The enforced speed limit on bicycle boulevards is being reduced in Tucson, Arizona. These bicycle boulevards are streets usually in the residential areas of the city that have enforced certain measures to make travel more pleasing for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The enforced speed limit was 25 mph but will be changing to 20 mph in the next 60 days. The speed limit change affects the area around 4th/Fontana Ave, among other streets. This development will cost the city less than $5000 to complete. The council voted on this change and unanimously decided to put it into play.

Speed Limit Reduced to Reduce Accidents

The reason the council has decided to reduce the speed limit on bicycle boulevards is because it becomes easier to spot cyclists and pedestrians which will ultimately lead to reducing the number of accidents that occur on the road. Reducing speed limits even by 5 mph reduces the chances of death for an average aged pedestrian by 5%. The risk goes from 12% at 25 mph to 7% at 20 mph.

Looking at the time period from 2001 to 2008, about 82 reported bicycle/vehicle collisions occurred on Broadway Blvd which is a street with more traffic and higher speed limits which makes a about 70 times more dangerous than a street like 3rd St. 3rd St. has had 9 reported bicycle/vehicle collisions between those years.

Some concerns the council announced is noncompliance regarding the community. The council stressed how important it is for community members to understand the magnitude of this decision. Their biggest concern is that drivers will continue to speed in these areas by disregarding the new speed limit enforcement.

Tucson Police Department made a statement regarding the severity of the citations for drivers who disregard the speed limit. Also, for those drivers who drive near the old 25 mph speed limit, there will be warnings issued but the Tucson Police Department has no intention of giving out tickets for 25 mph drivers just yet.

Council members state that they hope the people will receive these changes well. The city has identified 64 corridors and about 193 miles of roadway due for development. This will cost the city about $31.7 million to complete.