This summer, some of New York City’s protected bike lanes will get new hard barriers to provide more safety to riders.
On June 10, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez announced the launch of a Barriers pilot program to test new materials for protected bicycle lanes across the city. The program is a part of the city’s ongoing commitment to harden half of the city’s existing bike lanes in two years by providing sturdier materials to keep the lanes clear for cyclists.
If effective, these barriers would greatly expand protections for cyclists with materials that are easier to install on a broader set of streets.
“This summer, we are showing New Yorkers that bike lanes are protected for a reason: to keep our cyclists safe. The Better Barriers pilot is an example of the innovative ways we are addressing traffic safety and improving our cycling network,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “As we harden barriers along even more bike lanes this year, we are excited to begin this pilot — and will closely monitor its progress. I thank the DOT crews who have been working day and night to get this critical work done.”