Tacoma’s Lower Speed Limits Take Effect

The city hopes reducing speed limits will help them achieve their Vision Zero pledge.

1 minute read

January 3, 2023, 12:00 PM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Black and white 25 mph speed limit sign on post with trees in background

Duntrune Studios / 25 mph

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.

Sunday, January 1, 2023 in King 5 News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing