Speed Limit Sign

Dublin Core

Title

Speed Limit Sign

Subject

Civic & Government

Description

As automobiles became more affordable and necessary, controlling traffic became a concern for local police. Automobiles could reach dangerous speeds on crowded city streets, navigating around pedestrians and horse traffic. Road signs, such as this one, posted just outside the city limits, became a front line of defense.
In 1902 the Common Council adopted a series of ordinances to regulate the use of automobiles in the city. The second section established a system of speed limits in the city: 8 miles an hour within a quarter mile of the Five Points, 4 miles an hour at crossings, and 15 miles an hour outside the downtown area.
Many of the roads leading into the city had no speed enforcement other than “common sense.” Automobile regulation, safety, and road development became key areas of city concern. Today, city development projects continue to implement better traffic controls, pedestrian right of ways, and of course, safe speeds in the city limits.

Donor: John Schoenknecht

Adopt an Artifact Sponsor: R&R Insurance

Date

1920 - 1939