San Diego starts lowering speed limits around schools

Driving the news: While reductions will vary by location, the city plans to cut speed limits near schools and some business district streets that have a history of crashes or a lot of pedestrians and cyclists.

• They're starting at the southern end of the city and moving north.
• The work is supposed to be done in mid-2027.

Catch up quick: The city is following an in-depth plan to decide where speeds should be cut.

• Roughly 20% of San Diego's roads, or about 680 miles, are eligible, according to the city.

What can change: Business districts can go down to 25 mph or 20 mph.

• School zones can go down to 15 mph, 20 mph within 500 feet, and 25 mph within 1,000 feet.
• Streets with more fatal or serious injury crashes can be reduced by 5 mph.

• Streets near sidewalks, bikeways, transit and activity centers can also be cut by 5 mph.

Yes, but: Not every street eligible for a cut will get one, and not all the speed limit changes can be made right away.

• Some need engineering review and City Council approval, according to a city news release.
• "The city will continue installing updated signs in phases while monitoring results and engaging the public to ensure speed reductions improve driver behavior and safety," the city said.