Neighborhood Concerns

The City of Forest Grove receives many requests from citizens seeking assistance for slowing traffic and or adding stop signs. All complaints or concerns must be submitted to the City Forest Grove in writing. Please include the following information in your letter:

• Your name, address, and phone number.
• The location(s) where you have observed the problem(s).
• The nature of the problem (ie, speeding, traffic volume, pedestrian concerns, stop sign). Please be as descriptive as possible and be sure to include the days and times when the problems occur.

All letters will be reviewed by the Traffic Control Review Board Committee. This committee includes the Public Works Director, Police Chief, and Community Development Director. Their findings and decisions are then referred to the City Manager for final approval.

Speed Zoning – It isn’t random

Frequently, speeding isn’t the result of an intentional decision to break the law but local residents who live in the area who have developed poor habits. Their surroundings become familiar, they begin to pay less attention, and are unaware they are speeding. Since the dawn of transportation people have been trying to solve the problem of speeding concerns. Speed zoning used with an overall traffic plan helps traffic move more safely and efficiently. Speed zoning does not provide a quick fix for poor traffic problems; instead speed zoning attempts to establish a reasonable balance between the needs of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists using public roads for travel and those who live and work along the roads.

American law follows the basic idea that most people are reasonable, and laws exist to control the few who are unreasonable or inconsiderate. The posted speed zones follow this same principal. The methods for establishing speed zones are based on careful studies that have been performed throughout the Nation and Oregon.

There is a common misconception that lowering speeds will result in safer conditions and fewer accidents, but studies do not prove this to be true. Unrealistically low speeds may frustrate many drivers, resulting in numerous speeding violators and unsafe driving. This could actually result in an increase in accidents. Some motorist may try to save time by taking a shortcut through residential and other areas that are not suited for higher speeds and higher traffic volume. Drivers lose respect for the law, and police and courts are overloaded with increased traffic tickets. Not to mention the increased frustration for the local citizens enduring the speeding in their area.

State statues give Oregon motorists the following designated speed zone standards:

• 15 MPH alleys
• 20 MPH Business Districts, school zones
• 25 MPH Residential Districts, public parks, ocean shores
• 55 MPH Open and rural highways; urban interstate highways, trucks on rural highways
• 65 MPH autos on rural interstate highways

Posted speed zone signs, such as those designated 35 MPH or 45 MMPH, override these standards. Designated and posted speeds however, are not the final word in Oregon. All travel on public streets and highways is subject to the Basic Rule.

The basic rule states that motorists must drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent at all times by considering other traffic, road conditions, dangers at intersections, weather conditions, and any other conditions that affect safety and speed. The Basic Rule does not allow motorists to drive faster than the posted speed, nor does it set absolute speeds designated for all conditions. Instead, the Basic Rule expects drivers to be responsible for their own actions and use good judgment.

Speed zones in Forest Grove are made jointly by the Oregon Department of Transportation and the City. The Oregon Department of Transportation has the responsibility to investigate roads at the request of the City for speed zone changes, and to make recommendations following established standards.

All of the following considerations are evaluated in deciding whether to propose a change or retain the posted speed zone:

• accident history
• roadway width and surface type
• number of lanes
• shoulders
• traffic control (stop signs and signals)
• number of intersections
• roadside development
• other considerations, including parking and bicycle lanes

For more information, please contact the Engineering Department at 503-992-3228.

Stop Signs

The City of Forest Grove receives numerous requests for additional stop signs. Stop signs are intended to help drivers determine who has the right-of-way at an intersection. Stop signs are installed to assign right-of-way at intersections where accidents or other data show that driver observance of the right-of-way rule is not working. Stop signs are occasionally considered as an interim measure to a traffic signal where extreme congestion or multiple accidents have been recorded.

Stop Signs and Speed Reduction

Stop signs are not always effective to reduce speeding. Studies show that drivers accelerate rapidly after a stop. Within 200 feet of the stop sign they reach their top operating speeds. For speeders, the stop signs do little to slow them down. Studies show that where stop signs are installed as “speed breakers” there is a high incidence of intentional violation or running the stop sign. When an unreasonable restriction is imposed, it can result in blatant violations. These violations may increase accidents because the stop sign may create a false sense of security for prudent, law abiding pedestrians and motorists.

Stop Sign Installation

Sign installation recommendations are made by the Traffic Control Board and approved by the City Manager. Before decisions are made City guidelines must be considered. Traffic volume, intersection configuration, speeding, and accident reports are considered in the engineering analysis for installation.

All of the following considerations are evaluated in deciding whether to propose a change or addition of a stop sign:

• Intersection of a less important road with a main road where application of the normal right-or-way rule would not be expected to provide reasonable safe operation.
• Street entering a through highway or street.
• Unsignalized intersection in a signalized area.
• High speeds, restricted view, or crash records indicate a need for control by the STOP sign.

The City carefully evaluates most requests. However, because we receive many requests each year, we cannot always investigate your request as quickly as we would like to. We appreciate your patience and understanding.