New York City Expands 15 MPH 'Slow Zones' Around Schools

Mayor Mamdani announces plan to lower speed limits near 2,300 schools by end of first term

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:26pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a major expansion of 15-mile-per-hour 'School Slow Zones' across all five boroughs, part of the largest implementation yet of Sammy's Law, a measure allowing the city to lower speed limits in targeted areas. The plan will reduce speed limits to 15 MPH at more than 800 additional school locations in 2026, bringing the total number of schools with the reduced speed limit to nearly 1,300 by the end of the year.

Why it matters

The goal is for every eligible public, private, parochial, and charter K-12 school in New York City to have a 15 MPH slow zone by the end of Mamdani's first term, covering roughly 2,300 school locations that house about 3,200 schools citywide. Advocates say the move could significantly reduce injuries and fatalities around schools where students, parents, and staff are frequently crossing busy streets during peak hours.

The details

Under the plan, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) will reduce the speed limit to 15 MPH at more than 800 additional school locations in 2026. About 700 existing school slow zones will be lowered from 20 MPH to 15 MPH, and roughly 100 new school zones will be created where current speed limits are 25 MPH. Locations will be prioritized using crash data and other safety indicators, and the city plans to combine the slower speed limits with additional street safety improvements near schools.

  • The rollout will include two major steps this year.
  • About 700 existing school slow zones will be lowered from 20 MPH to 15 MPH.
  • Roughly 100 new school zones will be created where current speed limits are 25 MPH.
  • By the end of Mamdani's first term, the goal is for every eligible school in New York City to have a 15 MPH slow zone.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the expansion of 15 MPH 'School Slow Zones' across the city.

Mike Flynn

The commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, which will be responsible for implementing the speed limit reductions and additional street safety improvements.

Amy Cohen

The founder of the advocacy group Families for Safe Streets and a longtime advocate for stronger traffic safety measures, including the passage of 'Sammy's Law' which enabled the city's speed limit reductions.

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What they’re saying

“Lower speeds save lives. Families spoke up after unimaginable loss to fight for Sammy's Law and deliver our city the power to make our streets safer. We will use every tool at our disposal to protect our neighbors as they move about our city.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (wabcradio.com)

“Even a small speed reduction can mean the difference between life and death in a crash.”

— Mike Flynn, Commissioner, New York City Department of Transportation (wabcradio.com)

“Sammy's Law will save lives wherever it is implemented. Today would not have happened without every family and advocate who fought for safer streets.”

— Amy Cohen, Founder, Families for Safe Streets (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

City officials say additional slow-speed zones in other neighborhoods may be announced in the coming months as the administration explores broader applications of Sammy's Law.

The takeaway

This major expansion of 15 MPH 'School Slow Zones' across New York City, enabled by the passage of Sammy's Law, represents a significant step forward in the city's Vision Zero safety strategy and efforts to protect students, parents, and staff as they travel to and from schools in the five boroughs.