HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/17/2026 Item 6b, Hinytzke
Chris Hinytzke <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Public Comment Tuesday, February 17th Item 6.b Higuera Complete Streets Project
Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing regarding Item 6.b, the Higuera Complete Streets Project, on the Tuesday, February 17th
agenda.
I strongly support the addition of a protected bike lane on South Higuera Street and the City’s broader
commitment to Vision Zero. If the City is serious about eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries,
speed management must be central to this project.
The most effective way to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes is to reduce vehicle speeds.
Research consistently shows that for every 10 mph increase in speed, the risk of death in a crash
approximately doubles. A roadway environment designed for higher speeds will inevitably produce
higher speeds—and more severe outcomes when collisions occur.
South Higuera Street is identified by the City as part of the High Injury Network. The current 40 mph
speed limit is not consistent with Vision Zero principles, particularly on a corridor that is intended to
accommodate protected bicycle infrastructure and safer multimodal travel.
Additionally, reliance on the 85th percentile rule to set speed limits often perpetuates speeding. When a
road is straight and lanes are wide, drivers naturally travel faster. The 85th percentile methodology then
validates those higher speeds, resulting in incremental increases that reinforce a self-fulfilling cycle. If
the City truly wants to lead on Vision Zero, it should prioritize safe system principles over speed-based
metrics that reward existing speeding behavior.
I believe the entire stretch of South Higuera Street affected by this project should be reduced to 30 mph.
However, any reduction in the current 40 mph speed limit would be a meaningful step toward reducing
serious injury risk.
A Complete Streets project should not only add infrastructure, but also align speed policy with safety
outcomes. Lower speeds save lives. I respectfully urge the Council to include a speed limit reduction as
part of the Higuera Complete Streets Project.
Thank you for your consideration.
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