Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
DOT

Eyes on the Street: Bike, Pedestrian and Bus Upgrades Coming to East Harlem

A future parking lane, center, and protected bike lane, to the left, on Second Avenue. Photo: Jacob TK

Streetsblog regular @J_uptown snapped these shots of developing infrastructure on First and Second Avenues in East Harlem, where DOT is installing a protected bike lane, shortening crossing distances for pedestrians, and speeding bus travel. Writes Jacob:

It's well underway, and nearly all of the ped islands are completed, and most of the striping is done as well. The only thing left is the green paint and the bike symbols. The parking hasn't started to be enforced yet, though, but it's sort of rideable.

The first phase of the Second Avenue protected lane will stretch from 125th Street to 100th Street (Second Avenue Subway construction will delay its expansion to the south). It will eventually be paired with a First Avenue lane.

Ten bus bulbs are slated to be installed on First Avenue [PDF], along with two on Second. These sidewalk extensions, like the one pictured after the jump, will help speed travel for Select Bus passengers.

Pedestrians make use of an island on Second at E. 122nd St.

These improvements were endorsed by Community Board 11 -- twice -- and championed by local residents and City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, who insisted on safer streets for the neighborhood despite NIMBY opposition.

A bus bulb goes in on First Avenue between 116th and 117th.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Trump’s Funding Freeze Has Derailed Transit, Undermining Growth and Economic Opportunity For All Americans: Report

American cities used to have some of the longest per-capita rail networks in the world. Not anymore.

March 11, 2026

New MTA Accessibility Advisory Panel Guidelines Bar Members from ADA Lawsuits

Disability justice advocates the Advisory Committee for Transit Accessibility accused the MTA of marginalizing the panel, which ex-transit boss Andy Byford created in 2019.

March 11, 2026

UPDATE: State Lawmakers Cut Hochul’s Car Insurance Scheme From Their Budget

The Uber-backed plan to lower car insurance rates has drawn criticism from legal professionals, crash victim advocates and state pols who say the legislative changes would strip crash victims of rights.

March 10, 2026

Mamdani’s 14th Street Redesign: The Perfect Opportunity For BRT-Style Bus Stations

A "once-in-a-generation upgrade" to 14th Street offers Mayor Mamdani a chance to make New York City's streets "the envy of the world."

March 10, 2026

The Speeding Situation in New York City Is Even Worse Than It Seems

Speed cameras can’t ticket vehicles with ghost plates — which means we don't know how often their drivers break the law.

March 10, 2026
See all posts