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Schenectady, New York, is moving forward with plans to lower the speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour on most city streets. The proposal, based on a study by the Capital Region Transportation Council, excludes Maxon Road Extension, parts of Erie Boulevard, and State Street. A public hearing to discuss the proposed change is scheduled for January 13.
The initiative follows a state law passed in 2022, allowing municipalities to set speed limits as low as 25 mph. City officials, including City Councilwoman Carmel Patrick, advocate for the change, emphasizing pedestrian safety and reduced traffic accidents. According to Times Union, City Engineer Chris Wallin stated, "This isn’t about tax revenue and making tickets, this is about safety."
Matthew Roe, a mobility planner with Stantec, presented the findings of the speed study, highlighting Schenectady's "high conflict density" due to numerous driveways and pedestrian crossings. Roe noted that national guidelines suggest even lower speed limits for some city streets.
The city plans to implement a public awareness campaign and a soft enforcement period, initially issuing warnings before ticketing begins. If approved, Schenectady will join other cities like Albany in adopting the lower speed limit.