The recently proposed “Twenty Is Plenty” (speedlimit) for St Albans is something all drivers might benefit from! The Green Party and St Albans Cyclist Campaign members have asked the council to support this idea, but a county council cabinet member says that the decision would need the support of the full community.
St Albans is well known for its schools, of which there are many. During winter it is dark early and the students coming home from school are everywhere, usually without reflective clothing/bags. Drivers are aware of the dangers but nothing can prepare you for an invisible person walking across a pedestrian crossing right in front of you! My brakes have been well tested during these times and I am just thankful I haven’t caused injury. In cases like this, a slower speed limit would help both driver and pedestrian.
A compulsory 20 mph would make the roads more appealing to those residents who would love to cycle but simply wont! They are afraid of the dangers but to add to this, drivers have little patience with their slow speed. As a casual cyclist, I can relate to this problem and end up cycling on the footpath. Unfortunately this upsets some pedestrians, so its a no-win situation!
Perhaps it would be a double benefit if the Twenty Is Plenty idea came into force and simultaneously all students were expected to wear something reflective. Why bother learning the road-code if you are not seen?
For St Albans Green Party news: http://stalbans.greenparty.org.uk/news/100
For St Albans Cycle Campaign news: http://www.stacc.org.uk/
