Grab your biker shorts–City Council just voted to pass a bill that will make the life of an NYC cyclist much more convenient.
The bill, named Intro 289, would create a searchable, real-time map of all the city’s bike routes and disruptions.
And considering there are over 550,000 cycling trips made in New York City on a typical day, it seems as if this map is a bit overdue.
If approved by Mayor Eric Adams, the real-time bike map would include vital information regarding construction-related obstacles/closures along with temporary bike routes, open street and bike parking locations, and micromobility share programs and stations.
The app would also give bikers useful tips on how to report bike lane issues.
District 2 Council Member Carlina Rivera, who represents Manhattan neighborhoods ranging from the LES to the Flatiron District, is spearheading the bill. Back in 2021 Rivera told The Daily News that the DOT already has the necessary technology to create the map, and all that’s left to do is create it in a user-friendly way.
More recently, at a press conference held near the Brooklyn Bridge last week, Rivera stated that the bill was drafted with “historically disenfranchised” neighborhoods in mind who haven’t received the “same attention as certain affluent Manhattan-based neighborhoods,” according to The Spirit, a local paper for the Upper West Side.
Rivera added that Mayor Adams’ administration had not made the bill a “priority,” though hopefully that changes now–especially since the bill is now headed to Mayor Adams’ desk to await a possible signature.
With the new bike paths, two-way bike lanes, and future bike lane expansion plans, the map would definitely make biking around NYC a whole lot easier.
In the meantime those looking to enjoy the summer weather outdoors should check out these fifteen lovely spots for a relaxing bike ride around NYC.