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

Eyes on the Street: Pedestrian Islands Arrive on Amsterdam Ave

Pedestrian islands, like this one at 73rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, shorten crossing distances while providing additional protection for cyclists. Image: Robert Baron
The new addition to Amsterdam Avenue at 73rd Street.
Pedestrian islands, like this one at 73rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue, shorten crossing distances while providing additional protection for cyclists. Image: Robert Baron

DOT has finished striping the protected bike lane on Amsterdam Avenue between 72nd Street and 110th Street, and now it's moving on to the concrete. A reader sent in this photo of a brand new pedestrian island, more of which will be going in on the north side of intersections along the corridor.

The nine-foot-wide raised concrete islands shorten crossing distances and tighten the turns drivers make from side streets onto Amsterdam.

A rendering of a typical pedestrian refuge island on Amsterdam Avenue. Image: DOT
The typical design of a pedestrian island on Amsterdam Avenue. Image: DOT
A rendering of a typical pedestrian refuge island on Amsterdam Avenue. Image: DOT

Earlier this week, DOT said most pedestrian islands on Amsterdam will be installed this year. Between 107th Street and 110th Street a separate capital project will likely delay construction of ped islands until 2017.

The redesign began this spring, dramatically changing the feel of an avenue that used to function more like a highway than a neighborhood street. Some drivers still haven't gotten the message that the bike lane isn't for them, however. Our tipster also sent in this photo of illegal parking by 72nd Street.

Photo: Robert Baron
Photo: Robert Baron

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

How Kathy Hochul Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Congestion Pricing

She loved, then hated, then loved, then gutted, and, yesterday, celebrated the congestion pricing toll as it marked its first birthday.

January 6, 2026

Illegally Parked Cars Delayed FDNY Response to Five-Alarm Fire

First responders call out scofflaws blocking hydrants for delaying the response to a five alarm fire in the Bronx.

January 6, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines: Standing Up for Congestion Pricing Edition

Whaddya know — we now have a mayor who openly supports congestion pricing. Plus other news.

January 6, 2026

Mamdani: Daylighting Before Death!

The mayor wants the Department of Transportation to add daylighting before someone has been killed rather than wait to ban parking at intersections after a completely avoidable tragedy.

January 5, 2026

How Congestion Pricing Proved the Haters Wrong and Is Changing New York for the Better

Happy birthday to the toll cameras! Congestion pricing is working as promised — defying haters and doubters, including President Trump. Here's why.

January 5, 2026

So What’s Going On With All Those Congestion Pricing Lawsuits?

We're not lawyers, but we have read all of these lawsuits half a dozen times so you don't have to.

January 5, 2026
See all posts