Courtesy of NYC DOT
By Michael V. Cusenza
City Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on Monday announced new steps the agency is taking to expand bike infrastructure and encourage the safe operation of e-bikes.
NYC DOT is on track to install a record number of protected bike lanes in 2023, to harden more than 10 miles of existing bike lanes, and to use sturdier materials in new bike lanes. NYC DOT will also launch a public awareness campaign on the safe operation of e-bikes.
This work comes as the agency also announced on Monday that cycling across the five boroughs has reached a new all-time high. For the first time ever, more than 24,000 trips were recorded over East River bridges during an average in-season weekday. And more than 38,000 cycling trips were counted during an average 12-hour window across Manhattan avenues at 50th Street.
Upcoming protected bike lane projects include a range of high-ridership corridors, bridges, priority investment areas in underserved communities, and innovative bike boulevards. Hardening efforts will include the installation of cement Jersey Barriers and the continued testing of new materials along bike lanes in all five boroughs.
“The proof is in the data: more safe cycling infrastructure means more cyclists on our streets. As we’ve built more and more bike lanes, we’ve seen bicycle ridership reach historic levels,” Rodriguez said. “We will be installing a record number of high-quality, protected bike lanes this year to save lives and continue encouraging this growth. We’re focusing on thoughtfully expanding our existing bike network with new lanes in underserved communities; new connections across bridges; and comprehensive neighborhood networks—all while developing innovative new bike boulevard designs that reduce vehicle volumes and prioritize cycling safety.”
Protected bike lanes in priority investment areas include the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge, from 165th Avenue to the Kiteboard Launch.
At least one elected official is ready to help DOT make the plan a reality.
“The Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge is the main roadway to travel to the communities in the southern end of Queens, our fantastic beaches, as well as the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. This route sees bike riders pedaling across the bridge on a daily basis, where they oftentimes have to deal with some dangerous situations in unprotected bike lanes as cars drive past. It is essential that we work together to bring common sense measures to the bridge to protect these cyclists,” State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) said. “The easiest option, in my opinion, would be to move the already existing jersey barriers to the outside of the bike lane to instantly make it a protected lane. I want to thank the NYS Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for completing this study and allowing NYC DOT to move forward with the work. Additionally, I look forward to working with the NYC DOT and offer any assistance from my office to expedite this vital project and protect our bikers, especially as the warmer weather will lead to more individuals biking over the bridge.”
