Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2022
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

At Major International Conference, DOT Commissioner Rodriguez Details Plans to Further Open Streets and Expand Pedestrian and Bicycle Priority Efforts

Commissioner Rodriguez joins transportation leaders from London and Paris at Car-Free Megacities Conference, announces major 2023 bicycle lane and public space projects

New York – NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today joined leaders from London and Paris, as well as transit advocates for a discussion on what the future holds for the world’s “megacities.” As transportation leaders across the globe move towards reducing reliance on vehicles and opt for more sustainable and efficient modes of transportation, Commissioner Rodriguez reaffirmed the Adams Administration’s commitment to reducing personal car ownership in New York City while it reclaims streets for more inclusive alternative uses like walking, biking, and shared community spaces. The Commissioner also announced a number of major projects the DOT is excited to begin working with its community partners on in 2023.

“We are so pleased to meet with world leaders today to share our ideas and plans to make our respective cities safer and greener. Through Mayor Adams' renewed focus this past year, the DOT is proud to have delivered life-saving initiatives -- including its most recent victory in surpassing the city’s commitment to improve the safety of 1,000 intersections across the city and to harden 20 miles of bike lanes,” said Commissioner Rodriguez. “As the DOT continues to build, we are also excited to unveil some of the agency's plans to continue expanding protections for all New Yorkers in the next year. Where safer and more sustainable streets are concerned, the best is yet to come.”

The DOT announced it would begin developing plans to expand bike lanes and public spaces in 2023. Among some of the major projects the DOT has identified for next year are:

  1. Washington Bridge (Manhattan/Bronx, over Harlem River) bicycle and pedestrian access improvements
  2. 10th Ave (Manhattan) protected bike lane
  3. Westchester Ave (Bronx) protected bike lanes
  4. Berry Street (Brooklyn) Open Street upgrade with two-way bike boulevard
  5. Ashland/Navy/Hanson (Brooklyn) protected bike lanes and public space enhancements
  6. Broadway (Manhattan, between Madison Square and Herald Square) two-way bike boulevard, plazas, and shared streets.

Another notable project mentioned by the Commissioner is the DOT’s plans to transform Grand Army Plaza with a major capital project. DOT is working with communities across New York City to reimagine streets as public space, marking a significant stride in bringing new public spaces from Bike Boulevards to Shared Streets to Pedestrian Plazas to new corridors citywide. Additionally, through a permanent Open Streets program, DOT has created a portal of engagement with the public to allow for a range of activities that promote safe and accessible transportation, economic development, support schools, and provide new ways for New Yorkers to enjoy cultural programming and build community. The Open Streets program now serves as a springboard where DOT works with communities to develop permanent infrastructure on New York City Streets that prioritizes bikes and pedestrians.