From the Internal Affairs Committee agenda, for the upcoming 11/3/25 meeting (see agenda link above) – The City of Chico’s recent radar speed surveys were conducted in accordance with state law and the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These surveys analyze the “critical speed,” which is the speed that 85% of drivers travel at or below, to determine appropriate speed limits.
In other words, they set speed limits according to how fast people drive. The report goes on to say they consider the “setting” – residential, commercial, etc. They why did they raise the speed limit on an entirely residential two-lane street like Palmetto? When Tom Lando was city manager, he admitted, he was tired of neighborhood complaints about speeding, so instead of better enforcement, he raised the speed limit. People objected that if you raise the speed limit in response to speeding, people just drive faster.
Read the rest of that agenda to see the discussion about serving booze outside restaurants Downtown. The public will pay for that ordinance in more ways than one.
Meanwhile, BCFAC reports crazy accidents related to booze and speed every day. This report popped up today.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/butte.county.fires.accidents.crimes
Four Injured After Vehicle Strikes Crowd on West 2nd Avenue
Chico, CA Saturday 11/1/2025 @2:00 A.M. BCFAC: Four people were transported to Enloe Hospital after a vehicle struck a crowd in the 700 block of West 2nd Avenue. Injuries ranged from minor to severe, including one trauma activation.
The driver (who was also injured) initially refused to exit the vehicle. First responders on scene suspect alcohol may have been a factor.
What does this mean to me? They raised the speed limit on two streets that I regularly use on my bicycle, including the street right at the end of my driveway. I love riding my bike – it’s fun, convenient, and saves mileage on my car and GAS. But it’s not worth being a statistic.
Chico Taxpayers Association 