A proposal to reduce Chicago’s citywide speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph is closer to becoming a reality after gaining approval from the City Council’s Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety.
The committee passed the measure with an 8-5 vote during a Monday meeting, according to Block Club Chicago.
Committee Chair Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) is one of the ordinance’s lead proponents, and has stated it will help Chicago achieve its “Vision Zero” initiative to eliminate traffic deaths.
During Monday’s meeting, La Spata said that Chicago’s ambitious goal of ending traffic deaths is achievable through strategic policy changes. According to Block Club, Mayor Johnson also expressed his approval of the ordinance during a press conference last week.
Traffic deaths in Chicago have been on a downward trend, with 136 fatalities recorded in 2023—a 27% decrease from 2021, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation. However, despite this progress, the number of deaths remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
The city has already taken steps to reduce speed limits along specific throughways. According to Block Club, the city’s complete streets program has implemented 20 mph speed limits along certain streets.
Chicago’s proposal mirrors similar reductions in other major U.S. cities, including New York and Seattle. In New York, officials have credited the lower speed limit with a 23% reduction in pedestrian deaths, according to Block Club.
Implementing the citywide speed limit reduction is expected to cost approximately $3 million for new signage. The ordinance still requires full City Council approval, with a vote expected later this year.