED HUMPS NOT A SWEET SIXTEEN
By Margaret Lyday
The Lakeridge traffic calming plan proposed by
The plan prompted many questions about how and why the county chose their recommendation. In particular, why send such an elaborate package of photos of all kinds of traffic calming measures when only one option (speed humps) was proposed?
According to Cindy Pionke, a county engineer, the answer is that speed humps are the only economically viable option. It would seem that speed humps were not just the only option proposed; they were the only option considered. No additional stop signs, children-at-play signs, or speed limit signs were included in the plan.
Lakeridge residents could have saved a lot of time, money, and frozen fingers had we known this in advance. Based on the comments heard during the signature collection phase last December, it is almost certain that this alternative would not be approved. Any traffic calming measure requires a 70% approval rate. Reaching consensus to install one or two speed humps would have been difficult, but sixteen is ridiculous.
Even though the county has provided us with a disappointing plan, we can make Lakeridge neighborhood streets safe. Here are some ideas to help us all do our part.
v Watch your speed as you drive through the neighborhood, and remind other family members to do the same.
v Watch for children at play, neighbors walking their pets, and young children on bikes, skates, and skateboards.
v Be patient with new drivers that are still learning.
v Consider leaving a friendly note at a neighbor’s house if someone in their household needs a gentle reminder to slow down.