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

This Week: More Space for Walking on 7th Avenue and Broadway in Midtown

There’s so much foot traffic on Seventh Avenue outside Penn Station that people routinely walk in car lanes. Image: Streetfilms

This evening DOT will present a plan to make more room for people walking on Seventh Avenue by widening the sidewalk on the west side of the street from Times Square to Penn Station. Also on the agenda -- a summer trial for making five blocks of Broadway car-free south of Times Square.

Tonight's presentation, to the Manhattan CB 5 transportation committee, comes after the City Council passed a bill requiring DOT to improve the pedestrian environment at six locations with significant foot traffic. The city has made some improvements near Penn Station, but sidewalks still can't accommodate the number of people walking there.

The other major public meeting is in downtown Flushing on Wednesday, when DOT and the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce host a workshop on improving bike infrastructure in the neighborhood.

Here are this calendar week’s highlights. Check the full calendar for more info on these and other events.

    • Today: The Manhattan CB 5 transportation committee will hear from DOT on plans to widen the sidewalk on the west side of Seventh Avenue between 42nd Street and 34th Street, and to make Broadway car-free this summer between 36th Street and 41st Street. Bryant Park Corporation, 1065 Sixth Avenue. 6 p.m.
    • Wednesday: Join Riders Alliance as they speak with Bx7 and Bx10 riders about bringing better bus service to the Bronx. 231st Street and Broadway. 5:30 p.m. Registration and other info here.
    • Also Wednesday: DOT and the Greater Flushing Chamber of Commerce host a workshop on improving bike infrastructure in downtown Flushing. DOT will also be distributing bike maps, lights, and bells. Free Synagogue of Flushing, 136-23 Sanford Avenue. 6:30 p.m.
    • Thursday: Riders Alliance will rally for better buses during the L train shutdown. Marci Triangle, 462 Union Avenue, Brooklyn. 11 a.m. More details here.
    • Also Thursday: DOT holds a public workshop to solicit input for a permanent plaza at Hillel Place, near Brooklyn College in Flatbush. Brooklyn College Student Center, 2705 Campus Road. 6 p.m. Click for DOT contact info.

Watch the calendar for updates. Drop us a line if you have an event we should know about.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Bad Data Alert: Council Tears Apart DOT Daylighting Study

The internal review, obtained by Streetsblog, dismantles DOT's fear-mongering.

November 10, 2025

Former DOT Boss: Here’s What Mayor Mamdani Needs as Transportation Commish

Bottom line: The next commissioner needs to be willing to move aside staffers who are unwilling to be change-agents and to empower all the bright (often young) players who embrace the future.

November 10, 2025

Elise Stefanik Wants to Be Governor — Yet Says Nothing About Transit

Elise Stefanik’s campaign launch suggest her intent to use the MTA as a political pawn to stoke fear, not maintain and expand transit.

November 10, 2025

Monday’s Headlines: Car Terror in Brooklyn Edition

Car drivers ran rampant in Boro Park. Plus other news.

November 10, 2025

Trump’s Penn Station Plan Could Saddle New York Commuters With New Fees

Amtrak's plan to privatize the operation of the massive transit hub could open the door to sticking transit riders with extra fees.

November 7, 2025

Q&A: Will The Bronx’s New Council Member Take On Car Culture?

Union leader Shirley Aldebol took on Republican Kristy Marmorato and won — and now she's ready to fight for better transit and safer streets.

November 7, 2025
See all posts