Since September 2023, an unprotected stretch of Ashland Place in Brooklyn has recorded 29 crashes, injuring five cyclists and two pedestrians, highlighting the ongoing dangers for urban riders. These incidents occur even as New York City rapidly expands its network of protected bike lanes to prevent cyclist deaths, exposing a critical safety paradox.
New York City is on track to install a record number of protected bike lanes in 2026, according to NYC DOT. However, dangerous unprotected sections, like the one on Ashland Place, continue to cause significant injuries, creating vulnerable points within an otherwise improving infrastructure.
Based on the current pace and demonstrated impact, cities prioritizing protected bike lane expansion will likely see a continued increase in cyclist safety and ridership, though the full elimination of unprotected hazards will take considerable time and sustained effort.
Protected Lanes Drive Ridership and Safety
- The protected northern sections of Ashland Place and Navy Street see 1,200 daily cyclists as of June 2024, according to Streetsblog New York City. High ridership demonstrates confidence in dedicated infrastructure.
- City and PennDOT crews completed more than two miles of separated bike lanes as the 2023 paving season ended in Philadelphia, according to Phila. The expansion confirms a growing commitment to cyclist safety in urban areas.
- An additional eight miles of separated bike lanes are under construction in Philadelphia, further extending the network of safe routes. The demonstrable increase in ridership and widespread construction efforts across different cities confirm the effectiveness and growing demand for safer cycling routes.
Community Support Fuels Local Projects
Community Board 7 passed a resolution in support of the New York City Department of Transportation’s plan to construct a two-way, protected bike lane along West 72nd Street, according to West Side Rag. Local action clearly illustrates the public desire for safer cycling options.
Such initiatives translate city-wide goals into neighborhood-level improvements, directly impacting daily commutes. Local community engagement is a critical driver for the successful planning and implementation of new protected bike lanes.
The Persistent Danger of Unprotected Routes
Even as New York City expands its protected bike lane network, the unprotected stretch of Ashland Place remains a stark reminder of persistent danger. Since September 2023, this single segment has recorded 29 crashes, injuring five cyclists and two pedestrians, according to Streetsblog New York City. This figure reveals the extreme danger of even short, unaddressed segments amidst city-wide expansion efforts.
New York City's focus on total miles of protected lanes, without prioritizing the immediate closure of dangerous unprotected gaps, creates deadly 'last mile' problems. These vulnerabilities undermine the entire network's safety promise, as seen on Ashland Place.
The stark contrast between the 1,200 daily cyclists on protected Ashland/Navy and the 29 crashes on unprotected Ashland Place suggests a critical vulnerability. Until every segment is hardened, New York City inadvertently signals to potential riders that cycling remains a high-risk activity.
Hardening Existing Infrastructure for Long-Term Safety
NYC DOT plans to harden more than 10 miles of existing bike lanes, according to NYC DOT. The initiative aims to reinforce current infrastructure against vehicle incursions.
These future initiatives focus on not just expanding, but also reinforcing existing infrastructure. Reinforcement ensures long-term safety and durability for cyclists, enhancing the overall benefits of protected bike lanes.
Understanding Protected Bike Lane Impact
What are the benefits of protected bike lanes?
The Chestnut Street bike lane in Philadelphia now stretches from 22nd Street to 63rd Street/Cobbs Creek Parkway, demonstrating the potential for extensive, safe cycling networks within urban environments, according to Phila. Protected bike lanes significantly enhance cyclist safety by creating a physical barrier between bicycles and motor vehicles, reducing collision risks and encouraging more people to cycle.
If New York City effectively addresses critical unprotected gaps alongside its ambitious expansion efforts, it is likely to see a more comprehensive improvement in cyclist safety and public confidence.
