DOT Report Confirms What NYC Cyclists Already Knew: Eric Adams Undermined Bike Lane Progress

As NYC bicycle accident attorneys, we have seen the devastating impact of the city’s failure to prioritize safe streets. Victims of reckless drivers often suffer life-altering injuries—broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage—all because the city refuses to implement the infrastructure that could prevent these tragedies.

A newly released Department of Transportation (DOT) report confirms what cyclists and safe-street advocates have long suspected: Mayor Eric Adams has systematically undermined New York City’s legally mandated commitments to expand bike lanes and bus lanes, putting cyclists and pedestrians at continued risk.

The Report’s Findings: A Stark Failure to Meet Commitments

The DOT’s annual update on the city’s adherence to the 2019 Streets Master Plan law reveals a concerning trend. In 2024, the city once again failed to meet its legally required goals:

• Protected Bike Lanes: Only 29.3 miles were installed, far short of the required 50 miles.
• Bus Lanes: The city painted just 17.9 miles out of the promised 30 miles.
• Bus Lane Expansion: Only 5.5 miles of new bus lanes were added in 2024—down from previous years.

This marks the third consecutive year that the city has failed to meet its legal obligations, demonstrating a clear pattern of neglect.

The Root Cause: A Lack of Political Will and Resources

While past DOT reports have sidestepped the issue, this year’s release offers an unusually candid assessment: the Adams administration’s lack of support has actively hindered progress. The agency cites chronic staff shortages, shrinking budgets, and political interference as major obstacles—issues that transportation advocates have been highlighting for years.

The DOT’s own words confirm the challenges: “The Fordham Road busway project, which would have sped up trips for 85,000 riders on the second busiest route in the entire city, was abandoned after local elected and stakeholder pushback.” However, what the report does not explicitly state is that this pushback came from City Hall itself—specifically, Mayor Adams.

The Consequences: Cyclists and Pedestrians at Risk

By failing to expand the city’s network of protected bike lanes and dedicated bus lanes, the Adams administration has left cyclists, pedestrians, and transit riders exposed to dangerous conditions. The lack of infrastructure translates directly into more crashes, more injuries, and more preventable deaths on New York City streets.

Adams’ Empty Promises

Mayor Adams campaigned on a platform that included bold promises for public transit and cycling infrastructure, including a commitment to build 150 miles of bus lanes over four years. Instead, under his leadership, multiple street redesign projects have been delayed, scaled back, or scrapped entirely.

Even more troubling is the mayor’s apparent disdain for safe-street initiatives. In 2023, Adams suggested that bus lanes were primarily for “gentrifiers,” signaling his disinterest in prioritizing the needs of the city’s transit-dependent and working-class residents.

The Path Forward: Holding City Hall Accountable

The DOT’s report is more than just an acknowledgment of failure—it’s a call to action. The law is clear: New York City must build out its network of bike lanes and bus lanes. Mayor Adams’ administration must be held accountable for failing to deliver on these legal mandates.

Cyclists and advocates must continue to demand safe streets and push for city leaders who are willing to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety over political expediency. New Yorkers deserve a city where they can walk, bike, and take public transit without fear of injury or death.

For those who have been injured due to the city’s failure to protect its cyclists and pedestrians, legal action may be necessary. As NYC bicycle accident attorneys, we are here to fight for justice and hold negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike crash, contact us for a free consultation at 212-943-1090.