Bikes Are More Popular Than Ever in New York City, City Officials Say

Build safe infrastructure and people on bikes will come, according to New York City officials.

2 minute read

April 27, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The number of people on bikes has never been higher in New York City, according to an announcement by the city’s department of transportation on April 24.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement that New York’s rising bike mode share is a sign of “true progress” for the city. Mayor Adams and other city officials are taking credit for helping spur the bike renaissance with ongoing investments in bike infrastructure improvements.

“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,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez in an April 24 press release. “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.”

More specifically, “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,” according to the press release,” according to the press release.

The press release, linked below, includes the full schedule of bike infrastructure projects planned for this year.

A map of bike projects underway in 2023 in all five boroughs of New York City.
Image courtesy of the New York City Department of Transportation.

While the exact figures on bike ridership are still unavailable, the press release promises to share the data on the NYC DOT website as soon it’s available. Rodriguez also penned an opinion piece for the New York Daily News touting the administration’s accomplishments in bike ridership and infrastructure that offers one teaser of data: “Last year, on our East River Bridges alone, we saw 24,000 daily trips on weekdays during peak riding season.”

Monday, April 24, 2023 in New York City Department of Transportation

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Color-coded map of labor & delivery departments and losses in United States.

The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace

In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.

June 15 - Maine Morning Star

Street scene in Kathmandu, Nepal with yellow minibuses and other traffic.

The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs

Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.

June 15 - Fast Company

Bike lane in Washington D.C. protected by low concrete barriers.

DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint

Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.

June 15 - The Washington Post