A presentation of speed limit updates for the streets of Fremont turned a rather routine, mundane staff report into an interesting discussion of how speed limits are evaluated and modified. Residential areas are governed by state law at 25 miles per hour while main arteries and commercial areas undergo a different calculus, partially objective and partially subjective.
The question of how the goals of Vision Zero to prevent accidents, congestion and realistic speed control is not strait forward. According to Fremont Public Works Director Hans Larsen, the “sweet spot” is 35 miles per hour since the serious injury and fatality rate soras when exceeded. With this goal in mind, lanes have narrowed and bollards line the streets, separating pedestrian and bicyclists from motor vehicle traffic. Vice Mayor Shao raised the question of efforts to slow traffic resulting in evaluations that lower it even further. Mr. Larsen responded that evaluations take this possibility into account and noted the opposite can be true as well… faster speeds could result in raising the speed limit. It appears that this is not an exact science and relies on staff evaluation. Speed limit sign placement also appeared to be less than exact when councilmembers relayed citizen observations that some areas lack posted speed limits.
Another interesting traffic control is the use of synchronized signals on several main artery of Fremont. It would be helpful for drivers to know where signals are synchronized and at what speed. Signage along these corridors would help drivers to coordinate their speeds with the signals and possibly tame some of the speeders and red light runners who consider a yellow light as a signal to “squeeze the lemon” before it turns red.
Continued communications between traffic controllers and the public will ensure roadway comfort and safety. There may also be a future role for artificial intelligence.