Bloomington’s Transportation Commission on Tuesday discussed a proposal allowing residents to decide if they want reduced speed limits in certain areas. (Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A commission created by the Bloomington City Council about two years ago is devising a way for residents to decide if they want motorists to drive slower in their neighborhoods.

The city’s transportation commission is expected to vote next month on a proposal in which residents can sign petitions and eventually cast ballots whether to reduce the speed limit.

Drivers can’t go faster than 30 miles-per-hour in neighborhoods that don’t have speed limit signs, which include most residential areas. People who live there can vote to have the speed limit lowered to 25 miles-per-hour.

“I’m hoping that this will make it possible for people to be heard and responded to,” said Commissioner Kate Browne.

“Remember, we’re doing this because people are already feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods,” Browne also said.

Safety is a major concern in neighborhoods where there are many walkers, particularly around Illinois Wesleyan University, according to Commission Chairman Michael Gorman.

“There are plenty of neighborhoods in the community where people want their street to feel more like a safe, comfortable neighborhood street. What that means to people is generally that people are driving slower, that it feels more pedestrian friendly,” said Gorman.

The city would post 25 mile-per-hour speed limit signs at neighborhood entrances.

Once 60 percent of the city is designated as a “Reduced Speed Limit Area,” city staffers would prepare an ordinance establishing a city-wide reduction to 25 miles-per-hour.

The commission’s recommendations would be sent to the city council for final approval.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]