[Tagging] US Speed Limits, truck routes, bike routes, access

[Paul Johnson]

Alan Mintz wrote:

> 1. How should one tag "suggested" speeds (usually around curves) like 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:MUTCD_W1-4.svg with 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Advisory_Curve_Speed_English_25.svg ? 
> Should I tag them as maxspeed=*? I can see being cited for exceeding it 
> according to the blanket "safe speed" provisions in some vehicle codes[1].

Don't.  They're meant to be a driving aid, but aren't a fast rule
(or they'd be on a white sign, not a yellow one).

> 2. I've been tagging 25 mph school zones 
> (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/db/SchoolZone-SpeedLimitSignAndLight.JPG) 
> as "maxspeed:children_present=25 mph". Can someone comment on where such 
> zones end (I realize this may, again, be jurisdiction-dependent)? I 
> sometimes, but not always, see an "End School Zone" sign (should I tag 
> these, and how?).

The school zone ends where the next speed zone starts.  I'm not sure
what FHWA's thinking was with the End School Zone sign (what about
traffic that doesn't remember what the previous speed zone was
because they turned into the school zone at a midpoint?).

> 6. For separate limits for towing/towed vehicles, I'm using:
> maxspeed:towing=*
> source:maxspeed_towing=*
> source_ref:maxspeed_towing=*
>
> In CA, the standard speed limit on freeways is 65mph normally, but 55mph 
> for trucks and towing/towed vehicles. This results in 9 tags(!), providing 
> more reason for some sort of scheme like maxspeed=freeway.

I'm almost certain the US considers RVs and all vehicles pulling
trailers to be trucks for the purposes of simplifying highway
signs.

> [1]That is, holding that the sign states what is taken to be the prima 
> facie safe speed. Any traffic court judges here?

How about a licensed traffic controller?  Does that count?  If so, I
am one...