NYC lowering speed limit to 15 mph near hundreds of schools

"No longer will the lives of pedestrians and children playing outside be treated as an afterthought. The reduced speed limits will be in place even when school is not in session, said the city's transportation commissioner, Mike Flynn. Department planners and traffic engineers would scrutinize the streets around schools to identify where the 15 mph limits would be imposed."

"New York City will lower the speed limit to 15 mph at 800 more locations near schools by the end of 2026. By 2029, all 2,300 school locations will get adjacent 15 mph speed limits. The new limits are possible under a 2024 state law that authorizes the city to set lower speed limits in certain areas."

"We really have to look at each school in its own context. Eligible areas include those near kindergarten through 12 public, private, parochial and charter schools. Department planners and traffic engineers would scrutinize the streets around schools to identify where the 15 mph limits would be imposed."

New York City announced plans to implement 15 mph speed limits at 800 additional school locations by the end of 2026, bringing the total to 1,300 zones. By 2029, all 2,300 eligible school locations will have adjacent 15 mph speed limits. This expansion became possible under a 2024 state law authorizing lower speed limits in specific areas. The reduced limits apply year-round, regardless of school session status, and cover public, private, parochial, and charter schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Department of Transportation will determine exact locations through careful street analysis. Mayor Mamdani emphasized prioritizing pedestrian and child safety, while enforcement occurs through speed cameras and police stops.

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