Judge Blocks City From Implementing 15 MPH Bike Speed Limit In Central Park - Streetsblog New York City

"In blocking the city, Moyne is indicating that the New York Cycle Club has a reasonable shot of winning its larger case against the Central Park speed limit, which the club argues is "illegal" because the state law that granted the city the right to lower its speed limit to 20 miles per hour - aka "Sammy's Law" - does not authorize speed limits below 20 for non-motorized vehicles."

"The club had also argued that a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit would make its members unsafe as they train and recreate because it would push bike racers to city streets, which are "busier [and] more dangerous." The club's lawyer, Peter Beadle, argued for the restraining order on the grounds that forcing cyclists into traffic would comprise "irreparable harms that cannot be addressed through monetary or other relief.""

"Beadle also claims that the city has offered "no objective study or data justifying why it is important to make this [speed limit] change now." He cites a 2024 study of the Central Park Drives conducted by the Central Park Conservancy, and the city departments of Transportation and Park"

A state Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking New York City's attempt to lower bike speed limits in Central Park from 20 to 15 miles per hour. The New York Cycle Club challenged the reduction as an illegal application of Sammy's Law, which only authorizes speed limits down to 20 mph for non-motorized vehicles. The club argued that a 15 mph limit would force cyclists onto busier, more dangerous city streets, creating irreparable harm. The judge's decision indicates the club has a reasonable chance of winning its full case. The city announced the speed limit reduction in December as one of the Adams administration's final actions, though enforcement has not yet begun.

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