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

Bronx Residents Don’t Want to Wait Four Years for DOT to Deliver a Safer Grand Concourse

Implementation of raised bike lanes on the Grand Concourse won’t get underway until 2019, with at least three years of construction to follow. Image: DOT

DOT plans to build raised bike lanes along the medians on the Grand Concourse, but construction between 175th Street and Fordham Road won't wrap up until 2022 at the earliest. That timetable doesn't sit well with the Bronx residents who came out to Bronx Community Board 5 last night to demand faster action.

"We can't wait four years to have this done," said Amril Hamer, who co-chairs the Transportation Alternatives Bronx volunteer committee. "Think about your family members who travel on the Concourse. We need them safe."

Monica Martinez told board members that her children are old enough to walk to school on their own, but she's worried about them crossing the Grand Concourse. "My husband bikes to work," she added. "I want him to come back to us, safe."

The view looking north from the Grand Concourse's central roadway at E Tremont Avenue. Image via Google Street View
The view looking north from the Grand Concourse's central roadway at E Tremont Avenue. Image via Google Street View
The view looking north from the Grand Concourse's central roadway at E Tremont Avenue. Image via Google Street View

Kevin Daloia, the other TransAlt Bronx committee leader, urged the community board to pressure DOT to implement the project first with low-cost materials, like the agency has done on Queens Boulevard and other streets. "Four years is a long time, and the Grand Concourse is a very dangerous street," he said. "There's a lot of things that DOT can do now, before that construction -- it doesn't cost a lot of money or take a lot of time -- that would make that road safer."

Seven other people spoke in support of the project.

DOT presented plans earlier this month for phase four of its Grand Concourse reconstruction project, between 175th Street to Fordham Road, to a supportive CB 5 municipal services committee, but public attendance was sparse. The agency plans to return in February, said committee chair Nero Graham.

The CB 5 municipal services committee meets on Tuesday, February 6, at 6 p.m. at Davidson Community Center, 2038 Davison Avenue.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Mayor Adams Abruptly Calls Off Planned Queensboro Bridge Pedestrian Path Opening

The Queensboro Bridge's long-awaited pedestrian path was in the works to open this weekend — until Mayor Adams intervened.

March 14, 2025

DOT Report Reveals How Eric Adams Kneecapped Progress on Bus and Bike Lanes

The agency offers an explanation for its shortcomings, even trotting out a "We told you so" from the former mayor's transportation commissioner.

March 14, 2025

Public Grilling: Queens Panel Berates Opponents of Bob Holden’s E-Bike Registration Bill

Queens cyclists who came out to oppose an e-bike registration bill faced hostile questions from their local community board.

March 14, 2025

Friday’s Headlines: Ms. Hochul Goes to Washington Edition

Gov. Hochul "wants to talk about congestion pricing" when she meets with President Trump on Friday. Plus more news.

March 14, 2025

Open Streets Won’t Survive Without More Money From the City, Organizers Warn

Open streets have shrunk significantly — and more cuts could be coming if the city doesn't cough up more funding, volunteer organizers warned.

March 14, 2025
See all posts