Editorial: Speed limits around South Lake Tahoe need to remain the same

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Rarely are those who break the rules rewarded, but that is essentially the case if Caltrans goes forward with its plan to raise the speed limit on some segments of the highway in South Lake Tahoe.

If a "reasonable person" will drive over the speed limit 85 percent of the time during a speed study, then the speed limit may be raised.

Many of us appear to be at blame here. We drive five miles above the speed limit on a fairly regular basis. If 85 percent of us do this, then Caltrans feels they are justified to raise the speed limit to the speed we are driving.

With this methodology, the speed limit will be raised on highways after every speed study if the "I'm only going five miles over the speed limit" continues to hold true.

Roadways in California that have a center line painted are a blanket of 55-60 mph by statute. If a jurisdiction wants them lower than 55 mph, an engineering and traffic study is required and field data from a minimum of 100 vehicles is used.

Let's look at the segments and individual situations with collisions, injuries, and even deaths on the segments of US50 and SR89 the proposed changes are on (and these don't even include the bears that are hit annually in each of the areas):

SR89 from the Y to Camp Richardson Entrance (8.56-11.0)

Caltrans is proposing an increase from 35 mph to 45 mph.

There were 24 collisions and one fatality due to a drunk driver in the three-year period from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022 (and that was with supposed reduced traffic due to COVID restrictions). The collision rate is 1.38 ACC/MVM (accidents per million vehicle miles), above the state average of 1.07; 1.29 times the average accident rate, and above the statewide average.

This section of road has proved to be unsafe at the current speed limit with the numerous side roads feeding to SR89, with business and school bus activity, and several bears have been hit and killed in this area.

SR89 from Camp Richardson to Cathedral Road (11.0 to 12.12)

This portion is actually outside the City Limits and rests in El Dorado County. Caltrans is proposing an increase from 35 mph to 40 mph.

Remember when Caltrans put in the crosswalk and flashing beacons to alert drivers of the pedestrians and cyclists in the area? The flash did not work as planned and drivers didn't know if they were supposed to stop or go. Now the speed limit is too low?

What changed?

There are still many pedestrians, bicycles, and visibility issues around the popular Camp Richardson.

There were eight collisions in the three-year period from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022 (and that was with supposed reduced traffic due to COVID restrictions). The collision rate is 1.80 ACC/MVM (accidents per million vehicle miles), higher than the state average of 1.57; 1.15 times the average accident rate, and above the statewide average.

So remind me again, why would we raise the speed limit?

US50 from C Street to Blue Lake Avenue (75.12-77.3)

Caltrans is proposing an increase from 40 mph to 45 mph.

This segment of road is a busy one in South Lake Tahoe, and a recent road safety plan was created by the City and Caltrans to add a crosswalk with a flashing beacon between Motel 6 and Grocery Outlet. So a road safety plan shows the need for a crosswalk that motorists will see with the flashing lights, but the speed limit is being proposed to go up by 5 mph?

There were 73 collisions in the three-year period from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022. The collision rate is 1.05 ACC/MVM (accidents per million vehicle miles), higher than the state average of .64; 1.64 times the average accident rate, and above the statewide average.

The five-lane road is through a business district with heavy bicycle use, people running across the highway, busses, delivery trucks, a fire station, and a gateway to both the beaches along SR89 and the casino corridor.

US 50 – Kyburz Ave to C Street (74.48-75.12)

Caltrans is proposing an increase from 45 mph to 50 mph.

There were 2 collisions along this .64-mile stretch in the three-year period from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2022. The collision rate is .18 ACC/MVM (accidents per million vehicle miles). The state average is higher at .64 so South Lake Tahoe is actually 1.64 times below the average accident rate and statewide average.

This portion isn't as dire of an issue at this time, but with the new Tahoe Valley Greenbelt bike trail that will be going behind The Crossing at Tahoe Valley and McDonald's, a future crosswalk at B Street is a possibility. If the speed is raised now, safety will be a big issue in the future. If we are going to control speed and create a safer, more walkable, and bikeable community, lower speed limits are more desirable.

Pursuant to the vehicle code, the public has an opportunity to speak to the highway officials during a public meeting. They must listen to the concerns of the residents and City officials and consider their input. The public hearing is during the South Lake Tahoe City Council meeting on June 20 at 5:30 p.m. Public comment can also be made by emails to City Clerk Susan Blankenship

After the meeting, Caltrans can choose not to change, raise, or possibly even reduce the speed limits.