Keeping Construction Sites Clear for Bike Lanes

A proposed law in New York City wants to make sure construction doesn't impede the safe flow of bicycle traffic—the benefit could include better gender representation.

1 minute read

October 4, 2018, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Manhattan Bike Lane

Sergey Rybin / Shutterstock

New York City Councilmember Carlina Rivera has proposed legislation to end the practice of allowing construction sites to spill over into bike lanes, reports Vincent Barone.

The ordinance would "establish penalties when contractors don't preserve established bike lanes, or create temporary new lanes, around construction sites."

According to Barone, Councilmember Rivera considers the issue one step toward creating the kind of safe conditions that will inspire more women to get on bikes. "Women tend to more often prioritize safety and convenience in determining whether to bike, according to a 2015 report from the NYU Rudin Center [pdf], which found that women are more likely to ride in areas that are connected to parking-protected bike lanes or greenways that are separated from traffic," explains Barone.

Monday, October 1, 2018 in AM New York

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