NYC Lowers Bike Speed Limit In Central Park

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York City is moving to lower bicycle speeds in Central Park in the wake of two fatal pedestrian-bike collisions this year.

The city has been posting signs in the park declaring a 20-mph speed limit for both vehicles and bikes, 1010 WINS' Sonia Rincon reported. That's a drop from 25 mph.

The NYPD said there will be a period of public education and warnings before enforcement begins.

The city also is looking at redesigns that could help make crosswalks safer for parkgoers.

In September, Jill Tarlov, a former 1010 WINS employee and the wife of a CBS executive, was struck and killed by a cyclist in the park.

In August, a 75-year-old jogger who was training for the New York City Marathon died after he was hit by a cyclist.

In another high-profile case, U2 frontman Bono suffered injuries while cycling at Central Park last month.

Jim, who was walking through the park Monday but also bikes, said the new speed limit is fair.

"It's hard to tell, but I think most people, if they're going at high speeds, know how fast they're going," he told Rincon.

Sharon agreed 20 mph is perfectly reasonable.

"They don't need to go any faster," she said. " ... I don't think it's going to hinder them."

In four of the busiest spots in the park, there are stretches where the limit is 10 mph.

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