Tim
08-16-2007, 08:40 AM
Yesterday afternoon I attended a Planning Commission meeting at which one of the agenda items was discussion of the temporary speed humps on Rankin between 5th St and 9th St. I went because I'd seen a number of signs encouraging those opposed to the humps to speak up, so my plan was to be the lone voice of reason and speak in favor of traffic calming.
Well, plans change. I listened to my neighbors tell of hundreds of cars being driven through their lawns to go around the speed humps, of drivers honking their horns at every one, of people vandalizing their homes and lawns because they assumed that the homeowners had requested the humps, etc. Suddenly I felt really bad for these people and became incensed at the arrogance and ignorance of the drivers who intentionally damage other people's property for their own convenience.
The commission was very patient and everyone had a chance to speak. When all was said and done, the City Traffic Engineer agreed to put together a list of possible alternatives and come back in two weeks for another discussion. The point of this post is to ask why people react so badly to traffic calming and also what goes through the minds of people who damage property. Any thoughts?
Well, plans change. I listened to my neighbors tell of hundreds of cars being driven through their lawns to go around the speed humps, of drivers honking their horns at every one, of people vandalizing their homes and lawns because they assumed that the homeowners had requested the humps, etc. Suddenly I felt really bad for these people and became incensed at the arrogance and ignorance of the drivers who intentionally damage other people's property for their own convenience.
The commission was very patient and everyone had a chance to speak. When all was said and done, the City Traffic Engineer agreed to put together a list of possible alternatives and come back in two weeks for another discussion. The point of this post is to ask why people react so badly to traffic calming and also what goes through the minds of people who damage property. Any thoughts?