This updated proposal is much improved.

There is a trick missing though. If the Safe Speed Neighbourhoods are islands for safe walking and cycling – then we need safe routes over the crocodile invested waters between them. So a purposeful strategy to safely link these Neighbourhoods across the remaining high volume higher speed roads now becomes a glaring omission. Pedestrian crossings, bump-outs reducing crossing distances and increasing visibility, or even traffic lights for on demand pedestrian priority.

Further – at the edges of these Safe Speed Neighbourhoods there needs to be more than just a set of speed signs. Obvious transitions are required – raised footpaths ideally, where the footpath is continuous across the intersection, no material change, no height change… so that is clear to drivers to slow down and that they are entering a new pedestrian and family friendly zone. This should be planned for and rolled out across the edges of all Safe Speed Neighbourhoods.

Then within the Safe Speed Neighbourhoods those stupidly wide roads need to be narrowed and lined with street trees. The railing against builders cutting trees down to build needed new homes misses the point – trees that provide public good are best on public land. The European streets we admire are those with tree lined streets and 3-6 storey perimeter housing. Wide streets encourage speed, narrower tree lined streets naturally encourage lower speeds, as well as all the environmental, health, and economic benefits.

Essentially I’m saying speed changes on streets are only part of the picture – what is needed is a more comprehensive programme to make our suburban streets fit of purpose – not fit for speed.