NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A167
SPONSOR: Epstein TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to authorizing
a five mile per hour speed limit for open streets in cities having a
population in excess of one million
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To authorize New York City to set a five mile per hour speed limit on
open streets.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends subparagraph (a) of paragraph 27 of subdivision (a) of
section 1642 of the vehicle and traffic law to authorize a speed limit
of five miles per hour on open streets within the City of New York.
Section 2 sets the effective date.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
The amendment clarifies which section of law is being amended and
provides a definition of "open street."
JUSTIFICATION:
The Open Streets program is designed to allow pedestrians and cyclists
to enjoy the city streets with limited or no vehicle traffic. On streets
where vehicles are permitted, the NYC Department of Transportation
advises motorists to "be extremely cautious and to drive 5 MPH or slow-
er." However, drivers regularly travel at speeds much higher than 5 MPH,
posing a danger to other individuals who want to enjoy the open streets.
Streets designed for walking and cycling should be protected against
vehicles which travel at highly unsafe speeds. New York City should have
the authority to set a 5 MPH speed limit on open streets.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: A10647 (Epstein) / S 9569 (Salazar)- Assembly Transportation /
Senate Rules
2023-24: A1416/ S315A - died in transportation / DIED IN TRANSPORTATION
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
Undetermined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.
