Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Program
The City of Riverside has officially approved a Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Program effort focused on improving safety for everyone who uses our streets.
Over the past few years, Riverside has continuously experienced severe traffic collisions on key corridors throughout the city. The program established 321 new Engineering & Traffic Speed Surveys to evaluate roadway conditions, traffic patterns, pedestrian activity, crash history, and speed data.
As a result of the study, speed limits will be lowered by 5 to 10 mph on 135 roadway segments, 36 roadway segments will receive newly established posted speed limits, and 63 roadways have been designated as Safety Corridors.
Program at a Glance
Why These Changes Are Needed
Research consistently shows that even small reductions in speed can dramatically reduce the likelihood of serious injury or death in a crash. Slower speeds improve driver reaction time, reduce stopping distance, and help create safer conditions for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike.
Between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025, Riverside had 2,806 collisions recorded from unsafe speeding.
The City established 321 new Engineering & Traffic Speed Surveys and evaluated roadway conditions, crash history, pedestrian activity, and traffic patterns citywide to better understand where safety improvements could have the greatest impact.
Safer Streets for Everyone
The Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Program is designed to create safer conditions for all roadway users, including:
Drivers
Families and Students
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Transit Riders
Neighborhoods
Lower speeds help create streets that are safer, more predictable, and more comfortable for everyone traveling throughout Riverside neighborhoods and business districts.
Safety Corridors Identified Across Riverside
As part of the program, Riverside designated 63 roadways as Safety Corridors. These are areas with higher concentrations of severe injury and fatal crashes, and they will receive additional safety enhancements aimed at improving visibility, awareness, and driver behavior.
Planned improvements include:
Updated Signage
Pavement Markings
Targeted Enforcement
These upgrades are intended to support safer travel conditions while encouraging drivers to slow down and stay alert.
What Residents Can Expect
Beginning this summer and continuing through winter, residents will see new speed limit signs installed throughout the city as the program is implemented. The Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Program reflects Riverside’s ongoing commitment to safer, more connected neighborhoods and a transportation system that works better for everyone.
Slow Down: Safe Speeds Save Lives
View the City’s one-page flyer for a quick overview of Riverside’s Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Program and key traffic safety information.
View the Slow Down Flyer (PDF) Opens in a new window.Reference Documents
The following City documents provide additional background on the Citywide Speed Limit Reduction Program, City Council action, adopted ordinance language, speed survey materials, traffic volume counts, and implementation recommendations.
Program Information
City of Riverside Speed Limit Reduction Program Report
Provides the main program report for Riverside’s citywide speed limit reduction effort.
City Council Staff ReportCity Council Staff Report (May 5, 2026)
Provides the City Council staff report introducing the speed limit ordinance and related program recommendations.
Safety Report ExhibitSafety Report Exhibit
Provides the Safety Corridors exhibit from the City Council staff report.
Adopted OrdinanceOrdinance Establishing Updated Speed Limits
Adopted ordinance amending and replacing Riverside Municipal Code Section 10.76.010 regarding speed limits.
Safety StudyLocal Roadway Safety Plan
Provides broader roadway safety context, priority locations, and supporting traffic safety strategies for Riverside.
Technical Appendices
Appendix A – California MUTCD Section 2B.21
Includes supporting California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices information related to speed limit signing.
Appendix BAppendix B – Speed Survey Statistical Summary Sheets
Provides speed survey summary information used to support the program’s recommended speed limit changes.
Appendix CAppendix C – ADT Traffic Volume Count Sheets
Includes average daily traffic volume count information reviewed as part of the speed limit reduction program.
Appendix EAppendix E – Policy Recommendations & Implementation Plan
Provides policy recommendations and implementation planning information for the speed limit reduction program.