Pilot 20 mph Speed Limit Shows Multiple Benefits

A press release announcing the results of Edinburgh, Scotland's 20-mph speed limit pilot finds multiple benefits in walking, biking, and the number of children allowed outside.

1 minute read

September 23, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Among the findings claimed by the press release:

  • "Those considering cycling to be unsafe fell from 26% to 18%."
  • "Children cycling to school rose from 4% to 12%. For older primary age children it rose from 3% to 22%."
  • "Children allowed to play on the pavement or street rose from 31% to 66%."
  • "Walking trips rose 7%, cycling trips rose 5% and car trips fell 3%."

Following the pilot in South Edinburgh, Edinburgh is considering an expanded network of 20 mph speed limits around the city (view a map of the proposed network here).

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 in 20’s Plenty for Us

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Green electric Volkswagen van against a beach backdrop.

The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.

March 3, 2025 - ABC 7 Eyewitness News

Canadian flag in foreground with blurred Canadian Parliament building in background in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Has President Trump Met His Match?

Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.

March 11, 2025 - Toronto Star

Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington.

Washington State May Cap Rent Increases at 7 Percent

House Bill 1217 was passed by the House and will move next to the state Senate.

46 minutes ago - Washington State Standard

Unhoused man holds up cardboard sign on street corner in Anchorage, Alaska with snowy mountains in background.

Alaska Considers “Homeless Bill of Rights”

The proposed bill builds on laws enacted by Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Illinois.

1 hour ago - Alaska Beacon

Public space with seating and 'The Gathering Place' metal sign on gateway arch in Erwin, TN.

Report: The State of Public Spaces

A 50-year-old institution takes stock of placemaking in the public realm today.

2 hours ago - Project For Public Spaces

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.