Summary
New York City is lowering speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph in 250 areas to increase pedestrian safety and decrease traffic accidents. The initiative, linked to Sammy’s Law, should be in place by the end of 2025 with the adjustments starting at midnight on December 31. The focus areas for these changes include busy pedestrian areas, school zones, and residential streets.
Key Facts
- New York City is reducing speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph in 250 designated areas.
- The changes are part of Sammy’s Law, named after Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a young accident victim.
- Sammy’s Law permits speed limits to be reduced below the previous city minimum of 25 mph.
- The goal is to make streets safer for pedestrians and reduce traffic deaths.
- Speed limit signs reflecting the new rules will be up by midnight on December 31.
- The new limits apply to high-pedestrian areas, school zones, and shared streets.
- School zones will have speed limits cut to 15 mph, and some open streets to 10 mph.
- The project is set to be complete by the end of 2025, with ongoing impact assessments.
