George Hess: Educate cyclists, walkers on safety

The writer of the July 17 letter “High-speed cyclists a hazard” highlighted the issue of high-speed cycling on greenways. While I agree with his assessment of potential hazards, I heartily disagree with his proposed solution – sledge-hammer enforcement of the 10-mph speed limit.

The system was designed and funded in part for transportation; it’s nearly useless for that at 10 mph. And none of the design standards Raleigh cites support such a low, blanket limit.

I’m also an avid cyclist and often ride the greenways for miles without passing another person. Must I do that at 10 mph?

Unable to find summary research on greenway speed limits, I’ve done some initial, nonscientific searching and found several systems with 15 mph or no limits, and one outside Wake County with 10-mph speed limits.

Tucson, Arizona, for example, has no speed limit. It held conversations with cyclist organizations, conducted Burma Shave style education campaigns along the greenways and generally worked to create a culture of courtesy, consideration and safety.

The rest of Raleigh’s greenway rules take that approach (though the signs are too small and wordy to read, even at 10 mph). I’d much prefer such a solution to indiscriminate enforcement of an unreasonably low speed limit.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 5:43 PM with the headline "George Hess: Educate cyclists, walkers on safety."