The Healdsburg City Council voted Monday to reduce speeds in key areas like school zones, downtown, and city entrances. Council members say the move, which passed 4-1, is all about saving lives and making streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Press Democrat reports the new limits are expected to be formally adopted on June 16th and go into effect about 30 days later, around mid-July. Healdsburg Police say they’ll issue warnings only for the first month to help drivers adjust.
While some council members voiced skepticism about whether lower limits alone will change driver behavior, the city plans a robust outreach program to inform the public. This initiative is made possible by AB 43, a statewide law allowing cities more flexibility in setting speed limits to improve safety.
Officials highlight that even a small reduction in speed dramatically increases the survival rate for pedestrians and cyclists involved in collisions.