Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

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 New York City

Thursday’s Headlines: Gateway ‘Terminator’ Edition

President Trump abruptly announced he'd "terminated" the Gateway Tunnel project while taking aim at Chuck Schumer. Plus more news.

October 16, 2025

Trump’s Electrification Cuts are Short-Sighted: Report

EV infrastructure is far more valuable to the nation's prosperity and jobs market than the White House believes, according to a new report.

October 16, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Another Highway Boondoggle Erased Edition

Maybe the worm has turned on these awful boondoggles? Plus other news.

October 15, 2025

Book Excerpt Special: ‘War on Cars’ Hosts Explore Life After the Automobile

...and why it's so urgent that we work for a better future.

October 15, 2025

State Pauses Billion-Dollar Route 17 Expansion in Hudson Valley

One of the biggest highway boondoggles in the state may finally die a merciful death, thanks to Gov. Hochul.

October 14, 2025

Delivery Workers Continue Push For Deactivation Protections

Delivery workers put pressure on the City Council to pass a bill that would give them "just cause" protections.

October 14, 2025
See all posts