New York action plan embraces micromobility

  • January 18, 2023
  • Steve Rogerson

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has formed an action plan to improve integration between the transit system and bicyclists, pedestrians and users of shared or personal electric-powered bikes or scooters.

The aim is to integrate modern micromobility with the city’s existing transportation systems.

Front-of-bus bike racks will be installed on three select bus service routes spanning four boroughs. Building on the partnership with NYC Department of Transportation (DoT) announced in October to install bike racks near the entrances of the 37 subway stations that do not have bike parking, the MTA will install bike racks at 18 suburban commuter rail stations.

The plan also outlines enhancements that will be made to pathways at facilities operated by MTA Bridges & Tunnels.

“It’s time for the MTA to fully embrace bicycle, pedestrian and micromobility access as we plan and expand New York’s transit system,” said MTA CEO Janno Lieber. “Extending transit’s reach provides a framework to better integrate MTA subway, bus and commuter rail service with the ways that New Yorkers are increasingly using to get around. It will enable the MTA to attract new riders to the system, and to harness increasingly popular modes of transportation to essentially expand the transit system.”

MTA Construction & Development president Jamie Torres-Springer added: “The MTA is ready to hit the ground running, increasing bike and pedestrian access at stations and on bridges. This plan will make sure that connection to transit for cyclists and pedestrians is a priority both now and into the future as a core value of future capital projects.”

Building on initial actions proposed in October, the authority has detailed several additional actions recommended by the plan, including installing the bike racks. It aims to bring the percentage of suburban commuter rail stations in New York with bike parking to 85%.

Construction was approved by the MTA board in November of three ramps at the RFK Bridge that will provide end-to-end connectivity between Randall’s Island, Manhattan and the Bronx in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and details of the plan for the shared use path on the Henry Hudson Bridge.

“This report is a positive step towards improving transit access for the growing number of New Yorkers who ride bicycles and other micromobility devices,” said New York City DoT commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “DoT has been closely collaborating with the MTA to identify subway stations with a high need for bike parking, particularly at outer-borough, end-of-line stations. We look forward to our continued partnership to support safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options.”

Assembly member Jessica González-Rojas added: “I’m thrilled to see that my MTA Bike Access Bill passed last session has been incorporated into the MTA’s new strategic plan. The bill was intended to promote cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges and stations in New York City, and the MTA’s strategic plan will do just that. Extending transit’s reach shows the MTA’s commitment to integrating bike and pedestrian access into its new capital projects, and making New York a more sustainable, liveable city for all.”

The 92-page report outlines MTA’s strategic action plan to make it easier for riders to access transit and other MTA facilities, coordinate with NYC DoT and other regional stakeholders to achieve more seamless, multimodal integration and connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians and micromobility users. The plan is organised into five main action strategies: safe routes to transit; station access and mobility; multimodal integration; demand management; and policy, programme administration and performance management.

“We applaud the MTA for expanding access to bikes and micromobility devices on public transit and at bridges,” said Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives. “By better combining public transit and bikes, the MTA can expand access to opportunity for more New Yorkers, while reducing reliance on cars. We look forward to working with the MTA on implementing this strategic action plan,”

Jon Orcutt, Bike New York advocacy director, added: “Combining cycling and transit is one of the most effective sustainable transportation strategies across the world. Opening more direct bike routes with new and improved bridge facilities in New York City will strongly support increased bike use for travel, fun and commerce. The steps the MTA and its partners are taking to implement the projects outlined in the plan will pay great climate-friendly and affordable transportation dividends for the city and downstate region for decades to come.”

And Lisa Daglian, executive director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC), said: “Getting drivers out of cars and onto transit means helping everyone access MTA facilities more safely and easily, including bike riders and pedestrians. As the climate crisis worsens, now is the time to reduce emissions by encouraging less driving and providing better options for walking and micromobility.”