A step toward an overhaul of the way speed is managed on city streets around the country.
"The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) [in July] released a guide urging local leaders to rethink how they set speed limits on city streets in a bid to prevent pedestrian deaths," reports Chris Teale.
The "City Limits" guide recommends that cities "[set] default speed limits on many streets at once, designate slow zones in what they deem "sensitive areas" and set speed limits on major corridors by using studies that take into account density and activity level."
NACTO describes this guidance as furthering goals set forth by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in 2017 to completely overhaul how speed is managed on U.S. streets, including the way that speed limits are set.
Teale cites NACTO Program Manager Jenny O'Connell in stating that NACTO's new guidance would recommend the demise of the 85th percentile rule, "which involves measuring 100 drivers traveling without traffic and setting the speed limit based on the 15th-fastest driver." The 85th percentile rule has been used by some jurisdictions to justify higher speed limits for the sake of enforcement.
FULL STORY: NACTO urges shift from 'outdated' speed-limit planning
The 85th Percentile Rule, Explained
A video explainer of the notorious traffic law that explains why some cities have to raise speed limits to enforce traffic safety.
Raising Speed Limits in the Name of Traffic Safety
Business Insider offers a platform for an argument favored by the National Motorists Association and a particularly vocal Michigan state police officer: that speed limits are too slow to be safe.
NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
The third edition of the nationally recognized road design guide includes detailed design advice for roads that prioritize safety and accessibility for all users.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service