‘20 Is Plenty’ Campaign Now Underway in Neighborhoods

City of Falls Church officials were set to unveil a 20 mph sign to launch the “20 is Plenty” pedestrian safety and speed reduction campaign this morning (Nov. 16). An event to mark the start of the campaign was slated to be held at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Community Center. Speakers were due to include City staff, police, and members of the F.C. City Council and Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation.

This fall, many residential streets in the City of Falls Church will get new speed limit signs, lowering the limit to 20 miles per hour from 25 miles per hour. The City will be unveiling an education campaign, 20 is Plenty, to include yard signs, social media outreach, and more.

The effort, developed by the City Council in conjunction with city staff, is designed to support walkability and pedestrian safety, according to a city statement.

“A speed reduction to 20 mph has life-changing results for pedestrians. Crash data has shown there is a significant improvement in pedestrian survivability in the event of a crash when drivers are traveling at 20 mph as opposed to 25 mph. Also, traveling at higher speeds narrows your field of vision as you drive, making it more difficult to see and react to people in the roadway,” a city statement said. The new 20 mph speed limits legally go into effect on each street when the existing speed limit signs are replaced.

Residents can pick up a free yard sign to show support of “20 is Plenty” and to encourage safe driving in City neighborhoods. Signs are available at the City Hall Permits Counter (East Wing, 1st Floor) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Residents can also access a #20IsPlenty toolkit with social media graphics, wording for neighborhood newsletters, and a flier, available on the City’s website.