 Flashing Radar Speed Signs
Many of Cheadle's residents have expressed concern over the constant number of speeding vehicles racing down railway avenue. Though this is not the only road prone to speeders, it is the greatest volume of traffic, aside from Hwy 24.
Many possible solutions have been brought to the table - ranging from speed humps to radar traps. Some people who speed through the area feel that 30km/h is much too slow for that stretch of road. The reason for this speed limit is due to the fact that there are no sidewalks or safe passage areas for pedestrians.
Due to Cheadle's current design, the addition a sidewalk is highly an unlikely option unless Railway Avenue was completely rebuild and paved as well as destroying small peices of residential lots to allow space for a walkway. There is also the issue of maintenance which would need to be provided by the County of Wheatland. Though that may be a great option for the future, it will not likely happen until Cheadle's population is sufficient enough to be incorporated into a village.
So for the mean time the hamlet will have to find an alternative option to remind speeders to slow down. A possible solution has been found. A Flashing Radar Speed Signs. This is the type of sign that displays the speed you are travelling as you approach (only if the vehicle is speeding). It is true, that many drivers will likely ignore the sign, but studies show that a good majority will actually slow down. This is possibly due to individuals that do not actually realize they are speeding, or are not intentionally speeding. Others may be influenced by the fact they are being stressed to slow down and that the posted speed limit is not just there for road standards reasons. It clearly displays to drivers that speed is a concern for Cheadle's residents. People fear for the safety of their children who often travel this road on foot every day to catch the bus.
The company who builds these signs is based out of Spring Valley, New York. Some of their products are showing up in the City of Calgary. One such example is on the Westbound lane of 17th Ave SE (between 68st and 52nd st). The sign is solar powered, contains a battery power mode for evening operation, and has a built in LIR speed sensor. The official go-ahead on the purchase of this sign is still not complete, but if enough people are in favour, this should be installed in the not too distant future. This sign will be the first of it's kind in the area and may generate a lot of interest in other communities.
Cheadle Community Association
Box 28, Site 3, RR1
Strathmore, Alberta - T1P 1J6
Canada
www.cheadlealberta.com
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