What is the speed limit in most urban areas in BC unless otherwise posted?

The speed limit in most urban areas in British Columbia is generally set at 50 km/h unless there are specific signs indicating otherwise. This speed limit is established to promote safety in densely populated areas, where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles frequently share the road. The 50 km/h limit is considered a reasonable speed that allows drivers to react in a timely manner to potential hazards, such as suddenly crossing pedestrians or vehicles making turns.

In contrast, lower speed limits like 30 km/h or 40 km/h may be applied in particularly sensitive areas, such as near schools or residential zones, to enhance safety further. Higher limits like 60 km/h are not typically found in urban settings unless specific conditions allow for them, such as on multi-lane roads or highways that pass through urban areas. Thus, a speed limit of 50 km/h serves as a baseline that prioritizes safety while accommodating the flow of traffic in urban environments.