Your Impact: How you made NYC streets safer and more equitable this year
As 2024 comes to a close, we are reflecting on a year of exhausting fights and remarkable change that we brought to New York City. Every new bike lane installed and lifesaving law passed is a testament to the tireless work of activists like YOU. Together, we’ve shown that when communities come together to demand change, we can reshape our city for the better.
From Queens Boulevard to the Washington Bridge, here are just a few highlights of what we accomplished together this year.
Breaking Barriers with New Laws and Policies
Activists like you played a pivotal role in the passage of key laws that are changing the landscape of New York City. Legalizing jaywalking was a landmark step toward equity that recognizes walking should never be criminalized.
The passage of Sammy’s Law took years of fighting, but now, New York City can finally lower its own speed limits to protect the most vulnerable on our streets.
After decades of work, congestion pricing is set to become a reality, and will undoubtedly reduce crashes, pollution, and the congestion that stands in the way of us building wider sidewalks, safe bike lanes, and efficient bus lanes.
Transforming Streets Across the Boroughs
In the Bronx and Upper Manhattan, years of grassroots activism culminated in the redesign of the Washington Bridge — transformed with a bus lane and a fully protected bike lane. These upgrades provide safer streets for nearly 70,000 daily bus riders and provide a safe connection for cyclists traveling between the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.
In Queens, our activists fought tirelessly for new protected bike lanes in Bayside, connecting neighborhoods and making streets safer for cyclists in Eastern Queens. Meanwhile, Queens Boulevard, once known as the "Boulevard of Death," is becoming a true boulevard of life with additional safety measures underway — thanks to the relentless advocacy of local organizers.
Brooklyn’s victories — such as the redesign of McGuinness Avenue and the introduction of protected bike lanes on Bedford Avenue — demonstrate the success of community-driven campaigns and highlight how local activism can reshape even the busiest streets into safer spaces for all.
On Staten Island, our activists are leading the charge for a fast ferry service between Staten Island and Brooklyn. Finally, reconnecting a long-neglected missing transit link desperately needed between Brooklyn and Staten Island since 1964.
This year has proven that change happens when we work together, organize, and refuse to give up. As we step into 2025, we’re ready to keep fighting for a New York City where every street prioritizes safety, accessibility, and equity. Thank YOU for all the work you’ve done.
Stay tuned for what’s next.
Three Things to Know
New York City is expanding its Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) pilot. We're thrilled to see the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services take up TA’s recommendation to expand their ISA pilot program — which prevents vehicles from speeding — to 2,100 vehicles, thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. But this is just the beginning. This spring, we’ll be fighting for ISA technology to be required in the vehicles of New York City's most reckless drivers. ISA technology can prevent speeding, just like built-in breathalyzers prevent drunk driving. Sign our petition and join the fight for safer streets from Albany to New York City.
As Citi Bike expands, it should become an affordable transportation option for NYC students. Starting in Fall 2025, thanks to pressure from TA activists, Citi Bike will expand with 250 new stations and 2,900 new bikes, bringing service to more neighborhoods in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, while adding capacity in busy areas like Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. This is huge news – but Citi Bike is still out of reach for many in New York City. TA’s Youth and Schools Organizer is working alongside our Youth Committee to fight for better bike share access for young people. They’re calling for $5 Citi Bike memberships for students in the five boroughs. Sign our Youth Committee’s petition today to help make this vision a reality for the future of our city!
In the news. Here’s what we’re reading this week.
Car crashes resulting from police chases have surged under Mayor Adams, with an average of more than one crash per day this year, according to NYPD data reported by The City.
A provision in the US Senate budget packet released Tuesday, bans retailers, like Amazon, from selling untested, unsafe lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes, reports The City. This is a significant step forward for improving battery safety across the five boroughs. Thank you, Senator Schumer, for championing this important measure!
We’re excited to see that the MTA is moving forward with a long-overdue redesign of their Queens bus routes, reported by Gothamist.
Two Things to Do
Join our Bronx Committee's Annual Holiday Lights Bike Ride. Dress in festive costumes and light up your bike as we ride through the Bronx, visiting holiday trees and home displays. The 8-mile ride will take 2-3 hours, starting at Poe Park and ending at Parkchester Oval. The ride is open to all, so bring your friends and family, and let’s celebrate the season together! Meet at 3:30 pm, wheels down at 4:00 pm. Sign up today and don't forget to bring your holiday spirit and bike lights!
Learn more about the one-year-only return of our NYC Century Bike Tour in September 2025. Get ready for the ride of a lifetime! The beloved NYC Century is back for one year only. Ride through New York City’s iconic streets, bridges, and neighborhoods with us on this unforgettable tour. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun day out, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all. Sign up for updates now — you won’t want to miss it! Plus, as a special bonus, Transportation Alternatives members get early access to registration and $10 off.
One Action to Take Now
Sign our petition to daylight every intersection in New York City. Daylighting intersections makes our streets safer by clearing the curb space next to crosswalks and upgrading it with community-benefiting infrastructure, such as bioswales, benches, sheltered bus stops, trees, curb extensions, and bike parking. As the most pedestrian-dense and traffic-congested city in the U.S., New York deserves streets that prioritize safety and community. We all need clear, visible crosswalks and more space for beneficial infrastructure in our neighborhoods. Take action today: Tell your NYC Council member that your community needs daylighting with infrastructure to create safer streets and improve your neighborhood.
