Bill > S00573

This bill amends the vehicle and traffic law to allow New York City (which has a population over one million) to establish a five-mile-per-hour speed limit on designated "open streets". An open street is defined as a street segment where motor vehicle access is controlled by barriers and signage, and priority is given to pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicular street users. The bill modifies existing provisions about traffic calming measures to explicitly include open streets, permitting the city to set speed limits as low as five miles per hour on these streets. The purpose appears to be creating safer, more pedestrian-friendly urban spaces by significantly reducing vehicle speeds in specific designated areas. The law would take effect 90 days after becoming law, with provisions allowing immediate preparation of necessary regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S573