Legislation By State Senator Biaggi And Assemblymember González-Rojas To Promote Cycling And Pedestrian Access On MTA Bridges Is Signed Into Law By Governor Kathy Hochul

ALBANY, NY – Today, legislation by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas that would promote cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges and transit stations in New York City was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill, S4943B/A6235, requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to develop a strategic plan to promote cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges and other facilities operated by the authority. Additionally, the legislation requires the MTA to consider and prioritize bicycle and pedestrian access when planning capital projects. It is currently illegal to ride bicycles over any of the seven MTA bridges in New York City.

The bills were passed in the State Senate and Assembly this past June. The legislation would move the MTA to study and provide recommendations regarding bicycle/pedestrian accessibility to MTA every 5 years.

This bill requires the MTA and relevant councils to develop a strategic action plan to improve cycling and pedestrian access on MTA bridges, bike parking at MTA subway and commuter rail stations, and bike access on board MTA equipment. Within one year, the MTA must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature and make it available online. 

“New York State is taking a historic step to ensure expanded bike access on MTA bridges and a renewed commitment to cleaner forms of transportation. The MTA Bike Access Bill will promote safe cycling in every corner of the city, especially in communities like the Bronx who are often the last to see investment. I extend my gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this legislation today and prioritizing the expansion of bike accessibility. I also want to thank Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas for her continued dedication and partnership, and thank the many cycling advocates behind this bill, including Bike New York and StreetsPAC, for their steadfast advocacy,” said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.

“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, good for the environment, and good for workers including deliveristas who use cycling for work. 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 Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas. “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.” 

"Bike riders have sought to cross the MTA's seven bridges that connect NYC boroughs and to use bikes as a quick, non-polluting way to access public transit, for a long time. We heartily applaud Governor Hochul, Senator Biaggi, and Assemblymember González-Rojas for taking a big step to fully integrate bikes into New York's transportation systems, and look forward to working with the MTA in 2022," said Jon Orcutt, advocacy director at Bike New York.

“Governor Hochul’s signing today of the MTA Bike Access Bill kicks off a new era at the MTA, one that will make it easier for people on bike and on foot to navigate the MTA’s bridges, and to bike to rail stations. We’re immensely grateful to Senator Biaggi and Assemblymember González-Rojas, and their indefatigable staffs, for their relentless commitment to enacting this important legislation. We stand ready to help in the development of the required strategic action plan in any way we can,” said Eric McClure, Executive Director of Streets PAC.

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