County Enacts Target Speed Goals for Complete Streets Planning

Montgomery County officials are pushing forward with a new vision for safer streets, introducing target speed recommendations aimed at enhancing safety for all road users. During a recent government meeting, the focus was on the Complete Streets initiative, which seeks to establish long-term goals for typical travel speeds across the county's roadways.

The concept of target speeds, which has been in discussion since 2013, aims to tailor speed limits based on street function and land use context. This approach is designed to create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Notably, the county's 2023 legislation has already identified maximum target speeds for various street types, marking a significant step in the planning process.

While these target speeds are ambitious goals, officials clarified that they do not directly alter existing speed limits. Instead, they serve as a framework to guide future improvements and encourage safer driving behaviors. "We can say, well, we're not doing that. We're just setting a goal," one official stated, addressing community concerns about potential speed reductions.

The technical update revealed that nearly half of all street segments in the county—47%, or 647 miles—currently lack established target speed recommendations. This gap highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to traffic safety and urban planning.

As Montgomery County moves forward with these recommendations, the emphasis remains on fostering a safer, more accessible environment for all residents, regardless of their mode of transportation. The next steps will involve community engagement and further refinement of the Complete Streets design guidelines, ensuring that the vision for safer streets becomes a reality.