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

Eyes on the Street: Transformation Department Reclaims First Ave Bike Lane

11:27 AM EST on December 18, 2015

Before & After: 1st Ave & 59th #DemandMore #bikeNYC pic.twitter.com/7yEfhPkMeI

— Transformation Dept. (@NYC_DOTr) December 18, 2015

Check it out. With a few traffic cones and DIY signage, the Transformation Department this morning reclaimed the First Avenue bike lane under the Queensboro Bridge.

DOT recently installed flex posts to keep drivers from commandeering a bike lane in Washington Heights. How long before the agency adds cheap but effective barriers as a matter of course?

Until that happens, the grassroots Department of Transformation is accepting donations.

We have added these signs to the bike lane near the Queensboro bridge. #demandmore #bikenyc pic.twitter.com/7Y89UjuNdK — Transformation Dept. (@NYC_DOTr) December 18, 2015

Brad Aaron
Brad Aaron began writing for Streetsblog in 2007, after years as a reporter, editor, and publisher in the alternative weekly business. Brad adopted New York'’s dysfunctional traffic justice system as his primary beat for Streetsblog. He lives in Manhattan.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

City Council

New Speaker’s Transportation Committee Signals Departure From Her Car-First Predecessor

The Council committee tapped by new Speaker Julie Menin has a pro-bike, pro-pedestrian chair — and zero Republicans.

January 16, 2026
Delivery workers

Mamdani Warns Delivery Apps to Follow New Worker Protection Laws — Or Else

The Mamdani Administration sent letters to over 60 delivery app companies, warning they must comply with new regulations.

January 16, 2026
Highways

Advocates to Mamdani: Come See the Cross Bronx Impact for Yourself!

Anti-highway expansion advocates in the Bronx are asking the mayor to hear them out on their ideas to create a safer and more human-friendly environment around the toxic expressway.

January 16, 2026
Streetfilms

Friday Video: Remember When Central Park Was Actually Dangerous?

Streetfilms legend Clarence Eckerson reframes the debate about Manhattan's premier green space in just 45 seconds.

January 16, 2026
Today's Headlines

Friday’s Headlines: Back on Top Edition

The administration is going after the delivery app companies. Plus other news.

January 16, 2026
Protected Bike Lanes

Case Dismissed! Brooklyn Judge Affirms DOT’s ‘Rational’ Right to Build Bike Lanes

The ruling preserves the 1.3-mile protected bike lane between Carroll Gardens and Downtown Brooklyn.

January 15, 2026
See all posts