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

New Bill Would Block Apps From Deactivating Workers Without Cause

A Brooklyn Council member wants delivery app companies to be more human and less robot.

July 18, 2025

Friday Video: Is Berlin a Great Biking City?

Have recent moves by anti-bike, pro-car legislators ruined the experience in the capital of a unified Germany? Sort of!

July 18, 2025

Eyes on the Street: Meeker Avenue Bike Lane Is a Failure

The Department of Transportation still hasn't finished a critical bike lane under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway that the agency has been stalling for over four years even after identifying the strip's danger and lack of proper signals.

July 18, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Cuomo’s Road Rage Edition

Why does Andrew Cuomo drive so recklessly? Plus other news.

July 18, 2025

Fixing Third Ave. Was Once ‘Top of List’ For Eric Adams — But as Mayor He Backed Off

Mayor Adams has delayed a redesign of Brooklyn's Third Avenue despite once saying safety fixes there should be "at the top of our list."

July 17, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Jerry Nadler Edition

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler faced off with Sean Duffy on Capitol Hill. Plus more news.

July 17, 2025
See all posts