In the city I live, speed is reduced to 30km/h (18.5mph) for most of the residential area [1], including my most frequently commuted routes.

I love this town for many reasons, but this, the "silence" (especially compared to other towns) is something that cemented me in here. I find it really hard to exist in other cities, that are usually suffocated by cars.

[1]: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/outlook-to-2030/reduc...

That metric is like the megapixel wars of cameras. Just something to chase so the newer model can be “better”. It does nothing except validate your purchase when you rev it obnoxiously.

To continue your thought, what are some things that need to be regulated in order to prevent future societal decay that the technology itself brings (such as allowing cars to roam free which propagated further car-centrism?)

Yeah, the history around this is both interesting and disappointing. Cities did have speed limits related to horse speed and at least one city had a referendum to mandate speed governors. But those efforts failed due to heavy lobbying by auto interests. So basically like today.