Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Fifteen Is Serene: DC Considers 15 MPH Speed Limits

Here's what's happening around the Streetsblog Network today:

DC Considering 15 MPH Speed Limit on Residential Streets: You've heard of the "20's Plenty" campaign? Well Washington DC will (possibly) do you one better. According to a report from Network blog Greater Greater Washington, the city is considering reducing the speed limit to 15 miles per hour on all residential streets. Also on the table is a law that would require all drivers to stop, rather than pass in the next lane, when one motorist has stopped for pedestrians at a crosswalk. "Slower speeds reduce the number and severity of injuries to pedestrians hit by drivers," says GGW's Eric Fidler.

false

Sprawl Taxes Existing Florida Homeowners: New development is often touted as economic growth. But it can be far from a blessing for the existing community, especially if it occurs on undeveloped lands that require significant public infrastructure investments in order to make them habitable.

Take this case study from Florida. Network blog Jacksonville Transit explains how new sprawl development must be subsidized by existing residents: "A recent study in the Tischler Report, published on metrojacksonville.com, found that Florida taxpayers pay $1.39-2.45 for every tax dollar paid by a new development," Jacksonville Transit blogger Bob says. "According to the Florida Department of Transportation a three lane urban arterial road with two travel lanes and a center turn lane will cost $3,774,078.45 per mile, excluding drainage, water, sewer, electric and other services which must follow it."

According to Bob, the key is to focus development in already urbanized areas. "If we learn to internalize our new developments and build on what is already in place we will be able to continuously improve our financial conditions."

A Minivan-Free Soccer Mom Speaks: Youth soccer has become sort of a right of passage for children in America, especially those who grow up in the suburbs, giving rise to a demographic of parents known as soccer moms. Anne at Network blog Car Free Days is challenging some of the stereotypes of this modern identity.

Anne has broken with tradition by eschewing a minivan in favor of an Extracycle. But her kids won't be deprived of their right to sport shin-guards and swarm grassy fields on Saturday mornings. Not only does Anne ferry her kids to soccer games by bike, she also coaches a team. "Yes, it can be done," she assures us in her latest post. "You don’t need no stinking mini-van to be a soccer mom."

Her children play in a neighborhood league where most families come from less than 2.5 miles away. Yet most of the parents still ferry their children by car. Going by bike actually saves her a lot of hassle. "Avoiding the Eckstein [Park] parking lot and all of the traffic is motivation enough for me to ride instead of drive," she says. "Field side bike parking is an added bonus." Kudos!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts