A New 'Bike Boulevard' Is Coming To Greenwich Village: Mayor

GREENWICH VILLAGE, NY — On the day Mayor Bill de Blasio biked to City Hall from Gracie Mansion, New York City's leading elected official announced Tuesday a multitude of bus and bicycle projects planned for 2021 — including a new "Bike Boulevard" in Greenwich Village.

The Bike Boulevard concept was first announced during the 2020 State of the City address, which will be a new designation to slow vehicle speeds and limit volumes to "create a low-stress bike infrastructure in a pedestrian-friendly environment."

The mayor announced minimal details about the new concept, but said that the boulevards would connect existing bike lanes and discourage cars from entering the space.

The mayor said that the Department of Transportation will build the first Bike Boulevard in Manhattan on University Place in Greenwich Village. The planned boulevards in 2021 will also include a portion of South Slope, Brooklyn, Sunnyside, Queens, Mott Haven, Bronx, and Mariners Harbor, Staten Island.

“A recovery for all of us means reducing our dependence on fossil fuels while deepening Vision Zero. This administration has made historic investments in bus and bike lane infrastructure, and now is the perfect time to deepen that commitment,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio, in a news release. “From record bike lane installations, to more busways and bus lanes than ever, to brand-new Bike Boulevards, New York City is proud to transform its streets to make them more accessible for everyone.”

In the coming weeks, DOT Borough Commissioners and planners will present proposed ideas for the Bike Boulevards to elected officials and community boards, with the goal of completing them in 2021.