As a commuting pedestrian in Green Bay, I’m happy that the speed limits are kept at a reasonable level. This is because some of our neighbors are very scary drivers. Many don’t pay attention to pedestrian traffic lights or just don’t care at all (story HERE). Others will murder any duck that should wander into their path when they’re 20 minutes late for work and still have to make a Starbucks stop (story HERE).

Which is why I’m happy to agree with De Pere residents that the speed limit needs to be on the lower side for the south connector bridge (story HERE).

There just isn’t a reason for that journey to have to be taken at 45 miles per hour given the area, and even in a few of the adjacent municipalities. Let me ask you a question. How fast are you taking that trip now? That’s right, this trip doesn’t even exist yet. This is an indisputable improvement. We should start low and go higher if needed.

My hometown in Orlando has plenty of roads that are about 45 MPH or higher. It’s also a leader in pedestrian deaths across the country because of it (story HERE). If you’re not paying attention down there you will get hit.

And up here you’ll get hit too. We’ve got too many distractions at the wheel these days.

We also have to remember that we have citizens actually speaking up and getting involved. Local leaders and project planners must consider their concerns. Especially since we know they’re not going to get anything that they want.

Their noise concerns? Forget it. This traffic will make noise.

Aesthetics? You mean you want this bridge to be pretty? That’s a lot of money and a longer timeline to get this done.

But we can control speed. And De Pere residents have to be heard when it comes to something that could put the lives of their families in danger.