Speed limit changes on Shore Drive

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The City of Virginia Beach announced Tuesday the speed limit along a portion of Shore Drive will be lowered from 45 to 35 miles per hour.

Traffic on Virginia Beach's Shore Drive includes passenger vehicles, bicycles, and people walking, or jogging.

Tim Lawrence, a husband and father who lives near First Landing State Park told WAVY.com, "Given the fact that we cross this street on the weekend everyday, during the week - we're pretty excited."

The Lawrence family has eagerly awaited the day Virginia Beach would lower the speed limit on Shore Drive.

That day is less than 2 weeks away. A one mile stretch from North Great Neck Road to First Landing State Park will become a 35 mile an hour zone on August 3, 2009.

"We use the park all the time. We go to the beach all the time. Shore Drive, has been...somewhat dangerous," he said.

The Lawrence's, like many living along the Shore Drive Corridor, know crashes from Pleasure House Road to First Landing State Park have claimed dozens of lives in the last four decades. The most recent in April, when a vehicle hit and killed 45-year-old cyclist Dan Hersh. Since then, riders have pedaled their way along the corridor in honor of him and others who have died. The bikers told WAVY.com during a ride earlier this month they wanted to bring awareness to city leaders.

On Monday, city administrators decided to test out a lower speed limit. Electronic signs, warning of the change were operating by Tuesday evening.

However, not everyone living along the corridor is pleased. Mike Combs, told WAVY.com he travels on Shore Drive in a vehicle and, "It's already bad to get up and down it as it is. Now it's going to be even more sluggish."

Combs described himself as a biker who uses his bicycle as his main transportation method. He does not believe a slower speed will reduce the danger.

"As far as this speed limit helping the bikers, No. Cause if you get hit at 35 versus if you get hit at 45, you're still creamed. ...I ride on a bike trail. I can go from the oceanfront all the way down to the Lesner Bridge without ever going on Shore Drive."

Virginia Beach's leaders told WAVY.com drivers won't suffer, but those on foot or bikes will benefit.

Councilman and cyclist Bill DeSteph said the speed limit change is a step in the right direction. "While we're working on long term solution which is the implementation of our bike ways and trails plan, of having a bike path on the right hand side of Shore Drive - while we're working on that, this is an interim measure to make folks aware of what's going on and slow down. The average speed around there is 51 miles an hour," he said.

The city's traffic engineer Robert Gey explained, "If you're on a bike and cars are doing 30 miles an hour versus 45 or 50, you're going to feel a difference. Or if you're a pedestrian and cars are coming at you at 35 miles an hour versus 45 or 50 [miles an hour], you're going to feel a lot more comfortable in that environment."

Gey said staffers studied the time that would be added to the average driver's commute once the speed limit goes down. He said the commute will be around 20 seconds longer. DeSteph said, "16 to 20 seconds is nothing. To save a life or two, it's worth waiting an extra 16 to 20 seconds."

Gey said the city will make a report after gathering data in the area after the speed limit changes.
"We're measuring gaps in traffic. Are there going to be more gaps for pedestrians to cross the road? Is it easier for pedestrians to cross the road. Do they have more time between vehicles? Is it easier for you to get in and out of your neighborhood?" Gey said.

There are no plans to expand a reduced speed limit area, but Gey said once city leaders see how things work out with the one mile area, that could change.

Again, the change will effect those driving between North Great Road and the First Landing Park entrance.

Message boards are posted to alert drivers of the change.

The new speed limit will be effective August 3.