Legislation S.4943B/A.6235 Requires the MTA to Develop a Plan to Promote Cycling and Pedestrian Access on Bridges and Passenger Stations
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation S.4943B/A.6235 which requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to develop a strategic plan to promote cycling and pedestrian access on its bridges and at its passenger stations and require the MTA to consider bicycle and pedestrian access in its capital plans.
“Public transit in New York should be welcoming, safe and accessible for cyclists and pedestrians," Governor 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."
Legislation S.4943B/A.6235 requires the MTA to make this plan to encourage cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges, bike parking at MTA subway and commuter rail stations, and bike access on board MTA equipment. Pursuant to the legislation, the Long Island Rail Road Commuter’s Council, the Metro-North Rail Commuter’s Council, and the New York City Transit Authority Council will study bicycle and pedestrian access and provide recommendations to the MTA regarding such.
Senator Alessandra Biaggi said, "Today, New York State is taking a historic step to develop cleaner and more accessible forms of transportation for commuters across New York City. 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, including here in the Bronx. I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation and prioritizing the expansion of bike accessibility in New York State. This win would not have been possible without the dedication and partnership from Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, and the steadfast advocacy from cycling advocates including Bike New York and StreetsPAC."
Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “During the height of the pandemic, we saw cycling increase by 33% which means almost a million New Yorkers are cycling. Increasing access for pedestrians and cyclists to MTA bridges is good for public health and good for the environment. 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. I want to thank Senator Biaggi for working with me on this bill and to Governor Hochul for signing it into law. Most importantly I thank Bike New York, Streets PAC, Transportation Alternatives, and all of the advocates that recognize that addressing the bike boom in New York is part of how we build back better.”