Transportation Alternatives and Families for Safe Streets Statements After State Senate Passes Sammy’s Law

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

72% of New York City adults believe the City should have the authority to set its own speed limits. 

Pedestrians are 67% more likely to die when hit by vehicles traveling 25 mph versus those traveling 20 mph.

ALBANY, NY — As members of Families for Safe Streets remain on hunger strike, the State Senate today passed Sammy’s Law, legislation that would allow New York City to finally set its own speed limits. Sammy’s Law also has support from Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, a supermajority of the New York City Council, and NYC DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. The State Assembly has yet to call a vote on the bill. 

Sammy’s Law is named for Sammy Cohen Eckstein, a 12-year-old boy killed by a reckless driver in Brooklyn in 2013 just a few blocks from his home. Since his tragic and preventable death, more than 2,242 people, including more than 100 children, have been killed in traffic violence in New York City.

Sammy’s mother, Amy Cohen; Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, whose son Bryan was also killed by a reckless driver; and Lizi Rahman, whose son Asif was killed by a truck driver, have pledged to remain on hunger strike until Speaker Heastie calls Sammy’s Law to a vote. 

Statement from Fabiola Mendieta-Cuapio, a member of Families for Safe Streets:

“Since my son Bryan was killed by a reckless driver when he was only five years old, I’ve come up to Albany countless times to fight for Sammy’s Law. I am so thankful that the State Senate has passed Sammy’s Law, again signaling their support for this lifesaving, essential legislation. It makes no sense that lawmakers in Albany get to decide the speed limits on New York City’s streets, and it makes no sense that we’re still waiting on the State Assembly to get this done. In honor of my son, and the thousands of other New Yorkers that have been killed, I will remain on hunger strike until Speaker Heastie calls a vote on Sammy’s Law. We’re demanding full transparency from our elected officials, and we won’t allow Sammy’s Law to be ignored or excluded any longer. Speaker Heastie: Call the vote.”

Statement from Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives:

“Sammy’s Law is common sense, lifesaving legislation. Thank you to Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and the State Senate for passing Sammy’s Law, and to the governor, the mayor, a super-majority of City Council, and the NYC DOT Commissioner for championing this critical bill. Now, all eyes are on the State Assembly. For three years, families who’ve lost loved ones have trekked to Albany to tell their stories and show photos of their dead children, partners, and parents time and time again in support of Sammy’s Law. They have and will continue doing so that no other New Yorker needs to suffer from preventable crashes. Speaker Heastie, put our children over politics and bring Sammy’s Law to a vote. When the State Assembly ignores this bill, it threatens the lives of everyone who walks, drives, and rides a bike in New York City.”

Statement from Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the sponsor of Sammy’s Law in the State Senate:

“New York desperately needs safer streets. Last year, the city recorded the highest number of child traffic fatalities since the start of Vision Zero. Let’s be clear: these are preventable, innocent deaths, and New York must act now in order to reverse this tragic trend. I am proud that the New York State Senate passed our Sammy’s Law (S2422A), which allows New York City control over its own speed limits. With the New York City Council having passed a home rule message and the Governor voicing support, it is now up to the Assembly to pass the bill and send it to the Governor's desk for signature. I thank Families for Safe Streets for continuing to sound the alarm and lead the way on street safety, and I look forward to getting our bill enacted."