The death of a Menlo Park schoolteacher and bicyclist has prompted a lower speed limit on westbound Woodside Road at the intersection with Interstate 280. Woodside bicyclists say the lower speed limit, from 40 to 35 miles per hour, will make the area safer for cyclists.

After 21 months of lobbying by Woodside officials, Caltrans workers installed new speed limit signs on April 8, according to Bob Page of the Woodside Bicycle Committee.

In July 2007, the Woodside Town Council voted to request Caltrans to decrease the speed limit following the October 2005 death of Michelle Mazzei, an Oak Knoll School teacher who was struck by a car while riding her bike on Woodside Road.

Bicyclists heading westbound on Woodside Road must cross the path of motorists merging onto the on-ramp for northbound I-280, creating a hazardous condition, according to Mr. Page.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.