For people walking and cycling, motor vehicle speed is a major threat. 

Higher speeds increase both the likelihood of collisions and the severity of those collisions. Research has shown that when motor vehicles are traveling at speeds greater than 40 km/h, both drivers and pedestrians are more likely to make mistakes judging the time required to stop or cross the street safely.

CLICK TO ENLARGE (source: “Cities Safer by Design”)

It is estimated that a pedestrian struck by a car travelling at 50 km/h is eight times more likely to be killed than someone hit at 30 km/h.

What’s Happening Elsewhere

Reducing vehicle speed limits has proven to be effective in preventing crashes and reducing the severity of injuries; even small reductions in vehicle speed can yield significant reductions in injury risk. 

In London, the introduction of 20 mph speed zones cut road injuries by 40%, according to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and researchers estimated the reduced speeds could save 200 lives a year, increasing to 700 if the zones were extended.

Many other cities across Europe have introduced reduced speed legislation, which has had positive transformative effects on communities, from both safety and cultural perspectives.

What’s Happening in British Columbia

In BC, we still have a long way ways to go. The Union of BC Municipalities has repeatedly requested that the Province allow incorporated municipalities to set blanket speed limits below 50 km/h in residential areas. Given the lack of provincial action, the only option left to cities is to place 30 km/h signs on every block of a street, which can be expensive and time consuming. Fortunately, the City of Vancouver has done this on the majority of its bike route network.

As well, in December 2011, the City of Burnaby adopted the recommendation for the trial installation of 30 km/h speed limit signs along sections of existing bikeways in two neighbourhoods.

What’s the Bottom Line?

While motor vehicle speed reductions can be achieved in part through road designs — which might include speed humps, serpentine curves (or ‘chicanes’), curb extensions, raised pedestrian crossings and traffic circles — legislative remedies are needed to ensure the safety, accessibility and inclusiveness of our transportation networks.

In addition to supporting initiatives outlined in the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure's Active Transportation Strategy "Move Commute Connect", the BC Cycling Coalition is requesting the Attorney General of the Province of British Columbia to:

  • Implement a default speed limit of 30 km/h on all local residential streets, specifically those with no painted centrelines

  • Allow municipalities to set blanket speed limits under 50 km/h

  • Work with the Ministries of Transportation and Infrastructure, Health, Finance, and Environment & Climate Change Strategy, to increase funding for traffic calming across the province