Long-Awaited Queensboro Bridge Redesign Separates Cyclists and Pedestrians

A Blog by our NYC Personal Injury Lawyers

After years of dangerous conditions and tireless advocacy, New Yorkers finally have a safer way to cross the Queensboro Bridge. On Sunday, the city officially opened a newly redesigned layout that separates cyclists and pedestrians for the first time in the bridge’s history.

Until now, pedestrians and cyclists were forced to share a narrow 11-foot-wide space on the north outer roadway — a setup that led to constant congestion, unsafe conditions, and a documented pattern of injuries. As lawyers who represent victims of bicycle and pedestrian accidents throughout New York City, we’ve long seen the consequences of neglecting proper infrastructure. The redesign is a major step in the right direction.

A Long-Overdue Safety Upgrade

The bridge now features a dedicated pedestrian path on the south outer roadway, which was previously reserved for vehicles. Cyclists retain the north outer roadway for exclusive use. This change comes amid skyrocketing bike usage across the city, with more than 2 million cyclist crossings on the Queensboro Bridge recorded in 2024 alone.

The decision to reconfigure the bridge wasn’t just a design choice — it was a safety necessity. Street safety advocates, including Transportation Alternatives, have fought for years to get pedestrians and cyclists the space and protection they deserve. The newly separated paths reduce the risk of collisions and reflect the growing demand for equitable access to New York’s infrastructure.

Injury Prevention and Legal Implications

As attorneys who have handled cases involving bike crashes and pedestrian injuries, we know how chaotic it could be. We’ve represented clients who suffered fractures, concussions, and worse after being struck by cyclists or e-scooters.

By making this change, the city has not only enhanced safety — it has also taken a meaningful step toward reducing its own potential liability in future accident claims. Proper infrastructure is one of the most powerful tools for accident prevention. When governments fail to separate fast-moving cyclists from slower-moving pedestrians, the result is predictable: conflict, injuries, and avoidable lawsuits.

A Clear Message to City Leaders

This redesign is a reminder of what can be accomplished when residents, activists, and city agencies work together. But it also highlights the urgent need for further improvements across the five boroughs. While the Queensboro Bridge joins the Brooklyn Bridge and Washington Bridge in having separated paths, far too many crossings in NYC still lack basic protections for non-motorized users.

If the city is truly committed to Vision Zero, it must continue building protected lanes, enforcing traffic laws that keep illegal mopeds off pedestrian paths, and investing in the safety of everyone who chooses to walk or bike.

Moving Forward

The Queensboro Bridge redesign is a victory, but it must be seen as the beginning — not the end — of a broader movement. With thousands of people using this span daily and new bike lanes feeding into it from across Queens, the need for safe, separated infrastructure will only grow.

As bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers in New York City, we will continue to fight for those injured due to negligent infrastructure or reckless conduct. But we hope to see a future where these cases are the exception — not the rule — because the city has finally built a system that prioritizes safety.

Injured while biking or walking in NYC? Call us at 212-943-1090 to speak with a top-rated trial attorney with a proven record of results.

Picture: courtesy of Wikipedia