"The radar units collected data this week on 8th Ave SW near Cleveland Park March 11 - 14. One key measure examined in traffic engineering is known as the 85th percentile speed. This is the speed at which 85 percent of traffic is traveling at or below. Ideally, the 85th percentile speed matches the posted speed limit, but results within 5 MPH are considered acceptable. The study found the roadway speeds to fall within this range. Another speed study can be completed this summer when the park is experiencing more use if they would like. The data for this study would indicate this is a normally functioning roadway. These types of results are very typical for a 30 MPH roadway. We complete 50+ speeds studies per year, and most have 85th percentile speeds between 2 – 6 MPH over the posted speed limit."
The City will not be taking any action further, like installing speed bumps or curb extensions, at this time. If neighbors would like the speed study to be reproduced during the busier months at Cleveland Park, City officials are able to do this in the warmer weather months to review trends and risks on the roadway.
Thank you to Betsy Borchardt for assisting CANA with this speed study and advocating for our CANA neighbors concerns with the City.