DOT Commissioner Rodriguez, Queens Borough President Richards, Senator Gonzalez, Council Member Won and Transportation Alternatives March Across Brand-New Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Lane

Sunday’s marchers were the very first to cross the brand-new Queensboro Bridge pedestrian path. 

NEW YORK — This morning, DOT Commissioner Rodriguez, Queens Borough President Richards, Senator Gonzalez, Council Member Won, Transportation Alternatives, and activists from across New York City hosted a march to celebrate the brand-new pedestrian path. For the past several years, bikes and pedestrians have been forced to share one narrow pathway, leading to countless preventable crashes and injuries.

“We’re ecstatic to finally march over a safe Queensboro Bridge,” said Mae Francke, Queens Organizer for Transportation Alternatives. “For too long, pedestrians and people on bikes have been forced to share a narrow pathway. Space for everyone means safety for everyone, and we know countless injuries and crashes will be prevented with this new and expanded space.”

“Bridges are for people, and now the Queensboro Bridge is for everyone,” said Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives. “For years, people on bikes and pedestrians have had separated spaces on other East River crossings like the Manhattan, Williamsburg, and Brooklyn Bridge. Finally, Queens residents will have a safe way to walk or bike directly into Midtown. We’ve been fighting for today’s win for many years, and we wouldn’t be here today without the tireless work of so many of our partners in government, partners in advocacy, and the thousands of activists who’ve demanded safety every step of the way.”

There are over two million bike trips across the bridge every year, but up until today, all bikes and pedestrians on the bridge have shared one 11-foot pathway. After several record-breaking years, the Queensboro Bridge is expected to reach new records of ridership this summer. 

”The Queensboro Bridge South Outer Roadway Pedestrian Path will be transformative for the thousands of New Yorkers biking, walking, and running over the bridge every day,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “This project has been years in the making, so I'm thrilled that the pedestrian path is finally open, which will make the Queensboro Bridge much safer for those enjoying the bridge by foot."

"The opening of the pedestrian walkway on the Queensborough Bridge was long overdue and has been a serious safety concern and impediment to movement for both pedestrians and cyclists. Through continued advocacy, we are finally seeing the reclaiming of the south outer roadway for pedestrians which was badly needed to alleviate congestion and safety concerns," said Council Member Julie Menin.

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