Madison Reporter

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway is praising a new initiative that lowers speed limits for cars to lower collisions with bicyclists.

“We can all make a difference in preventing traffic accidents by reducing speeds," the mayor tweeted. "#VisionZero Speed limit reductions begin Monday on Whitney Way and Mineral Point Roads. There will be reminders posted.”

As of Oct. 4, the posted speed limit on Whitney Way, from Sheboygan Avenue to Tokay Boulevard, changed from 30 mph to 25 mph, the city said. Mineral Point Rd, from Whitney Way to Science Drive dropped from 40 mph to 35 mph.

"Similar to the recent Whitney Way changes, temporary digital signboards are present in the area to remind drivers of the speed limit changes," the city said.

Whitney Way is "a residential street with parks, shopping centers and schools nearby," the city said. "Mineral Point Road is a higher volume arterial street that is a major roadway on the west side. These speed reductions will change the travel time along this 1.8 mile stretch of Whitney Way by less than 30 seconds, and show no travel time impacts for the very small stretch of Mineral Point Road."

Even small decreases in speed limits can increase safety, the city said.

"Data suggests that a fatality is about 70% more likely when a person is struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph compared to one traveling at 25 mph," it said.

Yang Tao, city traffic engineer, said it is Madison's responsibility to improve safety.

“Every life in our city matters," he said. "If adjusting our speeds by only five miles per hour can increase the safety of our community, then it is our responsibility to do so.”