Public Safety

Bellingham lowers speed limits to 20 mph on residential, downtown streets

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

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Bellingham residents will see new 20 mph speed limit signs on residential streets and downtown starting Tuesday, August 25, as the city implements a citywide speed limit reduction. The Public Works Department says the change aims to reduce serious crashes and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Public Works Director Joel Pfundt stated, 'Slowing down is a shared responsibility, and it’s an important way we can help keep our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors safe.' Bellingham Police will initially provide education and warnings to drivers, with enforcement beginning at the start of the school year. Future updates to arterial streets are planned for Summer 2027 and 2028, aligning with municipal code and federal guidelines.

📄 Source: Local Government — https://cob.org/news/2026/residential-and-downtown-streets-changing-to-20-mph

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Bellingham residents will see new 20 mph speed limit signs on residential streets and downtown starting Tuesday, August 25“Drivers will begin seeing new 20 mph speed limit signs throughout Bellingham starting Tuesday, August 25, as the City lowers speed limits on residential streets and throughout downtown.”
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The city implements a citywide speed limit reductionNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The Public Works Department says the change aims to reduce serious crashes“The changes are intended to reduce serious crashes and create safer streets for people walking, biking and driving.”
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The Public Works Department says the change aims to improve safety for pedestrians“"We’re lowering speed limits because slower speeds protect people," said Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director.”
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The Public Works Department says the change aims to improve safety for cyclistsNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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The Public Works Department says the change aims to improve safety for driversNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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Public Works Director Joel Pfundt stated, 'Slowing down is a shared responsibility'““We’re lowering speed limits because slower speeds protect people,” said Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director. “Slowing down is a shared responsibility, and it’s an important way we can help keep our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors safe.””
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Public Works Director Joel Pfundt stated, 'it’s an important way we can help keep our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors safe'““We’re lowering speed limits because slower speeds protect people,” said Joel Pfundt, Public Works Director. “Slowing down is a shared responsibility, and it’s an important way we can help keep our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors safe.””
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Bellingham Police will initially provide education and warnings to drivers“As drivers adjust to the new limits, the Bellingham Police Department will initially provide education and warnings to drivers, with enforcement to start at the beginning of the school year.”
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Enforcement will begin at the start of the school year“As drivers adjust to the new limits, the Bellingham Police Department will initially provide education and warnings to drivers, with enforcement to start at the beginning of the school year.”
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Future updates to arterial streets are planned for Summer 2027“Additional speed limit updates on select arterial streets are planned for Summer 2027 and Summer 2028.”
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Future updates to arterial streets are planned for 2028“Additional speed limit updates on select arterial streets are planned for Summer 2027 and Summer 2028. These future changes will align posted speeds with updated municipal code, federal guidelines, and engineering evaluations.”
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The updates align with municipal code and federal guidelines“Additional speed limit updates on select arterial streets are planned for Summer 2027 and Summer 2028. These future changes will align posted speeds with updated municipal code, federal guidelines, and engineering evaluations.”