Two Manhattan officials are urging New York City to accelerate plans for a protected bicycle lane on Chambers Street, seeking a safer connection between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Hudson River Greenway.
Council Member Christopher Marte and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal endorsed the route in a joint statement released Friday, according to Streetsblog. They called on the Department of Transportation to prioritize the project and present a concrete plan to the community.
The officials said the proposed lane would provide a continuous cycling connection across Lower Manhattan while reducing conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians in City Hall Park. They also requested a clear timetable for translating proposals into street improvements.
Their endorsement marks a change from their position earlier this year. In May, the officials supported a protected route linking the bridge and waterfront but questioned whether Chambers Street could accommodate it, citing limited road space, truck traffic and loading activity.
The demand comes as cycling across the Brooklyn Bridge has increased. Streetsblog reported in May that daily bicycle trips had risen from approximately 2,652 to 5,625 since a dedicated two-way lane opened on the bridge in 2021. Riders traveling toward Manhattan’s west side, however, still lacked a continuous protected connection to the greenway.
The latest statement presses the city to resolve that gap, with the officials emphasizing both cyclist safety and the need to protect pedestrian space.
