We’re urging officials in the Town of New Scotland to lower the speed limit on Delaware Turnpike as it runs through Clarksville, NY to 25 MPH. This call reflects growing concern for the safety of children, pets, and pedestrians. Albany recently made this exact change to protect its neighborhoods—now it’s time for Clarksville to do the same. This might sound drastic, but at 35 Miles Per Hour you should be able to stop for a squirrel, but most vehicles are going 10-15 miles over that, nothing is being done, and it's time for that to change. 

Vehicles regularly speed down Delaware Turnpike as it runs through Clarksville—well beyond the posted limit. But this is a residential road where families live, children ride their bikes, neighbors walk their dogs, and people cross the street every day. When a car comes flying by, I can’t help but wonder: What if a child had been crossing the road? What if it were one of mine? What if it were one of my neighbors’ kids? These are questions no one in our community should have to ask.

We have all had to yell at vehicles speeding through here on Halloween, and while waiting at the bus stop. I walk these roads daily and have had to run into driveways and parking lots from time to time out of fear I might get hit by a speeding vehicle .

Sadly, the statistics are sobering:

> A pedestrian hit by a vehicle going 35 MPH has only a 50% chance of survival. At 25 MPH, the survival rate increases to 90%.

(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

That 10 MPH difference isn’t just numbers—it’s the difference between life and death.

In recognition of this, Albany, NY recently voted to lower its default speed limit to 25 MPH to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. If our state capital can prioritize safety in residential areas, then so can the Town of New Scotland.

We, the undersigned, respectfully ask town officials to:

• Lower the speed limit on Delaware Turnpike through Clarksville to 25 MPH

or

• Install clear signage and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, crosswalks, and radar monitors

• Review and enforce traffic safety to better protect residents and animals alike

Our community deserves to feel safe. We shouldn't have to wait until someone loses a child, a pet, or a neighbor to make a change.

Please help us make Clarksville safer, sign and share this petition today. Let’s act now to protect the lives of those we love

With heartfelt thanks,

Jordan Lemley

Resident of Clarksville, NY

Parent, Community Member, and advocate