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Mamdani supports 15 mph speed limit for cyclists in Central Park
By
Rhiannon Rashidi
Published Feb 26, 2026
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By
Rhiannon Rashidi
Published Feb 26, 2026
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Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration is backing a controversial 15 mph speed limit imposed on cyclists in Central Park by his predecessor Eric Adams.
Adams’ order, which went into effect this month after a 60-day wait period, sparked a lawsuit from the New York Cycle Club, which argued the rule was unfair.
Peter Beadle, an attorney for the cycling club, argued Adams reduced the speed limit for cyclists in the park from 20 mph to 15 mph through a “perversion” of a new law meant to crack down on reckless driving. He said the lower speed limit jeopardizes cyclists' safety by forcing them to train outside the park.
But a spokesperson for Mamdani’s office stood behind Adams’ Central Park order — as well as the previous mayor’s move to impose a 15 mph speed limit for e-bikes across the city.
“The new speed limit in Central Park—which would apply equally to bikes and essential vehicles — aligns with the speed limit for e-scooters and e-bikes on city streets,” mayoral spokesperson Sam Raskin wrote in a statement. “This new speed limit would reduce confusion, promotes safety, and help ensure the park remains a comfortable place for everyone —from families and runners to daily cyclists. We are confident in this policy and look forward to defending it in court.”
A state judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the city from enforcing the speed limit, according to Beadle. Raskin’s statement indicates the city will continue to fight the case.
Mamdani has faced criticism from cycling advocates since taking office. The NYPD has continued to issue criminal summonses to cyclists who break traffic laws, despite Mamdani saying he wants to stop that practice.
Leah Reiss, a lawyer representing the city in the lawsuit, had argued the effort to block the lower speed limit was “moot” because signs were already changed in Central Park. The 15 mph speed limit for cyclists is now the “status quo,” Reiss wrote. According to court filings, the city changed the signs around Feb. 17.
“The city has a substantial interest in lowering speeds as part of other traffic calming measures to better ensure all visitors can enjoy Central Park,” she wrote.
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