Can we lower the speed limit on my street?

In 2018, Bedford adopted a Town-wide statutory speed limit of 25 mph. This means that, on any street without a posted speed limit, the default limit is 25 mph. 

 

However, lowering posted speed limits is difficult. To reduce the speed limit on any street with a posted limit, state law requires the Town to first conduct a speed study. The Town must then base any new speed limit on the “85th percentile speed” – the speed that only 15 percent of cars exceed – even if that means raising the speed limit. 

 

Because of that requirement, the first step is to use traffic-calming measures to slow drivers down. If those are effective, the Town could then propose a change in the speed limit based on the new reality on the street.

Show All Answers

1. What is the Transportation Advisory Committee?
2. When and where does the Transportation Advisory Committee meet?
3. How can residents provide input to the Transportation Advisory Committee?
4. How does someone join the Transportation Advisory Committee?
5. How does the town decide where to build sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes?
6. Where are the next sidewalks planned for construction?
7. How are these improvements funded?
8. How long does it take to construct a new sidewalk?
9. How can I get my street added to the list for these kinds of improvements?
10. Can I get a crosswalk at a specific location?
11. Can the town add signs or speed bumps to prevent speeding on my street?
12. Can we lower the speed limit on my street?
13. Can anything be done about traffic on Great Road?