City council approved the bylaw today, with Mayor Marc Bureau saying the measure will “improve everyone’s safety on the roads, pedestrians and cyclists included.” It comes into effect in 90 days.
The new speed limits are:
- 30 km/h in elementary school and playground zones
- 40 km/h on residential side streets
- 50 km/h on arteries and collectors
A cursory Internet search turned up some research to back Gatineau’s safety claims, such as this Australian paper that concludes “vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) are likely to benefit most form reductions in average travel speeds.” The study also says the reduction has minimal impact on travel times and helps people save gas, too.
Whether Gatineau actually becomes safer for cyclists will depend on driver behaviour and police enforcement — something the city makes clear in its release — but I take this move as a positive sign.
The current speed limits aren’t enforced! I don’t see this changing much without enforcement.
Yes, that is a concern. To the City of Gatineau’s credit, they did say this was a key part of making the measure effective.