Title
Consider taking a position on Assembly Bill (AB) 1014 (Rogers) Traffic safety: speed limits.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors consider taking a position on AB 1014 (Rogers) Traffic safety: speed limits.
SUMMARY:
Assemblymember Chris Rogers has introduced legislation, AB 1014 (Rogers) Traffic safety: speed limits. This bill aims to improve road safety, particularly in high-traffic and vulnerable areas, by providing more flexibility in setting speed limits and addressing local safety issues.
The Board’s Legislative Committee received a report on AB 1014 at their April 14, 2025, meeting, but did not reach a consensus on a recommendation, so took no action on the bill.
DISCUSSION:
In California, speed limits are determined by engineering and traffic surveys that assess the 85th percentile speed, or the speed at which 85% of vehicles travel in free-flowing conditions. AB 1014 aims to improve road safety, particularly in high-traffic and vulnerable areas, by providing more flexibility in setting speed limits and addressing local safety issues.
Specifically, AB 1014 has two main objectives: 1) to establish clear guidelines for adjusting speed limits in high-traffic areas with vulnerable road uses, such a locations with a high concentration of pedestrians, cyclists, or areas designated as “safety corridors” due to higher rates of collisions or fatalities; and 2) to create the option to adjust speed limits on state highways, including reductions up to 10 miles per hour (mph), based on specific safety concerns.
This bill aims to improve public safety by giving local authorities and Caltrans additional tools to adjust speed limits in response to specific conditions, such as the presence of vulnerable populations and high-risk areas.
AB 1014 is set to be heard in the Assembly Committee on Transportation on April 21, 2025. According to the Committee analysis on the bill there is no registered opposition and the following are listed as supporters:
California Bicycle Coalition
Del Norte County Board of Supervisors
Hopland Municipal Advisory Council
Nevada County Transportation Commission
Office of Monterey County Supervisor, Chris Lopez
PeopleForbikes
Rural County Representatives of California
Sonoma County Transportation Authority
Streets Are For Everyone
Streets for All
Attached to this report are the bill text, bill analysis, fact sheet, and a draft support letter.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The County Administrative Office - Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs Division (CAO-IGLA) prepared this report. Information was provided by Assemblymember Rogers’ Office, and by Nossaman LLP (the County’s state legislative advocates).
FINANCING:
Approval of the recommended action has no impact on the General Fund.
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, Legislative Program Manager, x3045
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Chief Assistant CAO, x5145
Attachments:
- AB 1014 (Rogers) Bill Text - as amended 4/8/25
- AB 1014 (Rogers) Fact Sheet - 2/20/25
- AB 1014 (Rogers) Bill Analysis - Assembly Transportation (hearing date 4/21/25)
- DRAFT AB 1014 (Rogers) support letter