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

Eyes on the Street: Leading Bicycle Intervals and Semi-Protected Intersections

A reader sends in this shot of a new signal at 3rd Street in Park Slope, at the intersection with Prospect Park West.

It's what DOT calls a "split leading pedestrian interval": Pedestrians and cyclists get a green ahead of turning drivers, then the red turn arrow becomes a flashing yellow. In addition to providing giving people on bikes some separation from turning traffic, it makes official what comes naturally to cyclists -- proceeding at the same time as pedestrians. That behavior is technically illegal at typical LPIs (Council Member Carlos Menchaca is sponsoring a bill to change that), but the bicycle signal sanctions it while adding some clarity for everyone involved.

DOT had installed nine of these signals at the beginning of the year and said it would be implementing more in a program to test out new intersection designs for bikeways.

The other type of bikeway intersection treatment DOT is trying out is this one on Amsterdam and 85th Street, one of four we're aware of.

Amsterdam Avenue at 85th Street is one of two Upper West Side intersections where DOT is testing a new intersection design. Photo: Lisa Sladkus
Amsterdam Avenue at 85th Street is one of two locations on the Upper West Side where DOT is testing a new intersection design. Photo: Lisa Sladkus
Amsterdam Avenue at 85th Street is one of two Upper West Side intersections where DOT is testing a new intersection design. Photo: Lisa Sladkus

Like its near-identical counterpart on Columbus Avenue at 70th Street, this intersection previously had a "mixing zone." The new design, which advocates and community boards have been requesting from DOT, directs drivers to turn more slowly and better positions them to see passing cyclists.

It also adds a painted pedestrian island, effectively shortening the crossing distance:

The pedestrian island on Amsterdam Avenue. Photo: Lisa Sladkus
The pedestrian island on Amsterdam Avenue. Photo: Lisa Sladkus
The pedestrian island on Amsterdam Avenue. Photo: Lisa Sladkus

As far as we know, there's no official name for this new intersection treatment. It's not quite a protected intersection, though it incorporates several elements of that design. What should we call it?

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Eyes on the Street: DOT’s ‘Broadway Vision’ Starts to Clear Up

The Department of Transportation has transformed Broadway into a new corridor for pedestrians and cyclists.

July 8, 2025

Amsterdam Leads the Way on E-Bike Regulation — Should New York Follow Suit?

The city's biking- and walking-friendly streets expose the hypocrisy harsh e-bike enforcement without better street design.

July 8, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Rethinking Avenue B Edition

DOT is taking feedback on the future of Avenue B. Plus more news.

July 8, 2025

Eric Adams’s ‘Dept. of Sustainable Delivery’ Isn’t Actually A Department

The "Department of Sustainable Delivery" will launch with 45 "peace officers" in 2028, the mayor said on Monday.

July 7, 2025

New Air Quality Stats Dispel Earlier Forecasts for Congestion Pricing Pollution

Air quality has improved or remained steady across the five boroughs since congestion pricing launched in January, city health department data showed.

July 7, 2025

‘Rush’ Routes Debut in Queens Bus Map Overhaul More Than Five Years in the Making

The MTA's new "rush" routes make fewer stops in busy downtown areas to avoid wasted time merging in and out of traffic.

July 7, 2025
See all posts