On July 9, Vancouver City Council in British Columbia unanimously approved lowering the speed limit on the city’s local streets to 30 km\/h. Local streets are roads that do not have a centre line and are usually found in residential areas.<\/p>\n
According to a statement from the City of Vancouver, lowering the speed limit will greatly contribute to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Specifically, lowering the speed limit from 50 km\/h to 30 km\/h will reduce the fatality rate of pedestrians in accidents from 80% to 15%. In addition, slower speeds will reduce stopping distances by about 50%, making it easier to prevent accidents. In addition, noise levels will be significantly reduced, leading to improved air quality.<\/p>\n
Currently, the speed limit on roads in Vancouver is set at 50km\/h unless otherwise indicated, in accordance with BC regulations, but city officials have the power to lower the speed on individual roads, and the speed limit on greenways and roads around schools and parks is already set at 30km\/h.<\/p>\n
The initiative will expand the 30km\/h speed limit to all local streets in the city and will be gradually implemented once the new bylaw is formally enacted.<\/p>\n
Initially, the new speed limit signs will be installed at the entrances to 25 “slow zone” districts over the next three years. City Council has approved $230,000 for the signs and $20,000 for education and monitoring, with the possibility of expanding to more districts depending on future budget plans.<\/p>\n
Mayor Ken Sim said of the move, “There are many examples around the world of lowering the speed limit in residential areas, and it has made them safer. The statistics show the benefits.” City Councillor Pete Fry, who has long advocated for lowering the speed limit, told CBC Radio, “We want our residents to be able to walk around without worrying about getting into an accident.” He added, “As drivers, we have a responsibility to drive carefully and safely. But that’s not possible if you’re driving 50 kilometres per hour on roads where cats, dogs, children and balls are around.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"