T.A Opposes Shared-use Pathways On The QBB

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In late October, the Chief Engineer at the DOT Division of Bridges, Cosema Crawford announced plans to open both the North and South Outer Roadways on the Queensboro Bridge to cyclists and pedestrians. Sounds great, but there is a major catch. The North Outer Roadway will be open to cars during the morning rush and the South Outer Roadway in the evening rush. Not only is this proposal a retreat from DOT's commitment to provide a path for the sole use of bicycles and pedestrians, but it raises serious safety concerns as well.

There are three basic problems with the DOT's dual-use plan:

1. Access to the Bridge path will be dangerous and confusing. The approaches to the QBB are designed to maximize motorized traffic flow. This is not compatible with providing safe and easy bicycle and pedestrian access. Having four separate access points to two paths which are open or closed on a time of day basis is confusing and bound to cause conflict and crashes.

2. Motor vehicle use creates unsafe conditions and hazards on the bridges bicycle/pedestrian path(s).

Cars leave a slick sheen of oil and transmission fluid, especially dangerous to cyclists when the roadways are wet or damp. Motor vehicles also destroy the special non-slip, asphalt "micro-surfacing overlay" and create dangerous potholes.

3. Bicyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable to periods of reduced access to the bridge based on political whim. The DOT's dual-use plan would allow both the Outer Roadways to be opened at anytime to automobile use.

It is critical that the proposal for shared use lanes is rejected and DOT sticks to the original plan of a bridge path dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian use. Urge DOT Division of Bridges to stick to the long standing commitment to a lane designed for the sole use of non motorized travelers. Write to:

Cosema E. Crawford
Chief Engineer
NYC DOT - Div. of Bridges
2 Rector St. 8th floor
New York, NY 10006