Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets Statements after Sammy’s Law Set to Pass in State Budget

Sammy’s Law will finally allow New York City to set its own speed limits.

ALBANY, NY — Today, Governor Hochul announced that Sammy’s Law, legislation that will allow New York City to set its own speed limits, will be included in the final state budget. 

Sammy’s Law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy killed by a speeding driver in Brooklyn in 2013 just a few blocks from his home. Since his tragic and preventable death, nearly 2,500 people, including more than 100 children, have been killed in traffic violence across New York City.

Statement from Amy Cohen, mother of Sammy and co-founder of Families for Safe Streets:

“Lower speed limits save lives, and I am overjoyed that Sammy’s Law will finally pass in the state budget. This means so much to not only my family, but countless families across New York who’ve been fighting for this for years.”

“In working to pass Sammy’s Law, I met with elected officials who would have been his age. He would have loved to do that, to be a changemaker. I only wish he could have had the chance.”

“I am grateful to every single member of Families for Safe Streets for their tireless advocacy, as well as our partners in government, bill sponsors State Senator Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Rosenthal, Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and City Council Speaker Adams. 130 peer organizations joined us in this fight, and we’re so proud to share this victory with them as well. Together we will continue the fight for safe streets, so no New Yorker has to know the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one to traffic violence.”

Statement from Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives: 

“New York City needs all the tools it can to end preventable traffic violence and keep people safe. Now, our lawmakers in Albany will finally pass Sammy’s Law.”

“We applaud our lawmakers in Albany, including bill sponsors Senator Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Rosenthal, for working to pass Sammy’s Law and finally give New York City the power to set its own speed limits.”

“This moment would not have been possible without the tireless advocacy of Amy Cohen and countless others for their unending advocacy and commitment to street safety.”

“Our work is not finished. We won’t stop fighting until everyone can travel around New York City without fear of death or serious injury.”