This summer, DOT completely transformed 9th Avenue from 34th to 51st Street. It is now a shining example of a “Complete street” as well as a street focused on People. 9 feet of sidewalk were added on the east side; the bike lane was enlarged to 9ft; new islands with significant space for plantings were installed below 42nd Street. And bike parking was installed up an down the avenue to remove any incentive for cyclists to park and ride on the sidewalk. Above 42nd Street a dedicated bus lane was painted in red, so that enforcement cameras can be installed.
Many neighbors commented that this design profoundly changes the experience of walking from West 30th to W 57th Streets., especially at 5 pm. You do not have to fight your way, step down in the bike lane or jump over sandwich boards. It is a much less stressful experience that welcomes more pedestrians on 9th Avenue. Proof is that many pedestrians use the new sidewalk.
The original plan was devised in 2007 with input from a large swath of residents: it was called the 9th Avenue Renaissance and option B called specifically for the new design. It took us only 20 years , but we got it done!
A few items are still to be completed in October. But it is already a joy for thousand of commuters and locals to use the facility. Thank you DOT.