San Mateo County supervisors vote to reduce speed limit in areas of unincorporated Menlo Park

In an effort to improve safety, San Mateo County supervisors voted Tuesday to lower the speed limit on two streets in a busy area of unincorporated Menlo Park.

Speed limits will be reduced to 25 mph from 30 mph on:

• Alameda de las Pulgas between Valparaiso and Harkins avenues
• Santa Cruz Avenue between Alameda de las Pulgas and the border with the City of Menlo Park (close to the intersections of Sharon Drive and Oakdell Drive).

The moves were supported, in written comments, by pedestrian and cycling advocates as a small but significant step toward safer streets.

“No parent should have to worry about their child’s safety just crossing the street,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, whose District 3 includes the area. “By lowering speed limits in key areas, we’re putting our kids first — because every child deserves to walk, bike, and get to school safely. This is more than an ordinance; it’s a commitment to protecting our community’s most valuable treasure.”

The actions came in two separate votes. Supervisors voted 5-0 to lower the limit along Alameda de las Pulgas. For the vote on lowering the limit on Santa Cruz Avenue, Mueller recused himself as he lives near the area. The vote was 4-0 to lower the limit.

The ordinance change will come back before the Board for a second reading on April 8 and would become effective 30 days later if approved. Changing speed limit signs is expected to cost about $600 per location.