Triboro Bridge

Be careful of the stairway on the Queens side of the bridge.

The Triboro Bridge is actually composed of three separate bridge spans connecting Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx. They connect with one another over Randalls and Wards Island, with greenways linking the various segments. All three bridges have a pedestrian path. Recent improvements to the Queens segment have greatly enhanced its safety and convenience; the new pathway links directly to the island’s greenway system, replacing a once haphazard route through parking lots. However, steep access ramps still make for difficult riding on the Manhattan and Bronx portions, and the two sets of stairs on the Queens section (pictured right) require bicyclists to carry their bikes.

Officially, you must walk your bike over the entire 2 mile span, as indicated by signage. Unofficially, bicyclists ride 24 hours a day; just slow to allow pedestrians to pass, as they have the right of way.

Most cyclists consider the bridge unsafe after dark. The lighting is dim, intended for adjacent cars. Because of its narrowness and extreme length, the Triboro would be a very bad place to run into scary people.

Triboro Bridge by Numbers:

Distance: 13820 ft. across all three spans
Design: 1936 Suspension Bridge
Engineer: Othmar H. Ammann
Architect and Builder: Aymar Embury II
Queens entrance: Long, steep stairs at Hoyt Avenue and 27th Street
Manhattan entrance: Ramps at Second Avenue and 124/126 Streets, stairs at First Avenue and 124/126 Streets.
Bronx entrance: 134th Street and Cypress Avenue
Map of Wards/Randalls Island

T.A. Magazine Articles on the Triboro Bridge:

• A Day for Sunday Drivers on Two Wheels, New York Times, May 3, 2002

For more information: visit MTA Bridges and Tunnels or call 212-360-3000.

Operated by the Department of Transportation.