NYC promises more bike lanes, shares

Largest plan in North America

Matt Dietrichson, Jan 13, 12.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg promised to add more protected bike lanes and touted the city’s planned summer launch of North America’s largest bike share program during his state of the city address yesterday, according to Transportation Nation

The Mayor has faced withering criticism and even a lawsuit — since dismissed — over protected bike lanes, particularly one along Prospect Park, in Brooklyn.

“Now, I realize the debate over bike lanes has sometimes been hot and heavy,” the Mayor said in his address, delivered in a Bronx High School and largely focusing on education.

“But the reality is more and more New Yorkers are biking, and the more bike lanes we put in, the fewer deaths and serious injuries we have on our streets.”

He continued:

“This year, we’ll take steps to enforce the law requiring every delivery rider to have proper safety equipment and clothing that identifies the name of the business. At the same time, we’ll launch the largest bike share program of any city in the country. Those bikes will create another option for getting around town faster and easier, and so will new Select Bus Service in Brooklyn, which we’ll launch in partnership with MTA Chairman Joe Lhota.” MORE