Speed limits... - Page 2

Veloc · 08-01-2012, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Andy Capp

....are worthless when you don't provide enough training on how to control a vehicle with competence at any speed or how to select an appropriate speed for prevailing conditions.

But probably want you want to know...... About right in Urban areas and too low everywhere else, in varing degrees.

Bingo.

Traffic automatically adjusts to appropriate speed for the road in any given condition. Speed limits on highways don't actually do much of anything.

(sub)Urban streets? Those are fine. Pedestrians and cyclists, cross-traffic, turning vehicles, pets and other assorted hazards make a great case for bringing speeds down.

evander · 08-01-2012, 09:23 AM

. . . are great for everybody else.

mcjunky · 08-01-2012, 09:36 AM

Should 55mph speed limits come back?

koorbloh · 08-01-2012, 09:52 AM

wow. your troll thread from 2008 is far superior, and has aged like a fine wine.

and by that, I mean that it turned to vinegar.

taznhell · 08-01-2012, 10:14 AM

I was living in Memphis area for two years and the posted speed on Highways varies from 70-75mph this is common. You could be doing 80-85 and get passed on the stretches between towns/cities but within city limits anything over by more than 5mph of the limit was a ticket waiting to happen.

Oh and the rush hour was considered to be crawling when the average speed was 55 mph. Think about that driving through, Portland, Vancouver or Sea-Tac area at rush hour if only it moved like that.

Rock Dodger · 08-01-2012, 11:03 AM

I ride a particular 13 mile stretch of twisty canyon road twice a day. The speed limit is 45MPH. For me, that's a ridiculously slow speed. The problem on that road, as with most others, is that the speed limit is a "one size fits all" designation. The speed limit is supposed to work for seasoned motorcyclists, log trucks, motorhomes pulling trailers, pickup trucks pulling boats... you get the idea.

It's absurd to think that 45MPH is a rational speed for all of these vehicles. When log trucks go tearing down that road it's really scary; they are all over the double yellow and bouncing all over the place. On a well set up bike, you can do way over the speed limit with a high level of control.

Another thing to consider is the amount of damage an out of control vehicle can do or what the results of an accident would be at certain speeds. I shudder to think of how much carnage an out of control log truck would do. A bike that loses it wouldn't cause near the damage.

"One size fits all" speed limits are all that counties and states can come up with, even though they are completely illogical. But try explaining that to a cop....

RobG · 08-01-2012, 03:08 PM

Speed limits exist for ONE reason only -- revenue generation. Speed limits are a joke. The Basic Speed Law should be the only speed "limit" and cops should be trained to be able to uniformly "enforce" this. Frankly, speeding tickets shouldn't even be able to be a primary ticket. The ticket should be "too fast for conditions," or "inattentive" or even "reckless." Tickets are as big a joke as speed limits. Again, they only serve to fatten coffers' pocketbooks and insurance companies' bottom lines.

IMO speed limits are probably the biggest reason behind road rage. You have people who want to go faster, and people who are determined not to let you. So then either the "faster" driver rages on the slower one, or the slower driver rages on the faster one when the faster one finally gets by.

Rob

iSplitLanes · 08-01-2012, 03:14 PM

They're there for the lowest common denominator. Gives old people enough time to react, slow down and stop. Not saying that to be offensive towards old people, but their bodies naturally decline as a process of aging.

RobG · 08-01-2012, 04:00 PM

And that's where so much of these troubles begin -- having to go with the lowest common denominator. Rather than doing that, we need to be encouraging people to be BETTER than they are. If old people can't respond in a timely fashion, then they shouldn't be driving. Or anyone for that matter. There should be REAL driver training, similar to what they have in Europe. Here in the US, all you do is show up at DMV, take a stupid paper test, drive around the block, and win a license. Which they then try to use to extort money out of you in the form of tickets and other fees.

Rob

blueline15 · 08-01-2012, 04:08 PM

...not something I concern myself with. Do what you do and stop whining.

Grankor · 08-01-2012, 06:30 PM

Interesting responses. I'm with the majority on this one. I typically will ride 5-10 over, simply because its more comfortable. Speed for will will vary on situations and weather.

I won't be running 50 mph through a neighborhood with kids and driveways, thats just silly.

60 mph on a 4 lane highway with long stretches between exits seems to be terribly ineffficient to me. Most people with a brain can handle 75 mph. And if they can't, they shouldnt be on the highway in the first place.

Faster speeds would be better if 2 things were true.

#1: Driving was a privilege, not a right.

#2: People in Washington/Oregon learned how to use the lanes properly.

Disclaimer: If you ride a motorcycle and don't understand what the lanes are for, you need to be properly slapped.

Flaerion · 08-01-2012, 07:01 PM

..are for cagers.

Though, I do say 10 too slow, but... I had a King County Sheriff once remark to me that he'd allow around 34-35 out of a rider in a 25 zone before he'd allow the same from a car/minivan/light truck. He had stopped me to.. ask about the weather.. yeah.

Locutus · 08-01-2012, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by Grankor

Speed limits are...

... guide lines?

take risks · 08-01-2012, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by Worldtraveller

I wonder about the 50 mph speed limit for the 2-3 miles on 99 through Lynnwood. No one ever goes that speed, and with all the side traffic, I don't think it makes sense most of the time. Also, if the cities really want to make a difference in both traffic and environment, they should sync the lights at least during rush hours.

I've driven it many times during odd hours of the night/morning. The lights are amazingly sensitive and turn green immediately. Whoever synced it, fucked it up!
Side traffic? there is an entire right lane for buses and side traffic.

Originally Posted by SprintnFJ

Problem is then you are askig people to show judgement.

No, the electronic variable speed signs that already exist in some spots.

thrasher · 08-01-2012, 09:49 PM

At least + 15 on freeways.
30-35 areas should be raised to +5.

Required higher driver training mandatory, like Scandinavia.
Some drivers need to be prohibited from driving at speeds greater than 45 period end of story, they suck and don't belong anywhere near a freeway.

Required mandatory tests for the elderly. Including vision, recognition, thought process, and reaction time.
My great Aunt was partly blind during the day and blind at night. Her thought process was bad and her reaction times really really sucked. She had several accidents including T-bonning a pregnant 20 year old because she blew straight through a stop sign in Woodburn. She knew of the stop sign because she drove the same road almost every day. For God sakes she grew up in Woodburn.

It was that last accident that finally made her hang up the keys. To me that's enough proof that the DMV BS doesn't work and needs a different testing process.

r1200r · 08-02-2012, 06:15 AM

what's worse, is Oregon has some of the SLOWEST drivers I've ever seen, and I've lived and travelled to many states and countries.

Here, the posted limit is the ABSOLUTE max anyone drives.... not the min.

blueline15 · 08-02-2012, 08:05 AM

Maybe this is a better solution?

thrasher · 08-02-2012, 10:09 AM

^ Using this logic we should just have a flat 15mph for every vehicle under all conditions.

Grankor · 08-02-2012, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by blueline15

Maybe this is a better solution?

That's only in English, you probably need to have it in Spanish too

Jims08Z06 · 08-02-2012, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by RobG

And that's where so much of these troubles begin -- having to go with the lowest common denominator. Rather than doing that, we need to be encouraging people to be BETTER than they are. If old people can't respond in a timely fashion, then they shouldn't be driving. Or anyone for that matter. There should be REAL driver training, similar to what they have in Europe. Here in the US, all you do is show up at DMV, take a stupid paper test, drive around the block, and win a license. Which they then try to use to extort money out of you in the form of tickets and other fees.

Rob

Would you Please be kind enought to enlighten me as to what age you consider old? l Might also want to consider some folks are unsafe at any age. (a 16 yo with his brand new license)

...AJ

View Poll Results: Speed Limits are...
Too fast.	1	0.43%
Just right.	13	5.60%
About 10 miles too slow	147	63.36%
About the speed I shift into 2nd gear...	71	30.60%
Voters: 232. You may not vote on this poll


08-01-2012, 09:23 AM	#22
evander Race Qualifier Joined: Sep 2006 From: N side Spokane I Ride: a Yamaha slayer real slow.	. . . are great for everybody else. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 09:36 AM	#23
mcjunky Railer Joined: Jun 2005 From: spokane I Ride: Mille, kx250, kx500 SM, rd400, yz450	Should 55mph speed limits come back? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 09:52 AM	#24
koorbloh Je Fa Fa Joined: Mar 2007 From: Monroe-mish, WA Blog Entries: 5 I Ride: 07 YZ450F, 74 XL350, 78 CB400	wow. your troll thread from 2008 is far superior, and has aged like a fine wine. and by that, I mean that it turned to vinegar. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 10:14 AM	#25
taznhell Shredder Joined: Jul 2008 From: Cornelius, Oregon I Ride: Everyday	I was living in Memphis area for two years and the posted speed on Highways varies from 70-75mph this is common. You could be doing 80-85 and get passed on the stretches between towns/cities but within city limits anything over by more than 5mph of the limit was a ticket waiting to happen. Oh and the rush hour was considered to be crawling when the average speed was 55 mph. Think about that driving through, Portland, Vancouver or Sea-Tac area at rush hour if only it moved like that. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 11:03 AM	#26
Rock Dodger Licensed Joined: Jul 2012 From: Klickitat, WA I Ride: SV650 K6	I ride a particular 13 mile stretch of twisty canyon road twice a day. The speed limit is 45MPH. For me, that's a ridiculously slow speed. The problem on that road, as with most others, is that the speed limit is a "one size fits all" designation. The speed limit is supposed to work for seasoned motorcyclists, log trucks, motorhomes pulling trailers, pickup trucks pulling boats... you get the idea. It's absurd to think that 45MPH is a rational speed for all of these vehicles. When log trucks go tearing down that road it's really scary; they are all over the double yellow and bouncing all over the place. On a well set up bike, you can do way over the speed limit with a high level of control. Another thing to consider is the amount of damage an out of control vehicle can do or what the results of an accident would be at certain speeds. I shudder to think of how much carnage an out of control log truck would do. A bike that loses it wouldn't cause near the damage. "One size fits all" speed limits are all that counties and states can come up with, even though they are completely illogical. But try explaining that to a cop.... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 03:08 PM	#27
RobG Endorsed Joined: Jul 2010 From: Salem I Ride: '01 Yamaha FZ1, '10 Kawi KLX250S, '96 Suzuki DR650	Speed limits exist for ONE reason only -- revenue generation. Speed limits are a joke. The Basic Speed Law should be the only speed "limit" and cops should be trained to be able to uniformly "enforce" this. Frankly, speeding tickets shouldn't even be able to be a primary ticket. The ticket should be "too fast for conditions," or "inattentive" or even "reckless." Tickets are as big a joke as speed limits. Again, they only serve to fatten coffers' pocketbooks and insurance companies' bottom lines. IMO speed limits are probably the biggest reason behind road rage. You have people who want to go faster, and people who are determined not to let you. So then either the "faster" driver rages on the slower one, or the slower driver rages on the faster one when the faster one finally gets by. Rob __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 03:14 PM	#28
iSplitLanes Permit Joined: Apr 2012 From: Sidney, BC	They're there for the lowest common denominator. Gives old people enough time to react, slow down and stop. Not saying that to be offensive towards old people, but their bodies naturally decline as a process of aging. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 04:00 PM	#29
RobG Endorsed Joined: Jul 2010 From: Salem I Ride: '01 Yamaha FZ1, '10 Kawi KLX250S, '96 Suzuki DR650	And that's where so much of these troubles begin -- having to go with the lowest common denominator. Rather than doing that, we need to be encouraging people to be BETTER than they are. If old people can't respond in a timely fashion, then they shouldn't be driving. Or anyone for that matter. There should be REAL driver training, similar to what they have in Europe. Here in the US, all you do is show up at DMV, take a stupid paper test, drive around the block, and win a license. Which they then try to use to extort money out of you in the form of tickets and other fees. Rob __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 04:08 PM	#30
blueline15 Race Qualifier Joined: Aug 2008 From: Where the snow falls Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: one with two wheels	...not something I concern myself with. Do what you do and stop whining. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 06:30 PM	#31
Grankor Endorsed Joined: Jun 2012 From: denial I Ride: All the way there and back	Interesting responses. I'm with the majority on this one. I typically will ride 5-10 over, simply because its more comfortable. Speed for will will vary on situations and weather. I won't be running 50 mph through a neighborhood with kids and driveways, thats just silly. 60 mph on a 4 lane highway with long stretches between exits seems to be terribly ineffficient to me. Most people with a brain can handle 75 mph. And if they can't, they shouldnt be on the highway in the first place. Faster speeds would be better if 2 things were true. #1: Driving was a privilege, not a right. #2: People in Washington/Oregon learned how to use the lanes properly. Disclaimer: If you ride a motorcycle and don't understand what the lanes are for, you need to be properly slapped. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 07:01 PM	#32
Flaerion Peg Dragger Joined: May 2009 From: On a hill over looking a valley. I Ride: one with 116whp/liter	..are for cagers. Though, I do say 10 too slow, but... I had a King County Sheriff once remark to me that he'd allow around 34-35 out of a rider in a 25 zone before he'd allow the same from a car/minivan/light truck. He had stopped me to.. ask about the weather.. yeah. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-01-2012, 09:49 PM	#35
thrasher Licensed Joined: May 2009 From: Sl,UT	At least + 15 on freeways. 30-35 areas should be raised to +5. Required higher driver training mandatory, like Scandinavia. Some drivers need to be prohibited from driving at speeds greater than 45 period end of story, they suck and don't belong anywhere near a freeway. Required mandatory tests for the elderly. Including vision, recognition, thought process, and reaction time. My great Aunt was partly blind during the day and blind at night. Her thought process was bad and her reaction times really really sucked. She had several accidents including T-bonning a pregnant 20 year old because she blew straight through a stop sign in Woodburn. She knew of the stop sign because she drove the same road almost every day. For God sakes she grew up in Woodburn. It was that last accident that finally made her hang up the keys. To me that's enough proof that the DMV BS doesn't work and needs a different testing process. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by thrasher; 08-02-2012 at 10:13 AM..


08-02-2012, 06:15 AM	#36
r1200r Permit Joined: Jul 2012 From: Tigard, OR I Ride: 2012 BMW R1200R Classic	what's worse, is Oregon has some of the SLOWEST drivers I've ever seen, and I've lived and travelled to many states and countries. Here, the posted limit is the ABSOLUTE max anyone drives.... not the min. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-02-2012, 08:05 AM	#37
blueline15 Race Qualifier Joined: Aug 2008 From: Where the snow falls Blog Entries: 3 I Ride: one with two wheels	Maybe this is a better solution? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


08-02-2012, 10:09 AM	#38
thrasher Licensed Joined: May 2009 From: Sl,UT	^ Using this logic we should just have a flat 15mph for every vehicle under all conditions. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by thrasher; 08-02-2012 at 10:17 AM..

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