San Diego Aims to Lower Speed Limits on 20% of City Roads

New report recommends data-driven approach to reduce speeds and improve safety across neighborhoods.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The city of San Diego has released a Comprehensive Speed Management Plan that proposes lowering speed limits on over 679 miles of city roads, or more than 20% of the total. The plan uses a data-driven analysis to identify corridors with high crash rates, heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and school zones as candidates for 5 mph speed reductions. The goal is to align the city's speed limits with its 'Vision Zero' safety priorities to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

Why it matters

San Diego's streets have long been designed primarily for vehicle throughput, leading to safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users. This new plan represents a shift towards a more balanced, data-driven approach to setting speed limits that prioritizes safety over speed. If implemented, it could have a significant impact on reducing crashes and making San Diego's streets safer for all.

The details

The Comprehensive Speed Management Plan was developed using a combination of traffic data, crash records, and community input. It identifies over 679 miles of city roads that are eligible for lower speed limits, including 189.6 miles of high-crash corridors, 32.6 miles with heavy pedestrian and bike traffic, 58.7 miles in business districts, and 371.1 miles in school zones. The plan recommends speed limit reductions of 5 mph on many of these roads, as well as lower limits of 15-20 mph in school zones and 20-25 mph in business districts.

  • The Comprehensive Speed Management Plan was released on February 19, 2026.
  • The plan could go into effect as soon as the next fiscal year, pending funding approval through the city's annual budget process.

The players

Stephen Whitburn

Councilman and Chair of the Active Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Margaret McCormick

Interim Assistant Director of the San Diego Transportation Department.

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What they’re saying

“Every San Diegan deserves to feel safe walking, biking or driving in their community. This plan provides a clear roadmap to reduce dangerous speeds, protect lives, and build streets that work for everyone.”

— Stephen Whitburn, Councilman and Committee Chair (timesofsandiego.com)

“The Comprehensive Speed Management Plan represents a significant step in aligning San Diego's speed limits with Vision Zero safety priorities. The city has a clear and consistent framework to reduce speeds where they will make the most safety impact for all road users.”

— Margaret McCormick, Interim Assistant Director, Transportation Department (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The plan could go into effect as soon as the next fiscal year, pending funding approval through the city's annual budget process.

The takeaway

San Diego's new Comprehensive Speed Management Plan marks a shift towards prioritizing safety over speed on the city's streets. By using data to identify high-risk corridors and implementing targeted speed limit reductions, the city aims to make its roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike as part of its broader Vision Zero initiative.