This document recommends maximum speed limits of 10-25 miles per hour for most city streets, increasing to 35 mph only in select, limited cases. The maximum recommended speed limit for any shared street or alley is 10 mph, and the maximum recommended speed limit for any minor street is 20 mph. The maximum recommended speed limits are based primarily on speeds that minimize risk to pedestrians and cyclists.

On major streets, where conditions vary widely, cities can conduct a Safe Speed Study to determine the safest maximum speed limit. In urban areas, a Safe Speed Study will most often result in a recommended maximum speed limit of 20 or 25 mph for major streets.

For streets that have well-protected places for people to walk and bike, and that are in low density areas with primarily manufacturing and residential uses, cities may find that a 30 or even 35 mph speed limit is appropriate. However, these higher speed limits should be used sparingly and only in cases where safe conditions can be met.