NYC Expands 14th Street Bike and Pedestrian Access

NYC begins 24-month planning process for protected bike lanes on 14th Street corridor

NYC Adds Bike Lanes to 14th Street Corridor

New York City's 14th Street will get dedicated bike lanes and expanded pedestrian space under a redesign launching this month. The New York City Department of Transportation is beginning a 24-month planning process to transform the corridor between the Meatpacking District and Union Square, officials said. The $3 million project combines city funding with contributions from local business improvement districts.

Busway Conversion Drives Street Redesign

The redesign builds on changes made in 2019, when 14th Street became a busway that restricts most private vehicle traffic except for local deliveries and drop-offs. While the busway improved bus speeds, local business owners reported mixed results, with some experiencing decreased foot traffic. The new project aims to create a more cohesive streetscape throughout the corridor, which currently has pedestrian plazas at both ends in the Meatpacking District and Union Square Park but less developed areas in between. Officials said the redesign seeks to revitalize the corridor and fill vacant storefronts by making the street more attractive to pedestrians and cyclists.

Project Secures $3 Million in Combined Funding

The redesign is funded with $2 million from the city and borough president, plus a combined $1 million from the Union Square Partnership and the Meatpacking District Management Association. The 24-month planning process begins this month with the first of several public workshops where residents and business owners can provide input on the design. Once the design is finalized in approximately two years, an additional $9 million will be available for immediate implementation, bringing total project funding to $12 million. The project draws inspiration from successful street redesigns in other areas like Hudson Square, where vacancy rates have decreased significantly after similar improvements.

Two-Year Planning Process Begins This Month

The redesign process will take approximately 24 months from initial planning through final design approval. Public workshops begin this month to gather community input on bike lane placement, pedestrian seating areas, and other streetscape improvements. Officials didn't provide a specific timeline for when construction would begin after the design is finalized, though the $9 million in implementation funding suggests work could start relatively quickly once plans are approved.

Riders Can Track Service Changes on Moovit

The redesign aims to add protected bike lanes and expand pedestrian seating areas throughout the 14th Street corridor while maintaining the busway's restrictions on private vehicle traffic. Riders traveling through the area during the planning process and eventual construction should expect minimal service disruptions, though officials said they'll provide updates as the project progresses. Moovit provides real-time updates for bus routes along 14th Street and throughout New York City's transit network.