{"id":8707833,"date":"2023-01-06T06:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T14:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/?p=8707833&preview=true&preview_id=8707833"},"modified":"2023-01-06T06:17:39","modified_gmt":"2023-01-06T14:17:39","slug":"how-slow-can-you-go-call-for-speed-limits-on-some-streets-to-come-down-roadshow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eastbaytimes.com\/2023\/01\/06\/how-slow-can-you-go-call-for-speed-limits-on-some-streets-to-come-down-roadshow\/","title":{"rendered":"How slow can you go? Call for speed limits on some Bay Area streets to come down: Roadshow"},"content":{"rendered":"

Q: Since COVID, in the neighborhoods in San Jose that I frequently visit, I have noticed people and children walking, running, using personal mobility devices, and playing in the streets. They simply have taken control of their neighborhood residential streets. In one neighborhood I visit frequently, the residents have posted signs referring to the speed limit they want, \u201c20 is plenty.” In these neighborhoods, I always set my cruise control at 20 mph to respect their wishes. I do the same thing in my own neighborhood.<\/p>\n

It is time that the city of San Jose recognize this reality and adjust the residential speed limit to 20 mph to discourage excessive speed, frequently over 35 mph, on these streets.<\/p>\n

Minneapolis just instituted a 20 mph speed limit in the entire city, \u201cexcept where posted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Carlin Black, San Jose<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: Local jurisdictions in California must use the guidelines and criteria established by the state in setting speed limits on local roads, according to the City of San Jose’s Department of Transportation. The guidelines serve to prevent municipalities from arbitrarily setting speed limits too low, creating speed traps. If speed limits are set too low, and outside of what is permitted by state guidelines, speed limits cannot be enforced by police using radar speed guns.<\/p>\n

The California legislature passed and the governor signed AB 43 in 2021, which gives local jurisdictions more leeway over setting speed limits, in certain circumstances. San Jose has taken advantage of provisions in the law that have been enacted thus far, including lowering speed limits in six business activity districts:<\/p>\n