NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Legislation signed Tuesday will require the MTA to develop a plan to promote cycling and pedestrian access on its bridges and passenger stations.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the legislation which also requires the MTA to consider bike and pedestrian access in capital plans.
"Public transit in New York should be welcoming, safe and accessible for cyclists and pedestrians," Hochul said. "I'm proud to sign legislation that will expand access to public transit, no matter how you choose to get around. This new law will make the MTA more walkable and bicycle-friendly, a major step in improving our transit system."
Related
The legislation means the MTA should plan for bike parking at subway and commuter rail stations and bike access onboard MTA equipment.
The LIRR Commuter’s Council, Metro-North Rail Commuter’s Council and the NYC Transit Authority Council will study bike and pedestrian access and make recommendations.
State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi thanked Hochul, adding, “The MTA Bike Access Bill will finally connect all five boroughs with safe bike lanes on MTA bridges and promote cycling in every corner of the city.”
Assemblywoman Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas said the city saw an increasing in city cycling by 33% during the pandemic, underscoring the bill’s importance.
“If New York is going to adequately recover we must bring the voices of cyclists to the table when capital plans are developed by the MTA,” said Gonzalez-Rojas.
The MTA maintains seven bridges, of which it is bikers are not allowed to to ride over. The MTA oversees the Whitestone, RFK, Throgs Neck, Verrazzano, Henry Hudson, Cross Bay Veteran Memorial and Marine Parkway bridges.
Related
