San Francisco Will Lower Speed Limits on 23 Streets

A 2021 state law allows cities to reduce speed limits next to ‘business activity districts.’

1 minute read

August 3, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View from middle of street with streetcar rails and high-rise buildings on either side in San Francisco, Bay Bridge visible in background

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The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency voted to allow the city to lower speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on 23 streets near “business activity districts,” including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Union Square. Madilynne Medina reports on the story for SF Gate. 

“SFMTA plans to install signs with the new speed limits starting this September, Stephen Chun, a spokesperson for the agency, told SFGATE. He said installation will take about one year and should be completed by October 2024. The transportation agency will also conduct educational outreach initiatives for drivers, residents, merchants and neighborhoods in the affected areas.”

Lower speed limits are shown to reduce the risk of severe injury and death during car crashes for pedestrians and other road users. 

Thursday, August 3, 2023 in SF Gate

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