Bellingham has started installing 20 mph signs on residential and downtown streets to reduce crashes and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. (Photo: City of Bellingham)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Drivers in Bellingham will begin seeing 20 mph speed limit signs on residential and downtown streets as the city works to reduce serious crashes and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The City of Bellingham began installing the new signs Tuesday, Aug. 25. The lower speed limits apply to non-arterial residential streets and local access streets where speed limits are not already posted.
The 20 mph limit also applies throughout the downtown business district.
“We’re lowering speed limits because slower speeds protect people. Slowing down is a shared responsibility, and it’s an important way we can help keep our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors safe.”
Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director
“We’re lowering speed limits because slower speeds protect people,” Public Works Director Joel Pfundt said. “Slowing down is a shared responsibility, and it’s an important way we can help keep our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors safe.”
Where the 20 MPH Limit Applies
The new default speed limit covers residential streets that are not classified as arterials. Drivers should follow posted speed limits where signs indicate a different limit.
Downtown streets will also have a 20 mph speed limit. The city said traffic signals in the downtown area are already timed for 20 mph, so officials do not expect the change to affect traffic flow.
City crews began installing 20 mph signs at city entrances and downtown earlier this month. Additional signs will continue appearing as the city implements the new limits.
Police Will Begin With Warnings
The Bellingham Police Department will initially focus on education and warnings as drivers adjust to the lower speed limits.
Enforcement will begin at the start of the school year, according to the city.
The city said slower speeds give drivers more time to react and can reduce the severity of crashes, particularly when vehicles collide with pedestrians or bicyclists.
More Arterial Streets Could See Changes
The city also plans additional speed-limit changes on selected arterial streets.
Those changes are scheduled for summer 2027 and summer 2028. The city said the future updates will align posted speeds with municipal code, federal guidelines and engineering evaluations.
Bellingham officials said they will provide more information about those changes as the projects approach.
For now, drivers should watch for new 20 mph signs and adjust their speed accordingly on residential and downtown streets.
The city said the changes aim to make streets safer for people walking, biking and driving.
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