Slower Speeds, Safer Streets: The Drive for Change in 2023
In the fast-paced world of transportation, there's a pressing need to slow down. The numbers are grim – in 2021, over 42,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents, marking a 16-year high. Among the casualties, 8,327 were cyclists and pedestrians, whose vulnerability on the roads is increasingly evident. But there's hope on the horizon, and it comes in the form of a vital yet often overlooked solution: slower speeds.
The Lethal Reality
The statistics don't lie. Traffic fatalities have been on the rise, particularly for those who bike and walk. In the same year, cyclist fatalities reached their highest point since 1975, witnessing a staggering 60% increase from the lows of 2010. The urgency of this situation led the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to publish its inaugural National Roadway Safety Strategy in 2020, emphasizing the importance of Safer Speeds as one of its five core objectives.
Speed and Safety
Internationally, public health organizations have long advocated for reducing vehicle speeds in areas where cyclists and pedestrians share the road, aiming for limits of 20 miles per hour (mph) or lower. Why? Because speed isn't just a number; it's a matter of life and death. When vehicles travel at 20 mph or slower, the chances of survival for those struck by a vehicle are around 90%. Increase that speed to 30 mph, and the odds drop significantly to 75%. Speed matters, and it's time we prioritize safety.
Legislation: The Good and the Bad
In the ongoing legislative sessions across various states, there's a mix of bills that could reshape speed limits and, in turn, save lives.
The Good:
Oregon's HB 2095: This law grants cities the authority to lower speed limits by up to 10 mph below the statutory speed but not less than 20 mph, a crucial step in the right direction.
Illinois' HB 3530: Although it won't become law this year, this bill aimed to set default speed limits at 20 mph in urban areas, promoting safety for vulnerable road users.
Texas' HB 2224: This promising bill aimed to reduce the minimum speed limit from 25 to 20 mph, making it easier for municipalities to lower speeds without complex investigations.
The Bad:
Alabama's SB 33: This law restricts municipalities from setting speed limits on county-maintained streets, potentially hindering safety efforts.
New York's SB 2422: Named "Sammy's Law," this bill seeks to ease restrictions on lowering speed limits in New York City, a change for the better.
What Lies Ahead
Slower speeds mean safer streets, and it's a cause worth fighting for. The League of American Bicyclists stands alongside international public health organizations, municipalities, and countries advocating for 20 mph speed limits in areas shared by cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
Our focus is on the streets where these interactions occur, not on highways. Slowing down in urban and residential areas is our goal, and we're ready to collaborate with state and local organizations to make it happen. Stay tuned for our official campaign launch next month and join us in our national call to action for safer, slower roads. Together, we can make our streets safer for everyone.