Speed Limit Initiative

In 2021, the Virginia General Assembly passed HB 1903, allowing local governments to reduce speed limits as low as 15 miles per hour in specific areas, ultimately making streets safer for those choosing to walk and bike, along with other vulnerable road users.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe System Approach is a set of guiding principles focused on addressing and mitigating the risks in our transportation system by preventing crashes and minimizing harm caused by crashes. The Safe System Approach works toward a future with zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries and prioritizes the elimination of crashes that result in death and serious injuries. This approach recognizes human error and emphasizes shared responsibility for enhanced safety while advocating for proactive measures to prevent crashes.

In response to an observed increase in walking, biking, e-bicycles, e-skateboards and scooters as dependable and preferred forms of transportation, Blacksburg is taking guidance from the Safe System Approach and implementing steps to increase safety for all modes of transportation on town streets by reducing speed limits in specific locations. Safer speeds are a key objective of the Safe System Approach, involving appropriate speed limits, targeted education, outreach campaigns, and enforcement. Several other Virginia communities have successfully implemented lower speed limits to help improve safety.

Proposed Project Area for Implementation:

The Town has selected the following areas to reduce speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph. Additionally, select streets in this area will be reduced to 15 mph. Implementation of lower speed limits in the below areas will be implemented in Spring 2025. Before and after implementation, current speed limits and traffic patterns will be observed and the impacts of lowering the speed limit will be studied.

• Downtown/Historic Sixteen Squares
• Bennett Street from Jackson Street to Harding Avenue
• Clay Street from Draper Road to Prospect Street
• Draper Road
• East Roanoke Street from Draper Road to Owens Street
• Lee Street from Draper Road to Prospect Street
• Main Street from Airport Road to Prices Fork Road
• Progress Street NE

Why Reduce Speed Limits?

Studies show that slowing vehicles can help reduce serious injury and death among pedestrians and cyclists. The faster a vehicle is going, the more likely a crash will result in a fatality. In 2019, pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and other non-vehicular occupants accounted for 20% of traffic fatalities, up from 15% in 2010 (United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

US Department of Transportation, Literature Reviewed on Vehicle Travel Speeds and Pedestrian Injuries. March 2000.
San Francisco MTA Vision Zero Action Plan, February 2015

Travel Times

According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2021 52% of all trips, including all modes of transportation were less than 3 miles. As seen in the table below, reducing speed limits over short distances does not add much additional travel time.

As a driver, what can I do to help prevent accidents?

As someone behind the wheel, there are several things you can do to help keep walkers, bikers, and other vulnerable road users safe. As always, it is everyone's responsibility to stay safe. Here are a few tips:

Slow Down: While the posted speed limit is the maximum speed allowed, driving slower can allow the opportunity for increased reaction time and extra time to spot potential hazards. As new modes of transportation, like scooters, become more common on the roads, streets are only getting busier. Lower speeds help ensure safer interactions between all types of road users. As illustrated in the graphic below, the perceived field of vision is reduced as speeds increase.

Field of Vision according to miles per hour (mph). Image source: NACTO Urban Street Design Guide (2013)Follow the Rules of the Road: Always pay attention to traffic signs, stoplights, crosswalks, and other road markings. These are there to keep everyone safe.

Questions:
If you have questions about this project, please use the "Questions" box below.