The 30 mph speed limit is only from the viaduct to just north of W Woodley St, and pretty clearly justified -- there are a number of business driveways and frequent intersections. There is also a bike lane and moderate levels of pedestrian traffic crossing the road, both at the lights and at the unmarked crosswalk (at 3rd) between them. If you feel the need for speed, you'll get it quickly... it goes to 45 at Woodley St and 50 just past Jefferson Pkwy.

Slow down! The 30 mph limit through the heart of Northfield between the two colleges is justified due to the side traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists. In fact, in recent years both pedestrians and bicyclists have been struck and killed by unwary drivers. The inadequately crossing at 3rd Street is particularly worrisome. The claim is wrong in that the speed limit from the north gradually reduces to 50 at Waterford, to 40 at the edge of town and then to 30 in town and swiftly increases after that. Also the claim about the majority of tickets being written at one intersection is not verified by reports published in the Northfield News.