Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bike Lanes

DOT Exploring Better Crosstown Bike Lanes for Midtown

The bike lane on 39th Street is no match for westbound traffic. Image: Google Street View
Painted bike lanes don't get the job done on crosstown streets. Image: Google Maps

DOT is exploring options for better crosstown bike connections in the city’s busiest neighborhood, according to a letter from DOT Manhattan Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione to Community Board 4.

The letter says DOT is "currently exploring the potential for protected bike lanes in Midtown Manhattan" and that "large vehicle volumes, curbside access needs and network connectivity are challenges faced in designing this type of bicycle facility in this area of the city."

Forgione’s message came in response to a letter sent more than a year ago by CB 4 Chair Christine Berthet and the co-chairs of the transportation committee, who requested that DOT study the potential for protected bike lanes on crosstown streets ranging from 23rd Street to 42nd Street.

In the Manhattan grid, the wide avenues are a more natural fit for protected bike lanes than the cross streets, with Sixth Avenue set to become the sixth north-south street with a protected bike lane above Houston Street.

Meanwhile, there's not much quality bike infrastructure for crosstown travel, especially in Midtown, where painted lanes tend to get clogged by the intense motor vehicle traffic. Bike lanes on 29th, 30th, 39th, and 40th Streets give way to sharrows at various points. While crosstown traffic isn't as intimidating as traffic on the avenues, the current bike lanes clearly don't provide unobstructed routes.

In the letter to DOT, CB 4 also stressed the growing number of people who live on the West Side and the impact protected lanes would have on pedestrian safety: "It is also important that DOT understands the increased residential (and tourist) nature of the ‘midtown’ areas of CB4 and the pressing need to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle needs along with those of vehicular traffic."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Council Pols Fume as NYPD Disputes Report of Racial Bias in Traffic Enforcement

"Like stop-and-frisk, the NYPD uses traffic stops as a tool to harass and humiliate Black and brown men and these stops often spiral into police brutality," said one expert.

April 29, 2025

Subway Ridership Keeps Rising Despite Sean Duffy’s Best Efforts

It's like an old Catskills joke: No one rides the subway anymore — it's too crowded.

April 29, 2025

City’s Transportation Vision for Brooklyn Marine Terminal is ‘Big,’ But Locals Want Bigger

A busway, pedestrian-first blocks, and a longer greenway are on the table. But a residents-only shuttle? That's a non-starter, some say.

April 29, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Ivy Day in the Committee Room

Here's our recap of a wacky public safety committee hearing. Plus other news.

April 29, 2025

League of What Now? ‘Conservation’ Group’s Endorsement Criteria Are Bizarre

How could a venerable environmental group endorse a candidate who was a "no" on City of Yes and lukewarm on congestion pricing?

April 28, 2025
See all posts