After years of protests and campaigns by activists and local leaders, the city will finally have the authority to set its own street speed limits.
The measure will be possible because it has been included in the state budget that is currently being negotiated in Albany between the legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Once the budget is approved by the legislature, it must be signed by the governor.
Included in the budget is so-called “Sammy’s Law,” in honor of 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was hit and killed in 2013 in Brooklyn by a speeding car.
One of the promoters of the law has been state Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who posted a message on social networks about its inclusion in the state budget.
“Saving lives is what #SammysLaw is all about.
“As an Assembly sponsor, I am proud that the 2024 New York State budget enshrines her legacy and that of countless others who died in car accidents by creating safer streets across the city,” the message reads. .
Saving lives is what #SammysLaw is all about.
As the Assembly sponsor, I am proud that the NY State budget of 2024 enshrines his legacy and that of countless others killed in car crashes by creating safer streets citywide. #SafeStreetsNow pic.twitter.com/fuOHhEaBzq
— Linda B. Rosenthal “the #OriginalRosenthal” (@LindaBRosenthal) April 18, 2024
This law will allow the City Council to set speed limits in the city, which are expected to be 20 miles maximum on most streets and avenues.
The non-profit organization Transportation Alternatives also posted a message on social media about the measure, praising the work of activist Amy Cohen.
“NEWS: Sammy’s Law will finally pass!
“This would not have been possible without the support of Amy Cohen, the members of @NYC_SafeStreets and many others for their endless commitment.
“We will not stop fighting until everyone can move without fear of death or serious injury,” the organization wrote.
NEWS: Sammy’s Law will finally pass!
This wouldn’t have been possible without the advocacy of Amy Cohen, @NYC_SafeStreets members, and countless others for their unending commitment.
We won’t stop fighting until everyone can get around without fear of death or serious injury. pic.twitter.com/HmfVN0GsXf
— Transportation Alternatives (@TransAlt) April 18, 2024
State Senator Jessica Ramos, among other politicians, also spoke out about Sammy’s Law.
“Sammy’s Law is happening!
“Thank you @NYC_SafeStreets, @bradhoylman, @LindaBRosenthal, @AndreaSCousins, @CarlHeastie and @GovKathyHochul for advocating for this life-saving measure.
“The children of my district thank you,” the senator wrote.
Sammy’s Law is happening!
Thank you @NYC_SafeStreets, @bradhoylman, @LindaBRosenthal, @AndreaSCousins, @CarlHeastie& @GovKathyHochul for championing this life-saving measure.
The children of my district thank you. pic.twitter.com/1Kgcp3oRG2
— Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramosqns) April 18, 2024
Watch the video with Jennifer Cabana’s report from Sunset Park.
We invite you to visit us on the new NY1 Noticias channel on WhatsApp. There you will find the most relevant news about what is happening in New York, as well as other coverage about the rest of the country, Latin America and the world. click in this link to access the channel. We thank you in advance if you become one of our followers and express your reaction to what we publish with an emoji.
