There’s an old saying: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” But sometimes, in North Tahoe, it seems like when there’s a will for safer streets, there’s suddenly a reason why we can’t have them.
A recent Moonshine Ink article, “Speed Bumps and a Legacy on Pause”, highlights concerns from North Tahoe Fire about how speed humps could slow emergency response times. While that’s a real consideration, it’s not the whole picture.
The False Choice: Emergency Response vs. Safer Streets
The argument goes like this: If we put in speed bumps, fire trucks will be delayed, and that’s a major safety risk. So we shouldn’t put them in.
But that’s a false choice. It ignores the bigger picture. Slower streets reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and make our town safer for everyone—especially those walking and biking. Studies consistently show that walkable communities lead to better public health outcomes, lower rates of traffic-related deaths, and even reduced emergency calls. The idea that we have to choose between safe streets and emergency response times is misleading. Many communities find ways to balance both.
Selective Safety Concerns?
If North Tahoe Fire truly believes every second of response time is critical, then they should also be pushing back against:
- Summer tourism traffic clogging roads.
- Caltrans construction projects that delay travel.
- Poor road connections that leave some residents far from emergency services.
- Car dependency itself, which increases crashes, air pollution, and preventable health issues.
But they don’t. So why are we drawing the line at speed bumps?
What Works: Smart Traffic Calming
There are many ways to slow cars while keeping emergency response times fast. Solutions like:
✅ Raised crosswalks (which fire trucks can roll over smoothly).
✅ Chicanes and curb extensions to slow traffic without jarring bumps.
✅ Street narrowing (like the successful Kings Beach redesign).
✅ Better pedestrian infrastructure so fewer people need to drive in the first place.
The truth is, the biggest safety risk in North Tahoe is not delayed fire trucks—it’s fast-moving cars on streets that feel designed for speed. Instead of seeing traffic calming as a barrier, we should view it as part of a holistic public safety strategy that benefits everyone, including emergency responders.
Want to Help Make Our Streets Safer?
If you care about walkable, safe, and productive streets in North Tahoe, join our community group!
🛑 Making Our Streets Safe and Productive in North Tahoe 🏡🚲🚶
✅ Push for slower, safer traffic.
✅ Support better walkways and bike lanes.
✅ Advocate for smart parking to reduce congestion.
📢 Join us! Sign up here: Strong North Tahoe Safe Streets Group
It’s time to stop letting “we can’t” be the answer to safe, people-friendly streets in North Tahoe. Let’s start asking, how can we make this work for everyone?
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