Celebrating Progress and Advocating for Safer Streets in the Bronx
A few years ago, only 6% of New York City's protected bike lanes were in the Bronx. Thanks to the hard work of advocates and leaders like Borough President Gibson, that number has soared to over 20%! This progress is a huge step toward making our streets safer for everyone.
But our work isn’t done. Our city leaders must commit to the Streets plan and prioritize building safe street infrastructure that protects all New Yorkers. That’s why we are proud to join the 30th anniversary of Tour de Bronx to celebrate our progress and continue to call for safer streets in the Bronx.
The Bronx Tourism Council is hosting this ride in partnership with the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and it is open to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, you can choose from scenic routes of 10, 25, or 40+ miles and experience the beauty of the Bronx’s greenways and neighborhoods. Bike rentals are available, so all you need to do is show up and ride!
Check-in starts at 9 a.m. at 161st Street and Grand Concourse, with the ride ending at the iconic New York Botanical Garden. Don’t miss out on the fun — sign up today and be part of a Bronx tradition!
Three Things to Know
We rallied with local officials to demand a fast ferry between Staten Island and Brooklyn. Our communities were connected by ferry until 1964, With more than double the population, it’s time to restore this vital link and provide residents with a fast, reliable service. The incredible turnout of the rally highlighted how critical this service is to our community. Our petition has already gathered more than 4,000 signatures — add your name today to help bring fast ferry service to Staten Island and Brooklyn!
Governor Hochul’s motions to dismiss both congestion pricing lawsuits has been denied. Last week’s decision confirms what New Yorkers have been saying: congestion pricing is the law of the land in New York State. Governor Hochul can’t govern through YouTube videos or ignore settled law. Last week, the MTA Board approved a capital plan for essential upgrades — elevators, modern trains, and the Interborough Express. These investments need funding, which is undermined by Hochul’s $15 billion congestion pricing gap. We proudly support these lawsuits to finally implement congestion pricing.
In the press. Here’s what we’re reading this week.
Gothamist reports on DOT’s new bus lane construction on 96th Street. Thanks to the advocacy of our Manhattan activists, these bus lanes are finally becoming a reality.
Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn is tackling stormwater management and flood prevention with five innovative projects, including underground tanks, porous pavers, and rainfall prediction technology, all supported by a $53 million grant program. These measures can handle up to 60 million gallons of rainwater each year, as reported by The City.
Gothamist reports that jaywalking will soon be legalized in New York City. The City Council's bill passed Thursday revokes the NYPD's authority to ticket pedestrians for crossing outside of crosswalks.We have long supported this change, and we are glad to see the city remove this outdated policy.
Two Things to Do
Join us at the first Queens Waterfront Greenway Workshop. NYC Parks, DOT, and the Economic Development Corporation are kicking off this series to advocate for a more connected and protected waterfront, and we need your voice to demonstrate that our community demands a safe and accessible waterfront for everyone in Bayside, regardless of how they get around. At this workshop, you’ll have the chance to discuss current conditions, share your experiences, and help shape the future of our waterfront. The first session is at 6 p.m. on October 8 at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. Be sure to RSVP today, and let’s work together to build a safer, greener Queens waterfront.
Join Families for Safe Streets’ vigil to honor the memory of Lori Kleinman. Lori was tragically killed last October after being struck by an SUV driver. The vigil is at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 8, outside Jefferson Market Garden in Greenwich Village, near the location of the crash. Every New Yorker deserves to get home safely, and no one should die or become seriously injured just traveling around the city they call home. Join us in honoring Lori’s memory and demand safer streets for all.
One Action to Take Now
Sign our petition and say ‘no’ to new highways in the Bronx. The 5 Bridges Project proposes nearly a mile of new highway, wasting $900 million in taxpayer dollars to widen the Cross Bronx Expressway and build an elevated roadway over the Bronx River. Most households in the Bronx are car-free, yet the state's top-down, car-centric urban planning consistently overlooks the needs of our community, particularly residents of color. Make your voice heard — sign our petition today to tell your city leaders that you oppose this project!
P.S. The southern portion of McGuinness Boulevard is getting a massive safety upgrade. After years of organizing to make McGuinness safer, we’re glad to see DOT commit to following through on their promise to implement the road diet plan that was initially promised. This life-saving infrastructure will make a real difference in our community. A big thank you to our North Brooklyn Committee activists, the elected officials who supported us, and the 10,000 neighbors who signed our petition — your advocacy and dedication made this happen!
