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

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.

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.