In recent years, NYC Department of Transportation (DOC) has been prioritizing the reduction of personal car ownership under the Adam’s Administration’s. Such efforts intend to transform NYC into a more sustainable and efficient “megacity” in terms of transportation.
Back in August Manhattan Borough President, Mark D. Levine proposed a two-way bike lane on the West Side Highway and now a bike boulevard might be coming to Broadway, per suggestion of another new proposal for 2023 projects put out by the DOT.
The “two-way bike boulevard” would connect Madison Square to Herald Square. The idea was shared at the Car-Free Megacities Conference with transportation leaders from London and Paris.
Additional bike lane expansion plans as stated in the press release and discussed at the conference include:
- Washington Bridge (Manhattan/Bronx, over Harlem River) bicycle and pedestrian access improvements
- 10th Ave (Manhattan) protected bike lane
- Westchester Ave (Bronx) protected bike lanes
- Berry Street (Brooklyn) Open Street upgrade with two-way bike boulevard
- Ashland/Navy/Hanson (Brooklyn) protected bike lanes and public space enhancements
Most recently, the DOT improved over 1,000 intersections and 20 miles of bike lanes across NYC. “As the DOT continues to build, we are also excited to unveil some of the agency’s plans to continue expanding protections for all New Yorkers in the next year. Where safer and more sustainable streets are concerned, the best is yet to come,” said Commissioner Rodriguez.
Other discussions in regards to Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza have taken place about turning the area into a car-free zone. This could improve overall public safety of residents, however, there has yet to be a final decision made on the project.
And we can’t forget about the ongoing Open Streets program that “has created a portal of engagement with the public to allow for a range of activities that promote safe and accessible transportation, economic development, support schools, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community.”
Find out more details for the 2023 projects to come on their website here.