District 7 council member Marina Alderete Gavito released a council consideration request Jan. 29 to reduce the default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph, especially in neighborhoods within a quarter-mile radius of schools, community centers and parks.

What you need to know

A CCR is a request for the topic to be included in future council meetings. According to city documents, the request also includes additional actions designed to help create safer environments for pedestrians.

Additional actions:
  • Funding, fabrication and placement of new speed limit signage in priority areas
  • Increased enforcement in identified areas
  • Formalizing an initiative for the City’s Government Relations team to support legislation to change state code to allow municipalities flexibility in changing speed limits
The CCR also highlights the recently adopted Vision Zero and Complete Street policies—which are policies aimed at reshaping San Antonio’s streets to prioritize pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation—and how the change in speed limit conforms to these initiatives.

According to a news release, District 2 Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, District 5 Council member Teri Castillo, District 9 Council member John Courage and District 10 Council member Marc Whyte also support the measure.


Quote of note

“Everyone deserves to feel safe walking, biking, or simply enjoying their community,” said Alderete Gavito. “A small reduction in speed can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”