Cyclists Sue NYC Over Central Park 15 MPH Speed Limit | Sammy’s Law Dispute

New York City cyclists are challenging a recent decision by the Adams administration to lower the speed limit within Central Park to 15 mph, arguing the move misinterprets a state law intended for motor vehicles. The New York Cycle Club filed a lawsuit this week alleging the city “acted illegally, arbitrarily and capriciously” in applying the new restriction to all park users, including cyclists and essential vehicles.

The dispute centers around “Sammy’s Law,” enacted in 2024, which granted the city Department of Transportation (DOT) the authority to reduce speed limits on certain streets. The DOT initially stated the law provided the basis for the Central Park speed reduction, announced in December 2025. However, the New York Cycle Club contends that the specific section of Sammy’s Law cited by the city only applies to “motor vehicles,” not bicycles.

According to court papers, the lawsuit asserts that Sammy’s Law permits a 15-mph limit for motor vehicles only when coupled with traffic-calming measures designed to mitigate the negative effects of car traffic and improve conditions for non-motorized users like cyclists. The club argues the city bypassed its own rule-making process and improperly broadened the scope of the law.

Peter Beadle, the lawyer representing the New York Cycle Club, expressed frustration with the city’s approach. “It’s unfortunate and absurd that this challenge is having to be brought by cycling groups because Mayor Adams chose to pervert the meaning of Sammy’s Law and circumvent the city’s own rule process,” Beadle told Streetsblog. The club’s complaint further claims the new speed limit “will damage public health,” arguing that discouraging cycling, particularly for fitness training, undermines the city’s goals of promoting active transportation and healthier lifestyles.

The lawsuit arrives as the city continues to grapple with traffic safety concerns and the implementation of Sammy’s Law, which was originally prompted by the tragic death of 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, who was struck by a driver near Prospect Park. The law aimed to empower the city to proactively address dangerous driving conditions.

The DOT, however, defends its decision, stating the 15 mph limit applies equally to bicycles and essential vehicles, aligning with the speed limit for e-scooters and e-bikes on city streets. “This new speed limit reduces confusion, promotes safety, and helps ensure the park remains a comfortable place for everyone — from families and runners to daily cyclists,” a DOT spokesperson said in a statement. “We are confident in this policy and look forward to defending it in court.”

The impact of the new speed limit on enforcement remains unclear. As of February 20, 2026, it is unknown whether the New York Police Department (NYPD) has begun actively enforcing the 15 mph restriction. The NYPD has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The New York Cycle Club’s lawsuit isn’t simply a challenge to Sammy’s Law itself, but rather a specific objection to its application in this instance. The club emphasizes it supports efforts to improve safety within Central Park, but believes the city’s approach is misguided and potentially detrimental to cyclists.

The lawsuit highlights a growing tension between different modes of transportation within the park. While the city aims to create a more harmonious environment for all users, the cycling community fears the speed limit will disproportionately impact competitive cyclists and even recreational riders who enjoy the park’s loop for training and exercise. The club argues that the 15 mph limit poses an “existential” threat to competitive cyclists and will negatively affect casual riders as well.

The case raises broader questions about the balance between safety regulations and the freedom of cyclists to utilize public spaces for recreation and training. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for future transportation policies within Central Park and potentially other parks across New York City. The city’s decision to defend the policy in court suggests a firm commitment to its vision for a safer, more accessible Central Park, even in the face of legal challenges from a key stakeholder group.

The legal battle is expected to unfold in the coming weeks and months, with the New York Cycle Club seeking a court order to prevent the city from enforcing the 15 mph speed limit. The case will likely focus on the interpretation of Sammy’s Law and whether the city overstepped its authority in applying the law to bicycles.