Getting around the city on a two-wheeler may become an even more ubiquitous and hassle-free experience thanks to several bike-friendly projects announced this week.
Among them is the Department of Transportation's lofty goal of installing a total of 10,000 bike racks, which officials kicked off Friday. Commissioner Hank Gutman welcomed the installation of the six new racks in the east Bronx, including separate intersections at Bronx Park East—one on Unionport Road and the other at Bronxdale Avenue. Both racks were placed near the Bronx River Greenway, an 8-mile path that connects from Soundview in the South Bronx to Nereid Avenue at the Bronx-Westchester County border. Other racks were installed in Pelham Bay this past week.
The installation of all new racks is expected to be completed by the end of 2022, adding to the existing 28,000 racks across the city.
Gutman called the initiative part of the DOT's overall plan to accommodate "the city’s cycling boom."
“Bike parking signals that cycling is safe, welcome, and available for New Yorkers," said Danny Harris, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. "We also look forward to upcoming safety improvements in the East Bronx, which will align with our NYC 25x25 vision to give more street space to people and help us reach our Vision Zero goals."
The DOT's program announcement comes two weeks after the DOT announced a new e-scooter ride-sharing pilot program that will launch in the Bronx neighborhoods of Soundview, Throggs Neck, Eastchester, and Co-op City this spring. The list of e-scooter companies have not yet been announced.
Maggie Scott Greenfield, executive director of the Bronx River Alliance, which looks to beautify the Bronx River, called the programs an "investment" for the Bronx.
"More bicycle racks and safer street connections to the Bronx River Greenway connects our communities to the trails and green spaces around the river and encourages healthy, active transportation," Greenfield said. "We look forward to the completion of these projects and the expansion of transportation options for the people of the Bronx.”
The announcement of the rack program comes as the state is also making commitments to create a smoother riding experience in the city. On Friday the Cuomo administration announced a $5 million earmark to the Hudson River Park Trust for the construction of a pedestrian and bike path between West 57th and 59th streets in Manhattan. According to a press release, the creation of the paths—erected on piles over the Hudson River—will create a "seamless link" to the Empire State Trail while expanding the width of the path to be 40 feet.
In announcing the news, Governor Andrew Cuomo said this will "make commutes and recreation more enjoyable for both the local community and thousands of visitors."
