Mass Bike Action, Greenways and Tour de Flushing
Last week, we rallied with hundreds of New Yorkers from around the city to demand Mayor Adams take immediate action to end bike rider fatalities. This week, we released our latest Vision Zero data analysis — underscoring the urgent need for action. This year, 26 New Yorkers have been killed while riding bikes – and more than 200 bike riders have been killed since Vision Zero began. This year has seen more bike riders killed than any other year under Vision Zero, and 2023 is on track to be the deadliest year for bike riders since 1999.
This alone should be a call to action, yet the Adams administration continues to miss legally-mandated NYC Streets Plan requirements and rollback vital street safety projects. Decisions to water down or cancel projects on Fordham Road, McGuinness Boulevard, Ashland and Navy Street, and the Underhill Ave bike boulevard make New Yorkers less safe.
Real change, including meeting the mandates of the NYC Streets Plan and supporting safety upgrades in all five boroughs, will save lives and spare countless New Yorkers from life-altering serious injuries. These deaths are preventable, and our city’s leaders must take steps today to save lives and make Vision Zero a reality.
The time to act is now. Lives depend on it.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
New Yorkers are one step closer to a safe and connected greenway network. Last week, City Hall announced 40 miles of new greenways in the outer-boroughs. Creating safe bike connections will allow New Yorkers to travel more sustainably and reduce car dependency. Building out New York City’s greenway network will give New Yorkers in all five boroughs sustainable, high-quality transportation options. Let’s get shovels in the ground!
The Tour de Flushing community bike ride is on October 29. Tour de Flushing is organized by the TA East Queens Committee and the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce as a love letter to Eastern Queens' parks and foods. The 20-mile loop weaves its way through some of the best greenways and protected bike lanes in Eastern Queens, with a stop in downtown Flushing to enjoy local eats. Discover what a fully connected Eastern Queens Greenway could look like!
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
Boston is subsidizing their bike share program, cutting annual costs in half for residents and providing income-restricted options, Streetsblog reports. New York next, please.
Streetsblog reports on our latest Vision Zero data analysis.
New York FOX 5 covers our mass bike rally that brought hundreds of New Yorkers to the streets to demand action from Mayor Adams.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Boo! Calling cyclists of all ages and abilities for a spooky, family-fun ride. Join TA's Manhattan Committee for a Halloween ride from river to river and through the park!. We will pass TA campaigns seeking a safer crosstown connection between the Upper East and Upper West Sides. The end of the ride will feature a family-friendly celebration full of music, crafts, and a costume contest!
TA runners need YOUR help raising funds for the NYC Marathon. On Sunday, November 5, six runners will represent TA in the NYC Marathon! Learn more about why they're running with TA and support their fundraising campaigns — every donation helps support our safe streets work across New York City.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Tell the City Council to pass Intro 417 to streamline bike lane projects. Under current law, bike lanes are singled out with a required three month waiting period — a requirement that doesn't apply to other street improvement projects. Intro 417 would allow DOT to start construction just 14 days after notifying lawmakers and community boards. This legislation would make it easier for DOT to install this critical street safety infrastructure without unnecessarily lags or delays.
