Mayor Eric Adams Announces More Than $900 Million To NYC Streets Plan

NEW YORK CITY — New York City is taking action against its growing traffic violence crisis.

Mayor Eric Adams announced Saturday that $904 million of capital funding will go towards goals of dedicating more bus lanes and busways, reclaiming pedestrian space on city streets, and expanding 20 miles of bike lanes by 2023.

Five bike lanes have already been designated for physical infrastructure upgrades to protect cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians, Mayor Adams said.

The locations are:

• 20th Street, from 7th Avenue to 10th Avenue (Brooklyn)
• Northern Blvd, from 41st Avenue to Honeywell Street (Queens)
• Grand Street — exact limits to be determined (Brooklyn)
• 60th Street, from 1st Avenue to York Avenue (Manhattan)
• Southern Boulevard — exact limits to be determined (Bronx)

“This investment is a game-changer,” said Mayor Adams. “Too many New Yorkers have lost their lives to the traffic violence crisis, and we are seeing cities across the country struggle just like us, but this historic investment will allow New Yorkers to walk and cycle around our city without fear."

The historic funding is to advance the goals of the ‘NYC Streets Plan’, a five-year- plan to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, Mayor Adams said.

"With this historic investment of over $900 million, we are tackling this crisis head-on and setting the tone nationwide," said Mayor Adams. "We are going to ‘Get Stuff Done’ and deliver safe streets for New Yorkers. This is how we save lives.”

New York City's streets have reached their deadliest level in years, according to recent data by Transportation Alternatives.

Within the first three months this year, traffic fatalities claimed the lives of 59 people, young and old alike. This is a 44 percent increase from the same point last year, the data shows.

Overall, traffic fatalities this year are on pace to eclipse those in 2021 — the city's deadliest year since 2014, data shows.

“For many New Yorkers, public transportation is an important lifeline, especially in neighborhoods where buses are the only way to get around,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “The investments being made, such as the addition and protection of bus and bike lanes, in New York City streets will help ensure that all New Yorkers can get around the city more efficiently and will help New York City improve its infrastructure in an environmentally friendly manner.”

The funding comes one day after the announcement of the return of the Open Streets program, where 150 streets will will close to allow New Yorkers a chance to walk, bike, and dine.

Mayor Adams also said he plans to redesign 1,000 intersections, after many several fatalities occurred earlier this year.