Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Car-Free Streets

Eyes on the Street: New 215th Step-Street, With Bike Ramp, Taking Shape

Photos: Brad Aaron
Looking up the northern section of the 215th Step-Street from Broadway, with bike ramp on the left. Photos: Brad Aaron
Photos: Brad Aaron

It's been a year since we checked up on the 215th Step-Street in Inwood, where the northern section of the long, steep stairway looks to be nearly finished -- complete with bike ramp.

These stairs serve as a car-free street between Broadway and the 1 train and residential blocks that make up the northwest corner of the neighborhood. “The ancient passageway was built in an era when the automobile was still a relatively new contraption and getting up or down a hill required nothing more than a decent pair of shoes,” writes Cole Thompson at My Inwood. Check Thompson's site for photos of the step-street dating from 100 years ago, when Broadway was paved with cobblestones and there's not a car in sight.

As promised, the Department of Design and Construction is rehabbing the northern and southern sections one at a time, with one remaining open. Locals have waited for the city to fix the stairs since the late 90s, at least, and while it seems doubtful that DDC will meet its spring deadline (the project, which began last January, was supposed to take 17 months), Inwoodites may be using the new northern section before long.

How cool is it that, on a public stairway built before the city ceded the streets to motor vehicles, the reconstructed stairs will feature a bike ramp as a modern amenity.

The stairs in 2008.
The stairs in 2008.
The stairs in 2008.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

DOT Celebrates A Decade of Safety Improvements on Queens Blvd.

The former "Boulevard of Death" now has protected bike lanes running for nearly its entire length.

November 13, 2024

DOT Asks Judge to Dismiss Streetsblog’s Lawsuit over Agency’s Public Info Stall

The DOT is arguing that its slow response time before providing or not providing information is "reasonable."

November 12, 2024

Tuesday’s Headline: Six-Figure Ad Buy Edition

Congestion pricing supporters call Gov. Hochul out with a six-figure ad buy. Plus more news.

November 12, 2024

DOT: Tremont Ave. Busway to Be Installed in Spring

The 0.6-mile busway will only allow trucks and buses to use the entire stretch, while car drivers will need to leave the street at the first available turn.

November 11, 2024

Monday’s Headlines: Hochul’s No Political Veteran Edition

Yes, it's Veteran's Day, but we really wanted to give you a daily headlines roundup because of all the news that broke over the weekend.

November 11, 2024
See all posts