The response has been great since we issued the Action Alert last week. Many thanks to the almost 60 MassBike supporters who have already reported contacting 37 representatives and 22 senators to move the bill forward. If you have emailed or called your state rep and state senator, but haven't told us, please email [email protected] so we can keep track of who has been contacted.

More contacts are better, so please take a moment to review the Action Alert below and make those calls and emails RIGHT NOW. The more legislators who express their support of the bill to Speaker DeLeo, the more likely it is that he will move the bill forward.

MassBike also wants to express our appreciation for the support of the co-sponsors of the bill, among them Representatives Denise Provost, Sean Garballey, Tim Toomey, Charley Murphy, Liz Malia, Jonathan Hecht, Martha Walz, Mike Rush, Will Brownsberger, and Frank Smizik, and Senator Pat Jehlen.

Original Action Alert:

MassBike needs your help to pass House Bill 4728 to reduce the prevailing speed limit in Massachusetts urban areas from 30mph to 25mph. MassBike and other safety advocates have long supported efforts to decrease the speed limit, and this is the closest it has ever been to passing! This bill, originally sponsored by Representative Denise Provost (Somerville), would significantly increase pedestrian safety in neighborhood settings by slowing vehicle traffic to speeds safer for walkers and cyclists. It is currently in the House Committee on Bills in Third Reading, and when it reaches the Senate, it will be on the fast track, so please take action to support this bill by calling or emailing TODAY.

Why is this bill important? This is an important safety measure because bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities from crashes with automobiles are directly related to speed: When struck by a vehicle going 40 mph, 90% of bicyclists and pedestrians die, as compared to only 5% when the vehicle is going 20 mph. Massachusetts' prevailing speed limit of 30 mph is too fast for local roads in densely developed areas, and 25 mph is the safer standard, which has been adopted by many other states across the country. Massachusetts should join these states in protecting the safety of all our residents and visitors.

What can you do to help?

1. Call or email your State Senator and ask him or her to ask Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo to move H4728 forward.

2. Call or email your State Representative and ask him or her to ask Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo to move H4728 forward.

3. Email [email protected] to let us know who you contacted.


Thanks for your help - we can't do it without you!

Click here to find your State Representative (called "Rep in General Court") and your State Senator (called "Senate in General Court"), then click on their names to get phone numbers and emails.