'Heads up!’ Hayward debuts snarky traffic signs

In late January, the city of Hayward debuted several unconventional traffic signs along Hayward Boulevard. In late January, the city of Hayward debuted several unconventional traffic signs along Hayward Boulevard. Photo: City Of Hayward Photo: City Of Hayward Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close 'Heads up!’ Hayward debuts snarky traffic signs 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

Witty street signs designed to curb speeding have brought international attention to the city of Hayward.

The seven signs, debuted in late January, are located along Hayward Boulevard, near a steep incline that leads toward Cal State East Bay.

Last year, the city heard complaints in a neighborhood meeting about speeding in the area. They used ordinary methods to crack down — enforcement, potential engineering fixes, and outreach — but also considered more novel approaches.

“Let’s juxtapose an unconventional message with a conventional medium to catch people’s attention,” said Frank Holland, a city spokesman. “If it starts a conversation, maybe people will change their behavior.”

The signs cost the city $205 each to produce and install.

Holland came up with the messages — one says, “Heads Up! Cross the Street Then Update Facebook” — and the response has been overwhelming. National and international media outlets have contacted Holland about the signs.

“That’s a conversation that didn’t exist before,” he said.

If the signs, which are a part of pilot project, go well, they may spread to other parts of the city.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz