STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHLIGHTS BICYCLE SAFETY MONTH IN NEW YORK CITY AND ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO HIT THE TRAILS IN NYC

Contact: Diane Park, (718) 482-4526
Release Date: May 18, 2023

STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HIGHLIGHTS BICYCLE SAFETY MONTH IN NEW YORK CITY AND ENCOURAGES NEW YORKERS TO HIT THE TRAILS IN NYC

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the importance of bicycle safety during National Bicycle Safety Month and reminded everyone that roadway safety is a shared responsibility. New York City has a robust network of state trails and bicycle facilities for users to enjoy. As part of its statewide active transportation network, the Department of Transportation has helped design and build thousands of miles of iconic bicycle paths and infrastructure across the state.

"May is National Bicycle Safety Month and New York State is home to some of the most scenic trails in the country," Commissioner Dominguez said. "This is the perfect time of year to get outside, take a bike ride and enjoy the great outdoors in New York. To ensure safety, cyclists should always stay alert, wear a helmet, make sure to wear reflective clothing and use flashing lights, and follow the rules of the road. And for motorists, look out for bikes, never drive distracted, and please share the road."

There were 938 bicycle fatalities nationwide in 2020, which accounted for 2.4% of all traffic fatalities during the year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's early estimates show a 5% increase in bicycle fatalities in 2021.

Motorists need to drive attentively, slow down and yield to bicyclists. Be sure to give bicyclists room. Don't pass too closely. Pass them as you would any other vehicle when it is safe to move over into an adjacent lane. In turn, bicyclists need to do their part. Ride with the flow of traffic, obey street signs, signals, and road markings. Stay focused and alert and ride defensively by trying to anticipate what others may do before they do it. Be sure to yield to pedestrians, and always wear a helmet, and visible/reflective clothing so that you can be seen.

In New York City, NYSDOT actively cooperates with the New York City Department of Transportation and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to ensure safe cycling and make New York City a bike friendly and accessible city. The Department uses a complete streets approach to project design that enables safe access for all users - pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

The City contains a number of enjoyable options including:

Route 9A Bike Path
This path, in Manhattan, remains one of the most popular bike routes for visitors and New Yorkers alike. Starting at the southern tip of Manhattan and weaving along Hudson River Park and the Hudson River coastline, the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway represents the beginning of the scenic Empire State Trail that stretches through New York State all the way up to the Canadian border. NYSDOT is currently progressing safety improvements on the Route 9A bike path, which include milling and resurfacing, new bike lane markings, and signage enhancements.

Kew Gardens Interchange
A shared use path, which is separated from motorized vehicle traffic and accommodates bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users, joggers, and other non-motorized users, at the Kew Gardens Interchange in Queens, was constructed as part of NYSDOT's multi-stage $739 million project completed in 2022 that revamped the heavily traveled corridor, improved access to JFK Airport and increased safety. A new shared use path bridge connecting the residential neighborhoods of Kew Gardens Hills and Forest Hills was also constructed as part of that project.

Hunts Point Truck Access Project
This project in the Bronx includes a combination of shared use paths and bike lanes and provides a new bicycle link to the Bronx River Greenway and Concrete Plant Park.

Bronx River Parkway
Another bike connection improvement is planned along the Bronx River Parkway, where a new shared use path will connect the Bronx River Greenway with Noble Playground to the south.

Bruckner Expressway/Pelham Parkway
This interchange is currently under construction and will upgrade and reroute existing shared use paths in Pelham Bay Park to enhance safety and provide additional recreational opportunities for residents.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "Biking is an amazing recreational activity and something that should be enjoyed safely. Whether exploring a state park or the thousands of miles of scenic trails that New York State provides, it's important to always stay alert and wear a helmet."

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT and @NYSDOT_NYC. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.

Manhattan Waterfront Greenway along Route 9A in Manhattan

Shared Use Path at the Kew Gardens Interchange in Queens

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