This morning, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an historic piece of legislation: a bill that gives New York City the authority to lower its default speed limit from 30 miles per hour, to 25 miles per hour. Statement from TSTC Executive Director Veronica Vanterpool below:

Statement of Tri-State Transportation Campaign Executive Director Veronica Vanterpool on Signing of Vision Zero’s Speed Limit Bill

Today, Governor Cuomo signed an historic bill that will grant New York City the authority to lower the default speed limit throughout the five boroughs from the current 30 mph to 25 mph. Sponsored by Senate Co-Majority Leader Jeff Klein and Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell, this law now provides the City with a crucial tool to help make the Vision Zero policy a reality.

Over half of the states in the United States have statutory speed limits of 25 mph, many specifically targeted towards residential and business areas. Given the density of activity in New York City, lowering the speed limit will help ensure the safety of all of New York’s residents and visitors, who will be able to walk, bike and drive in a safer, more livable city. It is estimated that passage of this bill will result in the prevention of 6,500 traffic injuries next year.

Tri-State looks forward to working with the Governor’s office and the legislature next year to expand this same authority throughout the state.