Families, Advocates, NYC Council & de Blasio Administration Unite Around 25mph Speed Limit in NYC

United Voice Expected to Further Pressure Albany to Stem the Tide of Traffic Related Fatalities & Injuries on New York City Streets

New York, NY--On Wednesday, May 14th, 2014, the NYC Council passed resolution 111-A, sponsored by Council Member David Greenfield, calling on the State Legislature to pass legislation that would lower city speed limits to 25 miles per hour. This resolution, which passed through the Transportation Committee unanimously, signifies a united City government and has the support of transportation advocates and families of victims of car crashes. With this united front, the pressure is mounting on the State Legislature to take action before any more deaths occur from speeding drivers.

Car crashes account for more deaths in New York City each year than gun violence; and they remain the leading cause of injury related deaths for children under 14. Speeding is the leading cause of traffic related deaths in New York City and numerous studies have proven that when cars are driving at lower speeds, the chances of survival for those hit increase substantially.

Previously in support of a 20 MPH limit, Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez, Transportation Alternatives and the newly formed group comprised of family members of victims of traffic related deaths, Families for Safe Streets, today stood for unity in the call to Albany to take immediate, lifesaving action. With the belief that a steadfast coalition rallying behind a 25 MPH would provide a real chance at seeing this measure passed this term, they have joined the NYCDOT and the de Blasio Administration's efforts to see this through.

Currently, there are bills in the New York State Senate sponsored by Sen. Dilan and Sen. Holyman and State Assembly sponsored by AM Daniel O'Donnell that would accomplish this goal. Each have been amended to reflect the united call from New York City government and advocates.

"It's plain and simple. Lowering the city speed limit to 25 mph will save lives. I thank my Council colleagues, the de Blasio administration, and every advocate that has supported this resolution. It is clear that we finally have the necessary consensus across New York City on what needs to be done in order to keep our pedestrians safe, and it is now time for the state legislature to allow us to do our jobs," said Councilman Greenfield, sponsor of Reso. 111-A.

 "We strongly support the proposed legislation to reduce the default speed limit in NYC to 25 mph, while also empowering the NYC Department of Transportation the authority to reduce the speed limit on neighborhood streets to 20 mph quickly in order to save lives. It is imperative that this bill be passed by Albany this legislative session so that no one else is killed in traffic and no other families have to suffer as we do," said Amy Cohen, founding member of Families for Safe Streets.

"I commend Council Member Rodriguez and the NYC council for championing safer streets as one of the most critical issues we currently face," said Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, sponsor of 25mph legislation. "I've amended my bill, A8478, to reflect the 25mph language reached through negotiations with the Mayor's office and advocates. I am proud to be working with the City Council and Council Member Rodriguez on this, and I look forward to them quickly sending us a Home Rule Message on my legislation so it can continue on the path to becoming law."

"The amendments to the city speed limit legislation reflect an understanding among city officials, families and advocates. In the best interest of moving forward and addressing the increased incidents of traffic related injuries and deaths in New York City, I stand behind establishing a city-wide 25 mph limit. This proposal has always been about saving lives and if it gets us closer to Mayor de Blasio's goal of zero losses, it's the right course of action," said NYS Senator Martin Malav� Dilan, co-sponsor of 25mph legislation.

"The coalescing of City Council Members and advocates around a 25 mile per hour speed limit will help us advance the goal of 'Vision Zero,'" said NYS Senator Brad Hoylman, co-sponsor of 25mph legislation. "Mayor de Blasio, the NYC Council, and advocates have made their voices heard loud and clear; Albany must listen and allow New York City to implement this slower speed limit before we lose more lives."

"We thank Transportation Committee Chair Rodriguez for bringing the Council together to press Albany to pass legislation this session, so we can lower the citywide speed limit to 25 mph" said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "With the new Arterial Slow Zone program already lowering speeds to 25 mph on our most dangerous major streets, the city is sending a clear message that the current default speed limit of 30 mph won't get us to Vision Zero. If we're going to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries, we need to be able to bring the speed limit down in every community."

 "New York City urgently needs new tools to keep us safe from traffic violence caused by reckless and unsafe driving," said NYS Senator Adriano Espaillat. "As we work towards passing pedestrian safety measures in the Senate, the Council's support is a huge boost of momentum."