Traffic Calming and Novelty Sign Program

Redwood City Community Development Services and Public Works Department have implemented a “Novelty Sign Rotation Program”. The purpose of the program is to assist in alerting motorists of posted speed limits and helps raise the awareness of safe driving. In conjunction with this program, Redwood City Public Works has changed the old style Pedestrian crossing sings and School crossing signs from yellow to a florescent yellow. Their visibility is enhanced and safety for our pedestrians and children is increased.

The novelty sign program began July 2001. The signs are rotated every 3 months to keep drivers attention with fresh messages. The signs have had mixed reviews, but have mostly received high praise from the residents in the neighborhoods.

Redwood City is on the cutting edge of this idea. Public Works staff has received numerous inquiries from all over the country on this innovative idea.

On the lighter side, we have had one fatality to our infamous sign. A sign on Alameda de las Pulgas that reads “Obey this sign” was shot seven times by a person with no sense of humor and a reckless driver.

Any comments or suggestions can be submitted to Public Works Supervisor, Ralph Pacheco at (650) 780-7472. Please drive safely in our neighborhoods!!