Lower speed limits coming to four Bellevue streets

Bellevue's Transportation Department plans to lower speed limits on four streets to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, part of the Safe Speeds Bellevue initiative. The speed limits will decrease from 35 to 25 mph on portions of 124th Avenue Southeast and Northup Way, while Village Park Drive and part of Northeast 40th Street will drop from 35 to 30 mph. The City Council approved these changes on June 3, and transportation staff will update the speed limit signs later this month. City officials will study the public's response to the new limits, using the data to inform future phases of the project. These streets were selected due to their proximity to schools and bike routes, with almost 90% of fatal and serious crashes occurring on streets with limits of 30 mph or more.

Safe Speeds Bellevue aims to support the Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The program has shown promising results in other cities, leading to reductions in speeding and crashes. Community engagement opportunities, including an online survey and in-person events, will be available later this summer.