The long-awaited protected bike lane on a stretch of 10th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen was officially opened this afternoon after two years of advocacy from local leaders. The opening event featured a bike ‘peloton’ traveling up 10th Avenue’s new 10-foot wide “greenway” — led by Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez and City Councilmember Erik Bottcher.
The journey concluded with a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Speakers highlighted how the upgraded bike lane, which removes a vehicle travel lane to make space, will improve safety for all street users along what was previously a notoriously dangerous corridor.
“I’ve been thinking about today for a long time and wishing for today for a long time,” said Councilmember Bottcher in his remarks. He referenced a January 2021 rally that kicked off his first term in office, focusing on the need for a 10th Avenue redesign. “It was just under two years ago when we met here, right on 10th Avenue. We rallied with block associations, community board members and PTAs, calling for a safe redesign of 10th Avenue.”
Bottcher credited his frequent contacts with Commissioner Rodriguez for making the bike lane a reality. “I want to apologize to Commissioner Rodriguez for all the text messages and phone calls. There’s a reason why I made this one of my top priorities and the first rally I did. It was so obvious what we needed to do,” he said.
“It’s important to remember that protected bike lanes not only are good for cycling, they also create safer streets for everyone, including pedestrians and drivers,” said Commissioner Rodriguez. He pointed out that New York has had the lowest rate of pedestrian fatalities of any major US city over the past 114 years, except in 2020. Rodriguez also highlighted that the new 10th Avenue bike lane is nearly double the typical width at 10 feet. “I don’t know if there’s another city across the nation, but I know that usually New York City is the leading one,” he added.
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While celebrating the new 10th Avenue bike lane, elected leaders acknowledged more work remains on street safety. “I’m glad to hear that the fatalities are down. But until they are zero, they’re one too many,” said Assemblymember Tony Simone. “So I hope to work with Albany to not only improve our safety laws, to increase bike lanes and help with funding, but also pass the laws to ensure that cars aren’t always on top of our bikes.”
The Commissioner acknowledged the role of local advocates in bringing the 10th Avenue bike lane to fruition. He thanked Jeffrey LeFrancois from Manhattan Community Board 4 and also Christine Berthet from CHEKPEDS. Berthet emphasized how the upgraded bike lane represents the new standard that activists have been fighting for. “This is a wonderful, wonderful example of what the DOT can do when they stretch from their standard,” Berthet said, praising the Commissioner while pushing for further safety improvements across the neighborhood.
LeFrancois, the outgoing Chair of Manhattan Community Board 4, praised how the new bike lane exemplifies New York City overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. “This is what the city can do when it gets out of its own way. Concrete islands, hardening of infrastructure and creating space for people so that they can go about their day without even thinking about it,” LeFrancois remarked. The protective barriers, pedestrian refuges and dedicated cycling space enable residents to navigate the busy avenue more safely and easily and can serve as a model to replicate on other dangerous corridors across the city, he added.
With the opening of this initial protected section, work will continue to extend the bike lane down 10th Avenue to W14th Street in 2024. Neighborhood leaders hope projects like this represent a new standard for street safety improvements across New York City.
The bike lane has not gone without criticism from 10th Avenue businesses who had to remove their outdoor dining — along with delivery workers frustrated with options to unload their vehicles. However, speakers at the event pointed out that the new bike lane will specifically benefit essential delivery workers. As Deputy Mayor Meera Joshi said, “Bike lanes can also be a source of friction every day as these essential workers fulfill the on-demand dreams of New Yorkers…” Joshi went on to praise their hard work bringing New Yorkers goods, especially during cold and busy holiday seasons, saying: “These streets are their ‘office spaces’, the places where they spend hours each day and night through every season and even more so in bad weather when so many of us want the world brought to us instead of having to venture out.”
CM Bottcher, who frequently commutes from Chelsea to Hell’s Kitchen, spoke about how the redesigned 10th Avenue will improve his own daily commute. “I know that my mom will be very happy about this because she knows that as someone who lives on 24th and 10th, I bike up 10th almost every day with 18-wheel trucks going right by my head. It’s been extremely dangerous. It’s going to be much safer and I’m very excited for next year when we take it all the way down to 14th Street,” Bottcher said.
Terrible, terrible, terrible is what I think of the bike lane: no enforcement, horse drawn carriages get on it, even EMS and fire engines go on it…why? From four lanes to three below me at The Victory adds a huge jam of traffic constantly, making more horns blowing, pedestrians yelling at drivers, and cars practically not allowing pedestrians to cross on walk signs. It’s the new norm today.
Thank you DoT for adding more headaches in Hell’s Kitchen…it sucks so much more now.
Richard,
Your complaint is that cars are a problem and make the neighborhood worse with their noise, pollution and aggressive drivers. Thankfully this will mean fewer cars and less traffic, (it’s a question of fact, not opinion, that giving less our our public space to cars and more to people, improves traffic, lessens car traffic, and improves business. Not to mention quality of life, our health, a sense of community, and the environment.) huge improvement for all!
Spot on, Dara. The grief a lot of people feel are embedded in the overwhelming amount of cars — whether they know it or not. Cyclists are always the scapegoats. Yes, there are bad apple cyclists, but it’s certainly conflated and misdirected.
I’ve cycled in Manhattan for 60 years, never has it been more unsafe than now, and cars are not the reason. The bike lanes are just speedways for delivery people on electric bikes and scooters. They are unsafe for the recreational rider who is intimidated by others, flying by just inches away, at 20-30 miles an hour. I ride in the car lanes which are infinitely safer. Cars have to obey traffic regulations meaning they, at least, have to stop at red lights and drive in the proper direction. The same rules apply to cyclists however, you’d never know it judging by the number of them flying through the red lights, riding in the wrong direction and, worst of all, speeding on sidewalks. I’m in my early 70’s and terrified of being hit on the sidewalk by someone speeding on a 60lb electric bike carrying a 150lb rider. Is fear and anxiety the price NYer’s must pay for a quieter and cleaner city ?? It is the epitome of hypocrisy when bike activists claim that cycling is a cheap means of transport for all. Bike commuting is an elitist activity engaged in mostly by Manhattan residents. The bike lanes are nothing more than expressways, paid for by the public, for commercial use by restaurants and delivery services for an elite population that can afford to pay for such services. How is it, that with the amount of chaos caused by cyclists on the streets, when one is killed in a collision, it’s always the driver’s fault ? It’s time that cycling advocates came clean about their lack of accountability when it comes to quality of life in New York. I may change my perspective if I should see a car coming at me doing 30 miles an hour on the sidewalk !
To quote Becky above…Spot On! These “activists” live in a “oh, what if” world and ignoring the situations mentioned above, self-believing that it will resolve itself…
Stop dreaming and wake up to the real world! Do something! I’m here over twenty years and this idea sucks big time!
Yes Dara, you nailed it. The problem is aggressive drivers! The ultimate goal will be less cars on our streets which will improve the quality of our air and a real biking infrastructure- I have been waiting over 50 years for these changes! Now we just need cars (police) and pedestrians to respect the bike lanes. AND for bikers to follow the traffic rules. Thanks to all of those that fought to make this possible.
I think richard has a few points that shouldn’t be overlooked. Richard, i suggest emailing Erik Bottcher office with this feedback. I think the lanes are great but the work is far from done. Traffic flow needs much improvement for all the reasons you outlined.
As a sidebar, it is not a fact (per our very own NYC DOT study) that bike lanes correlate to reduced cars – lanes are meant to improve safety! Surprisingly they also help to speed up traffic flow. The HK bike lanes have done the opposite for traffic and should be investigated.
I’m so happy to have a safe cycling route on 10th Avenue! And the pedestrian islands with tree pits will beautify the corridor and make crossing shorter and safer. Prior to the redesign this section of 10th Ave dedicated SIX LANES to motor vehicle movement and storage. This change is long overdue. Now let’s get a proper bus lane on the east side!
Love it this new bike lane!!
The horse drawn carriages are a problem though, since it is wide enough they all take that route, blocking it completely for bikes and covering it with poop. Hope they get ticketed.
It is time to abolish horse carriages in NYC, they don’t belong on 10th Ave. or anywhere in this over crowded city.
This ^^^^
Now, this is the kind of news I like to see! It is great to see officials finally acting on improving street safety. This is progress! Now, we need the DOT to continue the protected lanes all the way down to 14th Street. We need to make our streets safer for everybody. Thank you to Councilmember Bottcher, the DOT, and everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. Now, let’s see some more progress!!
And when are the bikers be responsible for following laws–like not riding the wrong way on a one-way street, obeying traffic lights, and riding on the sidewalk even though they have this new great lane.
On average, how many times do you see bikers breaking the law versus not breaking the law? Honest question.
On average, how many people commit murder? People committing murder versus people not committing murder? Honest question. Most people do not commit murder. Does that mean we should ignore the small murder rate? Your argument is ridiculous.
The fact is that I see more bikers breaking the law than not, without question. The reason they do so is because no one enforces the laws that relate to cycling. Imagine if no one enforced the laws that relate to murder.
Please, please take a step back and consider the fact that projecting the same expectations onto 20-pound, human-powered vehicles (even ones with a battery) as you do onto two-TON, gas-powered vehicles that kill hundreds per year does not make sense.
“Obeying traffic lights” is something pedestrians are supposed to do too. Does it always make sense? No. The lights are (correctly) designed for cars. Walkers aren’t cars. Neither are bicycles. Compare the actual dangers. Consider what you are reacting to, and whether it is logical. Now go out and have a great day.
I certainly second your views, some bikers make walking a dangerous proposition they come at you from many different angles.
Sadly these problems are 95% created by bike delivery drivers who seem to be clueless when it comes to rules and regulations.
Bike lanes are safe for bicyclist , but the streets of Manhattan are becoming more and more dangerous for pedestrians. Bikes, scooters, Hoover boards and the like have taken over the streets. They travel at high speeds, ignore traffic signals, ride against traffic and at their worst… ride on sidewalks. Something needs to be done to protect those of us who love to walk the streets of Manhattan. Too many of us “Walkers” are being injured by these Road Warriors, and some of us even murdered. The city needs to license all moving vehicles, and their “drivers” should have insurance. The city could use the extra income to improve roads. I’ve never had a close call with any truck, bus, car or cab, but I have near misses everyday with these “Road Warriors” . I take my life in my hands every time I cross from 12th Avenue to Hudson River park. Cyclist speed by faster than any automobile is able to drive down any avenue. These bold bikers ignore the signs reading “pedestrians have the right of way”. I was forced to sell my bike because it is impossible for me to ride along the river with these rude, self entitled speed demons. Not a single politician has the brains or the B%&s to impose a license law and increase our city’s income. Manhattan is the only city I can think of where walking is an optional way to take in the sights. We have always been know around the world as “The walking City”
Vic, Aside from being overly dramatic and devoid of actual facts, how would simply “licensing” all these vehicles address or solve any of the issues you present?
Ryan read the comments after mine. Overly dramatic?
This is amazing and will make my biking much safer. Excited for the completion down to W 14th.
Once again Eric Botch-up does what he does best: pats himself on the back.
The bike lane is great for cyclists. It is a nightmare for everyone else. Does Mr. Botch-up care about everyone else? Of course not.
There is one less lane for cars on 10th Avenue. Do you really think that drivers will now say, “Aha! One less car lane. I’m going to sell my car and get a bike!!” In reality (remember reality?) traffic is now worse. It is more dangerous to cross 10th Avenue than it was before. But do you care? Of course not, you’ll just whistle through the bike lane. The hell with everyone else.
Cyclists are “grateful” for the extra-wide bike lane because it means they can abuse it to their benefit, and abuse it they do. It is, de facto, a two-lane bike lane. It is also a venue for e-bikes, e-scooters, and motorcycles. In both directions. With no regard to lights, laws, or pedestrians. But go ahead, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
Over the years there has been no response from political leadership to the calls for enforcement of traffic laws on cyclists. There are actual laws that they should obey that would make cycling safe for everyone, not just the cyclists themselves. Those laws are a joke. There has never been any attempt whatsoever to enforce those laws.
Cyclists and politicians have a common denominator: they are concerned about themselves only. Nothing and no one else comes into consideration. You belong together.
Agree, 100% with ALL of the above!
I’m in a motorized wheelchair. I fear for my life when crossing the streets. The delivery driver and other cyclists drive like crazy people. They have no respect for noone!
I have a friend who has brain damage from be hit by a scooter. She now needs assisted living. Overly dramatic? You license moving vehicles the same way you license cars, with license plates requiring insurance. I would guess that you are not a native New Yorker and the owner of a moving vehicle.
I can’t ride a bike but I am glad to see a lane for bicylists. Having lived in London for many years….I learned to look BOTH ways. There will always be scoflaws…..just cope!
I want to reply to the last comments about Erik Botcher….no one has made as many positive contributions to our lives in HK and Chelsea as Erik Botcher.I have witnessed hiis ”non publicized Community activity”. Publicity comes with the office ….so get over your criticism. He contributes many things to our lives……I am often amused by his social guitar playing and dancing! Where is Arthur Murray when you need them???LOL
We are lucky !
As for the bike lanes? It is an improvement. Just remember to LOOK BOTH WAYS!
ROCK ON Erik!
I am a pedestrian and a cyclist but after being knock down while riding my bike (by another cyclist) I have not ridden my bike in almost 2 years. I have been biking in this city since 1967 (with great pleasure) but the lack of consideration of all 2 wheel drivers is now the biggest problem we have. They ride anywhere and in any direction they want and at great speed. Until there is a way to control this behavior we’re doomed. There used to be etiquette and “rules of the road” that people actually followed. I live and travel mostly around and below 14th street so I am only speaking for that neighborhood. I truly wish there was a way to create and enforce some kind of traffic laws to address this new culture because it truly has become the dangerous wild west. Just taking a walk is now a dangerous proposition.
Incredibly dismaying to learn that CM Bottcher does not use MTA bus and subway.
City DOT is spending a ton to expand the bicycle infrastructure (which chiefly serve the young affluents) while MTA bus and subway riders pay more and get less.
Not to mention that bicyclists are egregious in endangering pedestrians.
Bicycling doesn’t reduce vehicle use – it reduces bus and subway use.
Actually City DOT is proactively sabotaging MTA bus and subway in multiple ways such as 1) DOT constant messaging to use bicycles and no messaging to use MTA bus and subway; 2) closing streets for “open streets” and forcing bus diversion or street closures resulting in spillover traffic.
We certainly could use more frequent M12 service than only every 30 minutes on weekends. It serves an area far from the subway, and will benefit all these bike riders when it snows. And if they added the Chelsea Piers stop to the route it would save those riders from nearly dying every time they have to stand next to that highway before they scurry across it. You know what I’m talking about, terrifying!
Just wish Target trucks stopped parking right on it!!
Don’t get me wrong bike lanes are great, I probably cycle more than anyone here in the comments, but it’s clear that the DOT is engineering traffic jams and making the flow of goods nearly impossible. Not to mention the delivery scooter guys that ride at 50mph in the bike lanes