Advocates say lower speed limits save lives and prevent fatal crashes on busy city streets.
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.”
FULL STORY: New Year, New Opportunity to Pass ‘Sammy’s Law’
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Chicago Could Join Other Cities in Lowering Speed Limits
Lowering speed limits by just 10 miles per hour can have a major impact on traffic safety.
NYC Sees 127 Traffic Deaths in First Half of 2024
The number is the highest since the city pledged to end traffic deaths through Vision Zero policies a decade ago.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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