Residents advocate for speed humps and traffic lights at Harold and Forest intersection

Concerns over traffic safety took center stage at the South of Forest Traffic Calming Project community meeting held on February 27, 2025, in Santa Clara. Residents voiced their worries about speeding vehicles and the potential dangers at key intersections, particularly at Forest and Harold.

One resident highlighted the urgency of implementing speed humps, emphasizing that they could significantly slow down traffic, especially during busy morning hours when drivers are rushing to work. "If you have speed bumps... they're gonna realize... it's gonna slow them down," the resident stated, pointing out that the influx of traffic from nearby businesses, like Starbucks, could exacerbate the situation. The community is hopeful that Starbucks may contribute financially to the installation of these speed humps, which could alleviate some of the traffic issues.

City officials responded by assuring residents that the traffic calming measures would include not just paint but also physical barriers designed to deter speeding. These measures are part of an evolving approach to traffic management, with new techniques being explored to enhance safety in the area. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of these measures, as some residents questioned the lack of data on similar implementations in other cities.

Additionally, discussions touched on the intersection of Harold and Forest, where residents expressed dissatisfaction with the decision not to install a four-way stop. City officials explained that the intersection did not meet the necessary criteria for such a measure, citing factors like traffic volume and collision history. They reiterated that stop signs are not intended as traffic calming devices and could inadvertently increase speeds in the surrounding areas.

As the meeting concluded, the community's call for immediate action on traffic calming measures was clear. Residents are eager for solutions that prioritize safety and reduce the risk of accidents in their neighborhoods. The city plans to continue evaluating and updating its traffic calming policies to better serve the community's needs.