Bike access coming to MTA bridges in Queens
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A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul would make it legal for bikers to pedal across MTA owned bridges, including the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in Queens. Photo courtesy of González-Rojas’ Office
By Rachel Vick
A bill to promote cycling in New York City by mandating safety considerations and access from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority became law Tuesday.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the MTA Bike Access bill from Queens Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, which would require the MTA to develop a plan that would help prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists who use MTA bridges and other MTA property.
“Public transit in New York should be welcoming, safe and accessible for cyclists and pedestrians," Hochul said. "I'm proud to sign legislation that will expand access to public transit, no matter how you choose to get around. This new law will make the MTA more walkable and bicycle-friendly, a major step in improving our transit system."
The bill mandates support for bicycle and pedestrian access when the MTA is planning capital projects. A strategic action plan to improve cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges, bike parking at MTA subway and commuter rail stations, and bike access onboard MTA equipment must be developed and published within a year.
It is currently illegal to ride bicycles over any of the seven MTA bridges in New York City
Five of the MTA’s seven bridges connect Queens with other boroughs or with itself, including the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, the Bronx–Whitestone Bridge, the Throgs Neck Bridge, the Marine Parkway–Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge and the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge.
The new law also adds additional members with a demonstrated expertise or interest in bicycle and pedestrian access to the Long Island Rail Road Commuter's Council, the Metro-North Rail Commuter's Council and the New York City Transit Authority Advisory Council.
The MTA will also be required to study and provide recommendations regarding accessibility to MTA facilities every 5 years.
The need for more bicycle infrastructure became more apparent during the pandemic, the lawmaker said. In the past year and a half, cycling increased by 33 percent, according to González-Rojas.
“Increasing access for pedestrians and cyclists to MTA bridges is good for public health and good for the environment,” she said. “If New York is going to adequately recover we must bring the voices of cyclists to the table when capital plans are developed by the MTA. “
Ridership on Department of Transportation-managed bridges saw a significant increase in 2020, and smaller increase in 2021, compared to pre-pandemic numbers, according to DOT data from automated counters.
“New York continues to experience a bike boom and it is time for the MTA to catch up,” said Juan Restrepo, senior organizer at Transportation Alternatives, after the state legislature passed the measure.
