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Reducing speed limits to increase public safety is an emotional, political, and controversial topic that has been debated by safety advocates, engineers, politicians, transportation officials, and the public for many years. A recent statutory change spotlighted the topic, requiring a deeper look into how speed limits are established and the effectiveness that lowering speed limits has on reducing vehicle traveling speeds, as well as the impacts on pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This document examines the history of speed limits, the recent statutory change, and the consequence of the change to communities. In addition, it examines the effectiveness of speed limit changes, outlines a process for agencies to follow when deciding to make a change, and offers alternative strategies for pedestrian and bicycle safety. History of Speed Limits MN Statute 169.14 was enacted in YEAR X, establishing consistent statewide speed limits for alleys, streets in urban districts, local roads, expressways, and interstate highways. Previously, speed limits were set locally. When established locally, speed zones were not consistent from city to city, were widely ignored and were thought to have been influenced more by local desires to generate revenue than considerations for safety. Statutory speed limits on most roadways include: 10 mph in alleys 30 mph on streets in urban districts (can be reduced to 25 mph if a speed zone is adopted and the roadway is property signed) 55 mph on other roads 65 mph on expressways 65 mph on urban interstate highways 70 mph on rural interstate highways However, If state or local authorities believe that the statutory limits would not be effective, the statute allowed for speed zones (non -statutory regulatory speed limits) to be established. Establishing a speed zone required that a speed study be conducted by MnDOT, and that the Commissioner of Transportation approved the change. Speed studies were conducted in accordance with guidance provided in the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD - Minnesota adopted their own version of this document commonly referred to as MN MUTCD). The MN MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers to install and maintain traffic control devices on public streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel in Minnesota. The intent of these standards is to create uniformity and consistency in all public transportation systems. Establishing a speed zone involved completing an engineering and traffic investigation (speed study). Speeds limits are then set within 5 mph of the 85th percentile speed or within 10 mph of the pace mean speed. This process was chosen based on past research that indicated where the prevailing speeds are seven to eight mph over the 50th percentile speed (approximately the 85th percentile speed), overall crash rates are at a minimum. Use of the 85th percentile rule and the pace mean speed is consistent with conclusions of available transportation research as well as MnDOT and FHWA's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Page 136 of 185