Build safe infrastructure and people on bikes will come, according to New York City officials.
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.
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.”
NYC Streets Plan Remains Largely on Paper
For the second year in a row, the city failed to meet legally required targets for building protected bike lanes and bus lanes.
New Bike Lanes Planned for Two New York City Bridges
The de Blasio administration is offering a parting gift to the city's cyclists.
New York City Plans Street Safety Projects as Congestion Pricing Nears
With congestion pricing projected to reduce the number of cars entering Manhattan, NYCDOT plans to repurpose street space to build more pedestrian and bike infrastructure.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions