NYC Sixth Avenue Bike Lane Expansion: A Controversial Move
The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to widen the Sixth Avenue bike lane from 6 to 10 feet between 14th and 35th Streets. This expansion, however, will eliminate one of four vehicle lanes, a move that has sparked significant controversy.
Critics Slam the Plan
Many critics argue that this plan will worsen traffic congestion, especially given the recent implementation of congestion pricing. Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola called it "anti-car insanity" and expressed concerns about the impact on emergency responders. Manhattan activist Maria Danzilo pointed out that reducing vehicle lanes could make the avenue less safe.
The DOT's project manager cited a significant increase in bike traffic volume between 2019 and 2024 to justify the changes, also noting 345 injuries (including four deaths) in accidents involving bikes and cars. However, community board members expressed worry about increased gridlock and the lack of public notice.
Political Undertones
The plan has also been interpreted as a reaction to President Trump's intentions to eliminate congestion pricing and reduce bike lanes. Councilman Robert Holden called the DOT’s actions “hypocrisy” and a move to spite President Trump.
While supporters such as Eric McClure of StreetsPAC believe that three travel lanes are sufficient, many pedestrians and drivers expressed their disapproval and concerns about safety and accessibility.
DOT's Response
The DOT maintains that the project aims to alleviate congestion and is based on pre-congestion pricing data, claiming no significant changes to travel speeds are anticipated. However, this response does little to address the concerns raised by critics and residents alike.
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