Somerville Lowers Speed Limit To 25 Citywide

SOMERVILLE (CBS) -- It might take a little longer to get around in Somerville as a new lower speed limit takes effect on Monday.

City officials lowered the speed limit across Somerville from 30 to 25 miles per hour. The desired effect, Mayor Joseph Curtatone said, are safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists.

"Having the ability to reduce speed that allows traffic to be calmed and a multi, sort of diverse use of mobility in the community is really important to us," Curtatone told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker.

The 25 mile per hour limit is imposed city wide, unless otherwise posted. Main thoroughfares and state roads will allow a higher speed. Some areas, though, might call for even slower driving.

Curtatone said the city may impose 20-mile-per-hour 'safe zones' in areas where pedestrians and bicyclists are most concentrated.

"Places of high concentration or activity of pedestrians and bicyclists such as schools, senior buildings, libraries, houses of worship, so forth," Curtatone said of areas that could become safe zones.

The city plans to work with residents to determine which areas earn that 20 mile per hour limit.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports