The city hopes reducing speed limits will help them achieve their Vision Zero pledge.
As of January 1, drivers in Tacoma, Washington will have to observe new, lower speed limits in the city’s residential areas and some business districts.
The speed limit was lowered to 20 miles per hour in residential zones and 25 miles per hour in “Sixth Avenue, Old Town, Lincoln and McKinley Hill” as part of the city’s effort to eliminate traffic deaths by 2035.
“An analysis of serious crashes in the city of Tacoma showed that while people who are struck while walking or biking only make up 6% of overall crashes, they represent 57% of fatalities and serious injuries.” Lower speed limits are shown to dramatically reduce the risk of death and serious injuries during a crash, yet American agencies have been slow to acknowledge the deadly consequences of high speed limits and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Speed limits reduced to 20 mph on Tacoma's residential streets
Report: San Diego’s Lack of Progress on Vision Zero Mirrors Nationwide Trend
The city’s efforts to improve road safety have been outweighed by other factors such as larger vehicle sizes.
Chicago Could Join Other Cities in Lowering Speed Limits
Lowering speed limits by just 10 miles per hour can have a major impact on traffic safety.
Video: Phoenix Sets its Sights on Vision Zero
The city hopes to eliminate traffic deaths in the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)