The MTA just added brand-new bike lanes to the Triborough Bridge
Previously, the bridge's pedestrian paths were narrow, awkward and full of hairpin turns that made biking nearly impossible. Now, new ADA-compliant ramps and reconfigured access points make it safe, smooth and completely legal to bike across the span of the bridge for the first time in its 89-year history.
'For the first time ever, pedestrians and cyclists have a continuous car-free path between Manhattan, the Bronx and Randall's Island, with Queens to follow shortly,' said Jamie Torres-Springer, head of MTA construction and development.
The bridge's makeover is part of a $128 million push by the MTA to make its bridges more welcoming to non-drivers. The Triborough joins the Henry Hudson and Cross Bay Bridges, which recently added or upgraded their own pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. A connection from the RFK Bridge to the East River Greenway is also in the works, pending the city's completion of adjacent renovations in East Harlem.
At Monday's ribbon-cutting, MTA Chair Janno Lieber sported tight black biking shorts, celebrating the launch with a ceremonial group ride. As reported by amNY, Leiber called the new path 'a biker's paradise' and emphasized the importance of supporting 'last-mile' transit options for neighborhoods underserved by subways or rail.
Cycling advocates were quick to praise the changes. 'In just a few years, we'll see Randall's Island as an amazing crossroads of practical and recreational NYC bike traffic,' said Bike New York Advocacy Director Jon Orcutt in a statement. 'It's fantastic progress.'
The MTA says it's studying the feasibility of adding a bike lane to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge—but for now, New Yorkers can finally pedal between boroughs on the Triborough without breaking any laws (or a sweat).
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