[urbanboy]

Originally Posted by arkhitektor

Maybe I'm just a bad driver, but honestly I don't pay attention to the posted speed limits in an area like downtown, I just drive at what feels like a reasonable speed for the road. I couldn't tell you the current posted speed limit on State St. or Main St. or any other street. On a street like Main Street or 300 S., I drive slowly because the road is narrow and there are wide sidewalks and medians. On streets like 300 W. or State Street I drive fast because the road is 6 lanes wide and is built like an expressway.

Basically, it seems that they could do more to influence speeds and pedestrian comfort by changing the streetscape than reducing the posted speed limit. Just because the speed limit is lower on State St., I'm not going to feel any better while walking along its narrow sidewalk or trying to cross it on foot than I do now.

They could easily get rid of a lane and add on-street parking. That could slow down traffic, and also help businesses.