Lakewood Lowers Residential Speed Limit to 20 MPH to Improve Safety
The City of Lakewood has officially lowered its residential speed limit to 20 mph, completing the installation of over 475 new speed limit signs at neighborhood entry points and 21 additional signs at major city entrances. Previously aligned with the statewide 30 mph limit, the change was made in response to residents’ concerns about excessive speeding, noise, and safety risks in local neighborhoods.
Lakewood’s city council decided to reduce the speed limit after conducting an online poll, in which 44% of residents supported a 20 mph limit. City officials believe the lower speed will help create a safer and quieter environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers backing out of their driveways. However, early speed studies have shown mixed results, with some areas maintaining previous speeds and others seeing slight increases.
Lakewood follows the lead of neighboring cities like Denver and Golden, which have also adopted 20 mph residential speed limits with minor improvements in compliance. While some drivers are adjusting to the change, many were observed exceeding the new limit by 7-9 mph. To enhance enforcement and slow traffic further, the city is considering additional traffic-calming measures such as speed humps, radar signs, and other infrastructure changes.
