There are different speed limits throughout the City of Campbell River. By default, the speed limits are, unless otherwise posted:
- 50 km/hr within the City
- 80 km/hr outside the City
However, Campbell River has areas with lower speed limits, for pedestrian and cyclist safety. At lower speeds, a driver is more likely to be able to stop a vehicle in reaction to an unexpected hazard related to a child, deer, cat or dog, for example. Also, if a collision occurs, the severity is drastically reduced at lower speeds. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle is significantly more likely to survive if the vehicle is travelling at a lower speed.
Birch Street Neighbourhood Bikeway
The City has lowered the speed limit on Birch Street to 30 km/hr. The new speed limit is in effect the entire length of Birch Street, from 9th Avenue to Albatross Crescent, plus:
- Albatross Crescent between Birch Street and Christopher Road
- Christopher Road between Albatross Crescent and Robron Road
School and playground zones along Birch Street have been converted to 30 km/hr all day, every day. The goal is to convert Birch Street into a neighbourhood bikeway. This involves providing safe and comfortable cycling facilities for cyclist of all ages and abilities.
School Zones and Playground Zones
School zones and playground zones may or may not be signed at 30 km/hr. If the school or playground zone sign does not have a 30 km/hr tab, the speed limit remains the speed limit on the street.
If a playground zone is posted at 30 km/hr, the 30 km/hr speed limit is in effect dawn to dusk, seven days a week. If a school zone is posted at 30 km/hr, the 30 km/hr speed limit is in effect 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. school days.
40 km/hr Residential Zones
We have instated 40 km/hr speed limits in many residential areas. You will see 40 km/hr signs as you turn off a main street onto a local street in these neighbourhoods.
The following areas have 40 km/hr speed limits:
- North Penfield area (the area behind the Sportsplex)
- Cheviot Road area (the area around Ripple Rock Elementary School, bounded by Petersen Road, the Spruce Street hill and the Campbell River Golf Club)
- Murphy Street
- Nodales Drive
- Jubilee Heights
- Gordon Road
Highways
Provincial highways are under the jurisdiction of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit. In Campbell River this includes Highway 19, Highway 28 and Jubilee Parkway from Highway 19 to Highway 19A. These are generally posted above 50 km/hr.