Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a New York Plaintiff's personal injury law firm specializing in automobile accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, police misconduct and all types of New York personal injury litigation.
Published on:

Another Month Without the Greenway: NYC Must Do Better for Cyclists’ Safety

A part of the Greenway that was closedThe extended closure of the Hudson River Greenway between Dyckman and 181st Streets isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a safety hazard. As New York bicycle accident lawyers, we know that even short detours can have serious consequences when cyclists are forced into traffic-heavy streets without proper protections.

What’s unfolding in Upper Manhattan right now is a striking example of how the city continues to treat cyclists as second-class commuters. The Greenway, the busiest bike path in the United States, is not just a recreational amenity—it’s a critical part of New York City’s transportation infrastructure. When it’s closed, riders aren’t just delayed—they’re endangered.

A Detour That Isn’t a Detour

Instead of offering a viable, protected alternate route, the city is rerouting cyclists onto Broadway, a road notorious for its lack of dedicated bike infrastructure. There are no protected lanes. No traffic calming. No real effort to ensure rider safety. It’s not a detour—it’s a danger zone.

Ask yourself: Would the city ever close a major arterial road used by car commuters for months without providing a real alternative? Of course not. But that’s exactly what’s happening to cyclists in Northern Manhattan.

The Real Cost of Delayed Repairs

The latest closure, caused by yet another sinkhole—one of several in the last two years—underscores a failure to plan and invest in basic safety. The city launched a 12-month study in March to consider long-term engineering solutions. But for those who use the Greenway daily, the time to act is now.

Parents who once commuted safely with their children are now choosing not to ride. New Yorkers who relied on this route to get to work, school, and appointments are being told to take their chances on unprotected streets. This is how preventable injuries happen.

A Pattern of Neglect

This isn’t just about one closure. It’s part of a broader pattern. Parks and intra-park bike paths in New York are controlled by the Department of Parks & Recreation, which continues to treat cycling infrastructure as optional recreation space rather than essential transportation. That outdated mindset has real-world consequences for everyone who rides.

We join advocates in calling for immediate action:

  • Implement a protected temporary detour—such as repurposing a lane of the Henry Hudson Parkway.
  • Revisit and fund safe alternate routes like the “Little Red Lighthouse route.”
  • Treat the Greenway as the transit corridor it is—not just a weekend luxury.

Legal Protections for Cyclists Matter Now More Than Ever

When city agencies fail to prioritize safe bike infrastructure, and when injuries occur due to negligent road design or lack of protective measures, legal accountability becomes crucial. If you or a loved one has been injured while cycling due to hazardous street conditions or a lack of safe detour options, you may have grounds for legal action.

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our bicycle accident attorneys have long advocated for safer streets in New York City. We’ve represented families of cyclists injured or killed by city vehicles, negligent drivers, and inadequate infrastructure—and we won’t stop pushing for accountability.


Injured in a bicycle accident due to unsafe detours or lack of protected bike lanes? Call 212-943-1090 for a free consultation with one of New York’s top trial law firms.