Survey Asks UWS Where They Need More Walking Space, Bike Lanes

UPPER WEST SIDE, MANHATTAN — A new survey asks Upper West Siders who may be changing their commuting habits during, and after, the coronavirus pandemic where they may need more space or bike lanes.

Local advocacy group Streetopia Upper West Side launched the Bike Lane Network and Expanded Pedestrian Space survey in the hopes of showing elected officials, advocates and transportation officials where the neighborhood would benefit most from more bike paths or walking space.

The group contends that walking and cycling space won't just help essential workers or everyday New Yorkers to get around safely during the pandemic, but can open up more options for people who may be hesitant to resume their commute on crowded public transportation even after it ends.

"...Many people would love to walk or bike but are held back by their feelings that the streets are inhospitable for such activities," Streetopia Director Lisa Orman told Patch.

"The subway is the lifeline of the city, and we need to make it safe and restore peoples' confidence in it. But, that will take time," she said. "And, until that happens, people have two choices: they can use their bodies to walk or bike or scooter or they can get into a car. If we build out a network of safe bike lanes and corridors for people to safely walk, we will entice people away from cars. This choice is better for our air, our safety, our health, and our city."

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Streetopia was also inspired by Community Board 7's resolution to create an emergency bike lane network and extra pedestrian space, Orman said. The board voted in early April.

It also comes as the city is asking for local suggestions about where to pedestrianize streets as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to open 40 miles of streets, with the eventual goal to open as much as 100 miles to help New Yorkers spend time outdoors while remaining at a safe distance from others. De Blasio reached an agreement on open streets with the City Council — which was pushing a plan to force the city to pedestrianize streets — in late April.

Orman said in the Upper West Side, the bike network is particularly important given that the neighborhood has north and south routes for cyclists, but no safe ways of getting across town.

The survey asks participants to identify where bike lanes would be most useful, including suggestions on West 72nd, 79th, 86th and 96th streets. Survey takers can also suggest their own ideas.

The pedestrian space part of the survey asks participants to say which types of streets would benefit most from more space, either by expanding sidewalks into streets or opening up streets to pedestrians.

The survey will be available until Saturday. So far, about 90 people have taken it, Orman said.

Those who wish to take it can find it here.

"We will use the survey information and the map to convey the bike routes and pedestrian improvements that would benefit UWSers the most," Orman said. "The streets and sidewalks are our city's most valuable public asset. Now is the time to leverage that resource to benefit the vast majority of Upper West Siders who don't own a car."

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