I intend to [finally] do a door-to-door petition for residents on my road to have a posted speed limit (lower than the current 55 that is not even posted). I am not worried about the writing part (I studied English and do a lot of writing for work) but am not sure about the structure and format for a petition. Does anyone know a good website with samples for formatting, or have any specific suggestions from having done petitions in the past? I don't know all of my neighbors, but the ones I do know have been supportive of the idea when I've mentioned it. I just want to make sure the town takes it seriously, especially with some back-up.
Also, whenever I get to the door-to-door part, any ideas? What time of day or day of the week is least annoying to you? I work full-time days and would probably end up doing it early evening (after 6 p.m.) weekdays, or would be open any time on Saturdays or after church/lunch on Sundays. I want to catch people at home but don't want to annoy them by the time of day. Thanks!! :)
Last year I spoke with our township Transportation/Highway Department (who told me the speed limit). He agreed that my thoughts on putting up "Children at Play" signs to caution drivers was a good idea and directed me on how to submit that request (which did not require signatures). Nothing happened. He told me that to have the speed limit reduced I would need a signed petition from residents, but I do not know the format for the letter. Any ideas?
Our road is essentially a horseshoe off of a highway. If you don't live there, you won't drive there. There is a storage facility on one end and a speed limit starting after that would be fine. There is also a town park on the other end, so there are ALWAYS children around, even if they do not live there. I have tried to drive 55 to see what it would feel like, but get nervous over 40 because there are so many things to watch for with all the animals and people living there. I will contact local offices again, but they are not going to help me with phrasing or structuring a formal petition.
Call and talk to your city council person. Tell them about your concern, let them know you'd like to lead an initiative to change it, then enlist their help. They'll be your best advocate.
I've been thinking about the same thing! But I think our issue is going to be like your previous post. We are a county road with many kids and they are all out playing. Our current speed limit is 55 b/c it is not marked. I don't know the legal part to know if it can even be changed. Nor do I know a whole lot about writing one up.
They did recently to a petition for the school around here to put up the school zone lights b/c we have none, and my sons preschool did one years ago. Both places said you have to have signtures of people who live in and out of the area concerned. To show that there is an overall concern for the issue. We had petitions inside local preschools and stores for the one for the school. The preschool had one sitting on their table for a long time from someone out in the neighborhood wanting a stop light put in. So, don't JUST go door to door.
I would suggest sending out a letter to educate your neighbors, put dates on the letter when you will be walking around and where they can go to sign one if they will not be home at that time. Giving them a heads up! :)
Good Luck! Depending on your community, some places will not install a traffic light or a stop sign until x number of people have died at an intersection (non fatal accidents don't count). Getting a lower speed limit might be slightly easier, but if it's a major thoroughfare and not purely residential, you are going to need a LOT of signatures. Is there a local politician or delegate or an HOA that you can enlist in your cause?
Good thought, and it may work. I would just double check your town/county laws. I actually tried something similar in our neighborhood many years ago, (without the petition which may work). Our posted limit is 30 mph which is still way to fast in a residential neighborhood. I contacted the appropriate people just to find out that the area we live in it governed by the county and has it's own rules. Our neighborhood street has to go by the same rules/regulations as some county road and we were out of luck to change it.
As far as when to get neighbors? We did do that to change an article in our homes association rules. My husband and another neighbor did go out in the evening, but closer to 7 ish. People should be about done with dinner by then. Also Saturday afternoons while people were out in the yard.
We tried really hard to get the DOT to reduce the speed limit on the road that leads to our large cul de sac neighborhood. The mayor went to the DOT and he got our state assemblyman involved. The DOT said that the current limit met their criteria and a slower limit did not. Unless there is a fatility at the intersection they will not change the speed limit. Sick, isn't it! Nearly everyone in the neighborhood has been rear ended but that is not good enough. We all signed a petition and sent in personal stories about the accidents to no avail. I hope you get better results. I think it has a lot to do with which region of the DOT you fall into. Some are more responsive than others.
