Surging Brooklyn Bridge Commuters Fuel Expansion
An average of 5,625 daily cyclists commute over the Brooklyn Bridge, representing a 112% increase since the New York City Department of Transportation opened a dedicated bike-only lane in 2021, when 2,652 average daily cyclists were recorded crossing the span, the NYC Department of Transportation reported.
A Mile-Long Overhaul for Boerum Place and Adams Street
The New York City Department of Transportation is launching road work this upcoming week to redesign Adams Street and Boerum Place, converting a standard bike lane into a two-way protected bike path. The project spans just over one mile from Bergen Street in Boerum Hill to Front Street in DUMBO, addressing a corridor where more than 1,300 cyclists were observed riding on a typical weekday.
Phased Construction Timeline Through 2026
Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026 on the segment between Atlantic Avenue and Tillary Street. Construction on the segment between Bergen Street and Atlantic Avenue will follow next year. In DUMBO, the agency plans to install a protected bike lane on Adams Street from Sands Street to York Street, alongside a standard lane on the block north between York Street and Front Street. Workers will also upgrade the standard bike lane on Sands Street from Jay Street to Adams Street.
East River Bridges Top 30,000 Daily Riders
East River bridges now accommodate more than 30,000 daily cyclists, creating a high-volume demand for protected connections on both sides of the spans. Representative Nydia M. Velázquez stated that cyclists deserve safe and reliable connections across these crossings.
The upcoming construction builds upon prior bridge modifications, including the 2021 installation of the first dedicated bike path on the Brooklyn Bridge and pedestrian and cyclist safety enhancements completed earlier this year on the Manhattan side of the structure.
NYC Distributes Free Gear and Safety Lessons for Biketober
To mark the start of “Biketober” in October, NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Mike Flynn announced a series of borough-wide safety initiatives. The agency is partnering with Bike New York to distribute free bicycle helmets and bike lights, host safety education classes, and provide free learn-to-ride lessons across all five boroughs.
Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York, stated that combining physical infrastructure upgrades with educational programs and equipment giveaways encourages more residents to choose bicycling for daily transportation. Additional details and a full calendar of community events are available on the NYC Department of Transportation bike events webpage.
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