<p>The Director and Council of the New Netherland ‘in order to prevent accidents’ passed an ordinance stating that ‘no Wagons, Carts or Sleighs shall be run, rode or driven at a gallop within this city of New Amsterdam’ except along the main street (Broadway). &nbsp;A fine of two pounds Flemish was also established for the first offense.</p>

<p>The director general and council of New Netherland do hereby order, for the prevention of accidents, that no wagons, carts or sleighs shall be run, ridden or driven at a gallop within this city of New Amsterdam, but that the drivers and conductors of all wagons, carts and sleighs within this city shall not sit or stand on them; however now henceforth within this city (the broad public highway alone excepted) shall walk by the wagons, carts or sleighs and so take and lead the horses, on the penalty of two pounds Flemish for the first time, and for the second time double, and for the third time to be arbitrarily punished for it, and in addition to be responsible for all damages which may arise therefrom. &nbsp;Thus done and ordered in the council of the director general and council of New Netherland, the 27th of June 1652.</p>

New Amsterdam enacts the first speed limit law in North America

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