Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

What People Think of a Citywide 25 MPH Speed Limit in Decatur

More than two-thirds of Decatur residents support a citywide default 25 mph speed limit, according to the 2014 Decatur Citizen Survey

Last year, New York City enacted a citywide 25 mph speed limit, a central plank in Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero street safety platform. Are other American cities going to follow suit?

Outside Atlanta, Decatur, Georgia, has been mulling a reduction of its default speed limit for a few years. The results of a 2014 survey indicate that it would be broadly popular, with support from two-thirds of residents, reports Network blog Decatur Metro. Like many American cities, Decatur has some major streets where the state DOT sets the limit, but the effect of a new 25 mph policy would still reach far:

As you can see, over half of Decatur residents either strongly or somewhat support a 25 mph speed limit on Decatur roads. Notice the question says “most” Decatur roads. State route speed limits, like Scott Boulevard, are controlled by the state.

...basically all Decatur residential streets would be affected if Decatur implemented this new across-the-board speed limit of 25 mph. The city held public input sessions on this topic back in 2013. If the city moves forward with this change at some point in the future, the major change would be on 35 mph streets, like Commerce, Clairemont, College, South Candler, West Howard, etc.

Elsewhere on the Streetsblog Network: Streets.mn posts a great map that shows how Minnesota's road system functions as a gigantic tax transfer from cities to rural areas. Stop and Move wonders if Fresno's infill development plans can withstand Fresno NIMBYs. And The Urbanist has a photo update on Seattle's newest protected bike lane.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Thursday’s Headlines Are Charged Up for the Fourth

The Republican megabill is bad for the electric vehicle industry, but it could be worse.

July 3, 2025

Why is the Secretary of Transportation Begging Americans to Take More Road Trips?

Instead of making America easier to see on all modes, the US Department of Transportation is encouraging U.S. residents to just get in their cars and drive.

July 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children

From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.

July 2, 2025

Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods

"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Sprawling Headlines

Sprawl seems to be having a moment, but it remains a very shortsighted and environmentally disastrous way to solve the housing crisis.

July 1, 2025
See all posts