traffic calming devices such as speed bumps, narrower drive lanes, and lane shifts accomplish greater driver attentiveness, slower traffic, and better compliance with traffic laws. a one meter physical separation of bike lanes from drive lanes would be an inexpensive and incredibly effective solution that could be implemented on nearly all city streets and would also protect bikers and skaters from suddenly opening vehicle doors as well as traffic dangers.

finally, and possibly easiest and most cost effective — better enforcement of existing traffic laws, especially double parking, yellow-light running, and jaywalking. funds from ticketing these offenses would make enforcement pay for itself with possible surplus. city traffic is most dangerous when trying to squeeze through unexpectedly double parked cars and delivery vehicles or taxies picking up and dropping off anywhere and at any time without warning. dealing with these issues makes all drivers get frustrated and aggressive.

these are simple, proven effective, and cheap (or even surplus producing) measures that would make a tremendous difference instantly to our city by reducing pollution, accidents (not just car/bike accidents but also car/car and car/pedestrian accidents as well), and noise. the reduction in accidents would lower insurance and medical costs for everyone.

thanks!

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