The New York City Department of Transportation has formally proposed a two-way protected bike lane on the full length of 72nd Street in Manhattan, a route that has long been one of the most dangerous east-west cycling corridors on the Upper West Side. If approved, the project would finally link the Hudson River Greenway to the protected lane network around Central Park, closing one of the most-cited gaps in the borough’s bike map.
What Was Proposed
The plan, unveiled at a Community Board 7 meeting and detailed on the DOT’s website, would convert a curbside parking lane on the south side of 72nd Street into a continuous, two-way protected bike lane stretching from the Hudson River Greenway in Riverside Park, across Broadway and Amsterdam, all the way to Central Park West. The lane would be physically separated from traffic by flexible delineators in some sections and concrete barriers in others.
DOT also confirmed a separate package of SoHo, NoHo, East Village and Union Square bike-network upgrades, with the city aiming to have key segments completed in time for the FIFA World Cup this summer. Together, the projects represent the city’s most aggressive single round of cycling infrastructure since the 14th Street busway redesign.
Why 72nd Street Matters
72nd Street is one of only a handful of east-west routes that runs all the way across Manhattan above 59th Street. It carries thousands of commuters every day, links three separate subway hubs, and has been a long-standing pain point for cyclists trying to ride between the Hudson and Central Park without diverting onto faster, more dangerous streets like 79th or 86th.
It is also a corridor with a difficult crash history. According to DOT data referenced in the project brief, the 72nd Street segment between Riverside Drive and Central Park West has averaged dozens of cyclist and pedestrian injuries a year. Closing the protected-lane gap here is one of the most consistent asks from local cycling advocates.
What the Research Says About Protected Lanes
Independent research lines up firmly behind protected infrastructure. Reviews of US data have shown that physically separated bike lanes reduce cyclist crash risk by roughly 34% on average, and by more than 60% on the most dangerous arterial streets — the exact category that 72nd Street falls into. Pedestrian deaths and serious injuries on streets with protected lanes drop by around 29%.
Crucially, protected lanes don’t just lower risk — they pull new riders onto bikes. In cities that have built connected protected networks, daily ridership has jumped 50–200% on adjacent corridors within two to three years. That matters for traffic safety, public health, and city congestion alike.
The Politics Are Still Real
Even with growing political support, none of this is automatic. The 72nd Street plan would remove dozens of curbside parking spaces, which historically triggers fierce neighborhood pushback. We’ve covered similar fights on the city’s funding outlook and the recent shift in NYC’s e-bike enforcement policy, where protected-lane buy-in is closely tied to broader cycling-policy debates.
DOT will hold public hearings before finalising the plan. The city’s stated goal is to begin painting the lane in summer 2026, with concrete protection following in phases through 2027.
What This Means For You — Riding Smarter While the Network Fills In
Even when a protected lane is approved, the build-out usually takes years. While New York’s network keeps maturing, here’s how to ride safely on streets that haven’t been upgraded yet:
- Pick the safest connecting route, not the shortest. Until 72nd Street is built, most riders will save time and stress by using 78th or the Greenway plus a short jog east through the park.
- Light up after dark. The single biggest controllable risk factor on unprotected streets is being seen. Our night-riding safety guide walks through which lights actually work.
- Ride predictably. Hold a straight line, signal early, and never weave between parked cars — most “doored” cycling crashes happen in exactly that pattern.
- If you commute by e-bike, learn the new rules. Our complete e-bike commuting guide covers everything from class rules to lock strategy.
Key Takeaways
- NYC DOT has proposed a two-way protected bike lane on the full length of 72nd Street, linking the Hudson River Greenway to Central Park.
- The route would close one of the Upper West Side’s longest-standing gaps in protected cycling infrastructure.
- Protected lanes typically cut cyclist crash risk by around 34% on city streets and over 60% on dangerous arterials.
- Public hearings are scheduled in the coming weeks; construction could begin in summer 2026.
