News
-
Changes to the petition
on 30 Jun 2026
Petition addressed to: City Council
If you live, drive, walk, bicycle, jog, or otherwise use Western Avenue, you likely know speeding vehicles are a persistent problem. Western is a major thoroughfare in Mattoon with feeder traffic from arterial roads and side streets that contribute to the increasing volume of traffic. But why are there no posted speed limit signs? It seems bizarre considering the number of pedestrians that use Western Avenue and that it serves busy Lytle Park and Riddle Elementary. Furthermore, the problem of speeding vehicles on Western is not simply a matter of subjective opinion. The city's own Mattoon Safety Action Plan, adopted in July 2025, identified Western Ave as one of "the most dangerous areas when it comes to speeding in the city." (MSAP, Western Ave from 19th to 34th St, pg. 18)
Posted speed limit signs may not fix the speeding problem, but they're an important part of a more comprehensive plan to address this hazardous issue. And to the extent they are a traffic control measure designed to remind drivers to be aware of their speed, then they do serve a purpose.
Petition started:
05/22/2026
Collection ends:
07/16/2026
Region:
Mattoon
Topic:
Traffic & transportation
Making people aware of the speed limit is a good first step in the safety of everyone living on or using Western Avenue.
There are so many families and children active around Lytle Park in the summer and children walking or riding their bikes to school, while school is in session, that the number of people speeding down Western is a daily concern. I personally have witnessed several close calls.
I know putting up speed limit signs won't stop all speeding but it is a good first step to build awareness.
You have your own website, a blog or an entire web portal? Become an advocate and multiplier for this petition. We have the banners, widgets and API (interface) to integrate on your pages. To the tools
Slow down traffic in a residential with kids and pets.