On November 12, 2024, the Village of Briarcliff Manor Board of Trustees approved a change to the local road safety framework by reducing the Village-wide speed limit from 30 MPH to 25 MPH. This decision comes after a comprehensive Village-Wide Speed Limit Traffic Engineering Study conducted by DTS Provident Design Engineering, LLP, and represents a major stride toward improving multi-modal safety.
Background and Implementation Timeline
Historically, New York State law mandated a minimum speed limit of 30 MPH for Villages. However, recent legislative changes now permit Villages to adopt a lower speed limit, provided they conduct a formal engineering study to support the change. Briarcliff Manor seized this opportunity to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety. The new 25 MPH speed limit will take effect on May 27, 2025—six months after its filing with the New York State Department of State. The interim period allows for the procurement and installation of new signage and the execution of a public awareness campaign to educate residents and commuters about the change.
The Case for Lowering Speed Limits
Reducing the speed limit from 30 MPH to 25 MPH may seem incremental, but the implications for pedestrian safety are substantial. According to studies referenced in the DTS Provident report, the likelihood of pedestrian survival in a vehicle collision is significantly higher at lower speeds. At 25 MPH, both the reaction time of drivers and the stopping distance required are reduced, allowing for quicker responses to unexpected situations. While studies suggest that lowering speed limits may not drastically change overall driving speeds—drivers often travel at speeds they deem safe—lower limits encourage cautious driving and provide a legal framework for enforcement efforts to address speeding.
Roads Affected by the Speed Limit Change
The reduced 25 MPH speed limit will apply to all local streets under Village jurisdiction. However, roads classified as State, County, Village arterial, or Village collector roads will remain at their existing 30 MPH speed limit. Existing School speed limits will also remain in place. These roads will have their specific speed limit conspicuously posted for drivers to understand
Below is a detailed list of streets that will retain the 30 MPH limit:
- Scarborough Station Road/Kemeys Avenue
- Scarborough Road
- Pine Road
- Elm Road (from South State Road to Pine Road)
- Sleepy Hollow Road
- Old Briarcliff Road
- Chappaqua Road
- Pleasantville Road (outside the Business District only)
- South State Road
- North State Road
Additionally, major thoroughfares like Route 100, Route 9, and Route 9A, which are State roads, will also retain their current speed limits. Residents should note these roads are not subject to the Village’s new law.
Community Impact
This initiative underscores Briarcliff Manor’s commitment to creating safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. The Board of Trustees, supported by insights from DTS Provident’s study and input from local law enforcement, aims to foster a culture of safety and community well-being.
As May 27, 2025, approaches, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new speed limits and spread the word. Together, we can make Briarcliff Manor a safer place to live, work, and play.
So Slow Down, Briarcliff! 25 is the New 30!
