NYC Legislators Continue Fight to Set Own Speed Limits

A four-year battle to pass legislation that would allow New York City to set its own speed limits could finally come to a head as the bill’s supporters, which include Governor Kathy Hochul, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and state senators, prepare to take the bill back to the state legislature.

Cuba outlines the history of the proposed bill, known as Sammy’s Law in honor of a 12-year-old boy killed by a car near his home, which has faced opposition from state assemblymembers and the New York City Council. Cuba adds that “The bill on the table now would not automatically change the speed limit, but would merely allow the city to do so.”

Road safety advocates strongly support lower speed limits as an effective way to reduce the risk of fatal crashes and protect pedestrians. In New York City, “After the city got permission to lower its speed limits from 30 miles per hour to 25 mph (and 20 mph in school zones) in 2014, there was a 36-percent decline in pedestrian fatalities, advocates said.”