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

Eyes on the Street: Start the Countdown for Midtown’s Crosstown Protected Bike Lanes

Painted markings for 26th Street’s forthcoming protected bike lane adjacent to the memorial bike for Dan Hanegby, killed biking there last June. Photo: Twitter/Jeff Novich

The first crosstown protected bike lanes in Midtown are starting to take shape.

DOT crews were spotted by Jeff Novich putting down preliminary markings for a parking-protected bike lane on 26th Street this morning. The project only requires striping and paint, so a rideable bike lane shouldn't be far behind.

Until now, crosstown routes have been a missing link in the Manhattan bike network. Last June, charter bus drivers struck and killed Dan Hanegby and Michael Mamoukakis on West 26th Street and West 29th Street, respectively, within the span of a few days. Afterward, CB 4, Transportation Alternatives, and City Council Transportation Chair Ydanis Rodriguez called for protected bike lanes to make crosstown cycling safer.

DOT plans to add a five-foot protected bike lane with a two-foot buffer on most blocks of 26th and 29th streets. Image: DOT
DOT plans to add a five-foot protected bike lane with a two-foot buffer on most blocks of 26th and 29th streets. Image: DOT
DOT plans to add a five-foot protected bike lane with a two-foot buffer on most blocks of 26th and 29th streets. Image: DOT

NYC DOT unveiled its plan for 26th Street and 29th Street in January [PDF]. The design calls for a five-foot bike lane separated from the parking lane by a two-foot buffer.

Later this year, DOT reps will show plans for two more pairs of crosstown protected lanes: one on 52nd Street and 55th Street, and another on a to-be-determined pair of streets through the Times Square area. The agency is also planning a two-way protected bike lane for 13th Street ahead of the L train shutdown.

Preliminary bicycle markings at 12th Avenue and West 26th Street. Photo: Jeff Novich
Preliminary bicycle markings at 12th Avenue and West 26th Street. Photo: Jeff Novich
Preliminary bicycle markings at 12th Avenue and West 26th Street. Photo: Jeff Novich

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Jay Z-Backed Times Square Casino Shrinks Sidewalks and Bus Lanes to Serve More Cars

New Yorkers aren't only gambling with their future inside the casino: Developer SL Green wants to remove a bus lane and the 19-foot "super sidewalks" installed on Eighth Avenue just three years ago.

September 11, 2025

The Explainer: Council Seeks to Ban Sale of E-Bikes That Can Go 25MPH

A new city council bill would ban the sale of Class 3 e-bikes, which are only allowed in NYC and can reach speeds of 25 mph.

September 11, 2025

West Side Community Board Fails to Back Safety Over Parking

Oh, they're fine with safety ... as long as parking comes first. No, seriously, that's what they did.

September 11, 2025

OPINION: DOT ‘Smart Curbs’ Pilot Deserves a Chance to Succeed 

Compromising the project to protect free parking puts the interests of a tiny minority over systemic changes that would benefit everyone, says one activist.

September 11, 2025

Fed Up Bronxites Demand State Abandon Cross-Bronx ‘Diverter’ Scheme

If they've said it once they've said it a thousand times: No thonx to more Cross-Bronx.

September 11, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Take That, Eric Edition

The Council overrides the mayor. Plus other news.

September 11, 2025
See all posts