Bike Ridership Soars Across NYC
It’s no secret: Bike ridership is booming across New York City.
Take a look at these increases:
On the Brooklyn Bridge, June ridership was up 31% from last June and July 2024 ridership is up 22% from last year.
Even before the G train shutdown, Pulaski Bridge bike counts were up. June was up 63%, while July was up 60%.
Willis Avenue Bridge ridership was up 21% in July.
Each month, bike ridership across the Queensboro Bridge is nearly 100,000 more than a decade ago.
These huge increases — not to mention Citi Bike’s record-breaking ridership — underscore the need for Mayor Adams to actually implement the NYC Streets Plan and build the legally-required 50 miles of protected bike lanes this year (Spoiler alert: We’re way short of this legal mandate).
When the City builds safe, protected bike infrastructure, people will bike. As we confront the climate crisis, getting people out of cars and onto sustainable modes of transportation, like bikes, is paramount.
Tell Mayor Adams: Implement the NYC Streets Plan. No more delays.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
Governor Kathy Hochul's proposal to expand the Cross Bronx Expressway in the South Bronx is dangerous. Spending $150 million on a highway expansion in 2024 is a step back to the 1950s, not the forward-thinking approach our city needs. Labeling this highway expansion as a "community connector" is misleading and echoes the flawed logic of the Robert Moses era. The Bronx deserves its own car-free and green spaces, and a reduction in the persistent pollution, noise, and flooding that have plagued the borough. Instead of building roads for through traffic, we should reimagine transportation and connectivity to serve the needs of Bronx residents.
New Yorkers deserve a safe McGuinness Boulevard. After a year of delaying DOT’s street safety plan for McGuinness Boulevard, Mayor Adams broke his promise to comprehensively redesign the southern portion of this dangerous road. By siding with special interests, Mayor Adams has one again rejected DOT's evidence-based plan, prioritizing politics over people. Over 10,000 residents have already signed our petition, demanding a full safety redesign. If you haven't signed yet, add your name today.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
Streetsblog highlights how an underused parking lot under the FDR Drive between East 18 and East 23 Street could become a vibrant public space.
FOX 5 reports that Kathy Hochul plans to lift the congestion pricing freeze after the November election but with additional exemptions. We spoke to FOX 5 about why adding these exemptions would be a mistake and undermine the program.
The New York Times on how Mayor Adams has failed bus riders — from watering down a plan to speed buses on Fordham Road to falling way behind on the legal mandate of the NYC Streets Plan to build 150 miles of bus lanes.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Walk, bike, and roll on the last Saturday of Summer Streets. Close out this season’s Summer Streets in Brooklyn and the Bronx. Join us as we hit the streets and celebrate the end of the Summer Streets season. Imagine a city where streets are car-free year-round, reducing pollution and traffic while creating more space for everyone. Sign our petition to make Open Streets available 24/7, year-round.
Cool down with our Bayside Ice Cream Ride. Join us this Saturday, August 25 at 1 p.m. for the Bayside Ice Cream Ride. We will meet at the corner of Underhill and Utopia, right off the Eastern Queens Greenway for a two-mile, laid-back bike ride to the ice cream shop. Although not every stretch of the route is protected, we're actively working with local officials to improve bike infrastructure along Bayside. Beat the summer heat with us and enjoy some delicious soft serve ice cream!
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Get your tickets for our Pedestrian Prom before prices go up. Join us for an unforgettable evening on September 10 as we celebrate our community’s achievements and our shared vision for safer, more accessible streets. Don't miss out — ticket prices increase this Friday, August 23, at 11:30 p.m. Secure your spot before the price goes up and ensure you’re part of this special event.
P.S. Help us improve Flatbush Avenue bus service. Take this 5-minute survey for a chance to win $150 and help make Flatbush more accessible. Your feedback will give us insights into how the current service impacts our community. With your input, we can push for better bus upgrades that will benefit the entire community. Share your experience today.
