Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Streetsblog

Wednesday’s Headlines: Sammy’s Law in the Senate Edition

There was so much news out of Albany yesterday — and we covered a lot of it, with more on the way — but we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that the Senate's counter-proposal to Gov. Hochul's budget balloon included some language that will warm the cockles of livable streets hearts from Montauk to Mayville: "Sammy's Law" is getting closer to reality:

"The Senate accepts the Executive proposal authorizing New York City to lower its speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph," the Senate's bill states.

That's pretty much a green light for the city's ability to put a yellow light on drivers, especially given that the governor herself said she wants to pass the initiative, as we reported earlier this year. The initiative is named for 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein who was killed by a reckless driver in Brooklyn in 2013. For almost that long, activists have been fighting to get the city the right to set its own damn speed limits, something Albany (and not just Albanyhad long resisted.

But this year, we're optimistic.

Until the law passes, though, here's the news you need for a windy Wednesday:

    • Speaking of Albany, there was indeed lots of coverage:
      • The Daily News and amNY looked at MTA funding that would eliminate the fare hike.
      • The Post focused on how the state may seek property taxes from Madison Square Garden — and use it for the MTA.
      • Our story was about the nitty-gritty details of the legislature's budget proposal.
      • amNY covered a bill that would require "Barnes Dance" light timing at all intersections near schools — a bill that stems from our award-winning coverage of the unique dangers of school streets.
      • Hell Gate did its own post-mortem on the dead LaGuardia AirTrain, while our own Kevin Duggan spent all day riding buses in Queens to show that the new bus plan will still need help.
    • Now that's low: The LIRR can't run one-quarter of its trains to Grand Central Madison because the new tunnel is too low to accommodate them. (Gothamist)
    • The rent is too damn high ... for Council Member Chi Ossé. (NY Times)
    • Now here's a cargo bike! (The Verge)
    • Neile Weissman is not satisfied with the cosmetic improvements at the George Washington Bridge.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

New Yorkers Threaten Legal Action If Eric Adams Makes Bedford Ave. Less Safe for Cyclists

Brooklyn cyclists pledged to sue the city if they are killed or injured on Bedford Avenue after Mayor Adams makes it less safe.

July 15, 2025

E-Bike Fans and Foes Agree: Adams’s 15 MPH Speed Limit Won’t Make Streets Safer

A public hearing about the mayor's proposed speed limit devolved into a debate about e-bike licensing, naturally.

July 15, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Wet Wet Wet Edition

New York City experienced its second rainiest hour in history. Plus more news.

July 15, 2025

Civic Panel Dings Adams For Cutting Bike and Bus Lanes Out of Fifth Av. Redesign

Mayor Adams's scaled down redesign of Fifth Avenue isn't a "real solution" to safety issues on the packed retail corridor, Manhattan Community Board 5 said.

July 14, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: E-Bike Regulations Edition

Monday is a big day for the future of e-bikes in the Big Apple. Plus more news.

July 14, 2025
See all posts