LAKEWOOD, Ohio — The City of Lakewood has announced that it will soon reduce the speed limit on Lake Avenue.
Starting Monday, June 3, the speed limit will be reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph
“The City of Lakewood is committed to enhancing safety for our residents and visitors, and that includes exploring opportunities to improve traffic safety on our streets,” said Mayor Meghan F. George, who also serves as Safety Director. “The speed reduction on Lake Avenue will decrease risk for everyone – from walkers to cyclists to drivers and everyone in between. We see this change as another example of Lakewood’s holistic approach to safety.”
The change will affect the section of Lake Avenue running from West 117th Street until the street ends at Webb Avenue. Officials say that the reduction of speed has been "complex and years in the making."
“You can’t just snap your fingers and change a speed limit, and that is a good thing,” said Mark Papke, City Engineer for Lakewood. “In Ohio, it’s a complex, data-driven, multi-jurisdictional effort, which makes sense given how important these laws are for protecting the public.”
Lakewood officials also noted that even though Lake Avenue isn't a state route, the Ccty will need approval from the Ohio Department of Transportation to make the change.
In addition, Cleveland City Council released a statement following the announcement, noting that they are in the process of requesting a similar speed reduction on Lake Avenue in Cleveland.
"Residents on Lake Avenue have long advocated for a speed limit reduction, in acknowledgment of the residential character of this street and the variety of users who live and play here, including cyclists and families with young children," said Councilmember Jenny Spencer. "I fully support a speed limit reduction which will make Lake Avenue safer through both Lakewood and Cleveland, and I'm grateful for the team at the City of Cleveland who is putting the steps in place to make this possible."
If Cleveland also changes the speed limit, it will be lowered to 30 mph between West 117 Street and Detroit Avenue, which is approximately 1.7 miles.
Cleveland City Council anticipates a decision in the coming months.
"Lowering speed limits on streets like Lake Avenue helps create safer neighborhoods for Clevelanders, and makes it more comfortable to walk and bike," said Calley Mersmann, Mayor Bibb's Senior Strategist for Transit & Mobility. "This speed limit reduction is in strong alignment with our transportation and safety goals, including our Vision Zero work to eliminate traffic crashes leading to serious injury or death. We look forward to working with ODOT to complete the adjustment process."
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