Boston City Council considers lowering speed limits after deadly pedestrian crashes

By Madison Lucchesi

Boston City Councilors are considering dropping residential speed limits to 20 miles per hour from 25. Drivers are injuring and even killing pedestrians in residential areas. 

“On residential streets that is still too fast,” said City Councilor Enrique Pepen, regarding the potential speed limit change.

On Wednesday, a man was killed by a cement truck, and on Thursday, a man suffered life-threatening injuries after he was hit by a truck. Less than two weeks ago, a 4-year-old girl was killed after being struck by a pickup truck.

In 2023, there were 587 pedestrian-related incidents, according to city reports.

City Councilor Ed Flynn wants speed limits to be strictly enforced with more police presence in residential areas. Flynn began advocating for lower speed limits in 2018 after a 2-year-old was killed.

Some residents are concerned traffic will worsen if speed limits are lowered.