In December 2021, City Council voted to reduce the speed limit from 30 to 25 miles per hour on any street where a specific speed limit is not posted. This change will go in effect on July 1, 2022.
With the increase in bike and pedestrian activity, data shows a disturbing increase in the number of vehicle-bike/pedestrian conflicts.
(This data is readily available from the Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) through the Planning Commission.)
Based upon AAA data, there is a 70% greater chance for fatality in bike/pedestrian conflicts at 30 MPH, versus 25 MPH.
Click here to read the amended Ordinance of the Knoxville City Code, Chapter 17, Article VI, Division 1, § 17-262.
* Currently, the City has 4,062 speed limit signs throughout the City, and this Ordinance will affect 43 signs. This represents 1.06% of the signage that may be impacted by this Ordinance amendment.