Virginia makes history with new speed limiter law — Now it's New York’s turn
Families for Safe Streets in Virginia just made history, passing the nation’s first law mandating speed limiters for the most reckless drivers — with bipartisan support in a state with a Democratic legislature and a Republican governor. If they can do it there, we can do it here.
In just the past few months, Families for Safe Streets chapters across the country have introduced similar bills in seven states and counting. Now, here in New York, our fight is heating up.
We’re pushing to pass Speed Limiters for the Most Reckless Drivers in Albany. This life-saving law would require New York’s most dangerous speeders — drivers with the worst records of excessive speeding — to have speed limiters installed in their cars, capping their speed to just five miles over the limit.
This technology is proven to save lives. But we can’t win without you. If Virginia can do it, New York can, too.
Three Things to Know
A safer Ashland Place is within reach. Big news: Brooklyn Community Board 2 voted in favor of closing the gap on Ashland Place. Despite promises of a continuous protected bike lane and pedestrian safety improvements, one critical block between Hanson Place and Lafayette Avenue remains dangerously incomplete. Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene deserve connectivity, walkability, and real street safety. Sign our petition now to demand a safe Ashland Place!
Join us at City Hall on April 21 to support universal daylighting! Daylighting — removing parking spaces near crosswalks to improve visibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers — saves lives. Now, we have a chance to bring it to every intersection in New York City. With a new bill in the City Council and an important hearing on April 21, we need a strong show of support to make this change happen. Join us at City Hall or online to testify in favor of universal daylighting and help make our streets safer for everyone.
In the news. Here’s what we’re reading this week.
Congestion pricing has sped up Access-A-Ride trips by 5% in Manhattan’s congestion relief zone, reports The City.
Broadway attendance is also soaring thanks to congestion pricing. Since the start of congestion pricing, Broadway shows have seen a 19% increase in attendance, according to amNY.
Automated enforcement works! Bus-mounted traffic cameras are speeding up trips and reducing crashes, with MTA data showing a 5% boost in speed and 20% fewer collisions, read more in Streetsblog.
Two Things to Do
Join TABK’s Windsor Terrace Safe Streets Workshop. Do you have ideas for making Windsor Terrace safer for walking and biking? We want to hear from you! Join us at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7 at 500 19th Street. This community workshop brings together neighbors to share their vision for safer, more accessible streets. We’ll also have kid-friendly activities, so bring the whole family! For questions, reach out to Brooklyn@transalt.org.
Explore BetaNYC’s Mapping for Equity Toolkit with NYC Open Data. Want to learn how to use open data to advocate for more equitable public spaces? Join NYC Open Data’s virtual workshop at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. They’ll walk you through the Mapping for Equity Toolkit, which helps communities highlight underrepresented public spaces and push for more equitable data representation across New York City.
One Action to Take Now
Sign our petition to support universal daylighting. We’re gearing up for the big daylighting hearing on April 21, and we need you with us. Sign our petition today to show your support for universal daylighting and help us push for this life-saving change across the city!
