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

Why Does 8th Avenue Have 6 Lanes for Cars While People Are Crammed in the Margins?

Clarence Eckerson and Mark Gorton are back in Midtown, where sidewalks are too narrow to accommodate pedestrian traffic.

In this short Streetfilm, you can see how people are forced off the sidewalk and into the Eighth Avenue bikeway at 43rd Street outside the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

The sidewalk is so skinny and so packed with humanity that cyclists in the bike lane have to thread between the curb and a parallel, impromptu walkway in the painted buffer zone next to parked cars. Meanwhile, the city gives motor vehicles six lanes of asphalt.

It's chaotic. And as Mark points out, “It’s a choice. We consistently prioritize the cars over the people.”

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Budget or Budge It? Gov. Hochul Continues Dawdling on the MTA Capital Plan

Gov. Hochul kicked off the state's budget process on Tuesday by doing exactly the opposite of what you do when you make a budget.

January 22, 2025

Council Transportation Chair Tells DOT That She’s Sick of the Streets Plan Excuses

Transportation Committee Chair Selvena Brooks-Powers criticizes DOT's Streets Plan failure.

January 22, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Mayor Culpa Edition

"The party left me," Eric Adams told Tucker Carlson about the Democrats. Plus other news.

January 22, 2025

‘Progressives’ Turn Council’s Transportation Policy Over to Republicans

Roadway safety is simply not a priority, a Streetsblog analysis reveals.

January 21, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Drill, Baby, Drill Edition

There were a few references to some cherished livable streets issues in the 47th president's inaugural speech.

January 21, 2025
See all posts