San Francisco Will Lower Speed Limits on 23 Streets

A 2021 state law allows cities to reduce speed limits next to ‘business activity districts.’

1 minute read

August 3, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View from middle of street with streetcar rails and high-rise buildings on either side in San Francisco, Bay Bridge visible in background

Tri / Adobe Stock

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency voted to allow the city to lower speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on 23 streets near “business activity districts,” including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, and Union Square. Madilynne Medina reports on the story for SF Gate. 

“SFMTA plans to install signs with the new speed limits starting this September, Stephen Chun, a spokesperson for the agency, told SFGATE. He said installation will take about one year and should be completed by October 2024. The transportation agency will also conduct educational outreach initiatives for drivers, residents, merchants and neighborhoods in the affected areas.”

Lower speed limits are shown to reduce the risk of severe injury and death during car crashes for pedestrians and other road users. 

Thursday, August 3, 2023 in SF Gate

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog