Safety First on Third: Bike Lanes Make Roadways Safer for All Users

As car accident lawyers practicing in New York City, we have witnessed the unfortunate consequences of traffic collisions and the severe impact they have on individuals, families, and communities. However, recent developments on Third Avenue present a hopeful narrative that underscores a truth we can all rally around: bike lanes make roadways safer for everyone.

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released data indicating that the installation of a protected bike lane on Third Avenue has resulted in a remarkable 33 percent decrease in total injuries over the past year. Even more striking, injuries to drivers and passengers in vehicles plummeted by 43 percent. These statistics are not merely numbers; they represent lives profoundly affected—or saved—by thoughtful urban planning.

As noted by DOT spokesperson Vin Barone, “DOT’s redesign of Third Avenue has significantly reduced serious injuries—whether you’re walking, biking, or in a car on the corridor.” This statement demonstrates a comprehensive view of roadway safety, one that considers all users rather than prioritizing vehicles alone.

For those of us who advocate for safety on our streets, these findings reveal that changes to urban infrastructure lead to tangible benefits. Even though injuries among cyclists declined by only 10 percent during a period of 79-percent growth in bike traffic—a testament to the effectiveness of the bike lane—pedestrian injuries saw an astounding 63 percent reduction. Most importantly, since the redesign, there have been no fatalities in that segment of Third Avenue, despite the prior tragic losses of four pedestrians and one cyclist between 2020 and 2023.

The DOT has implemented not just bike lanes but also innovative “green wave” traffic light timings that support safe speeds for all road users. This adjustment, which offers synchronized lights for cyclists traveling at 15 miles per hour, fundamentally alters the dynamics of Third Avenue, making it navigable and safe for both cyclists and pedestrians during the day and night.

As lawyers, we often see the aftermath of reckless driving and poor road design. The evidence from Third Avenue supports the argument that improved infrastructure significantly minimizes the risk of crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities. The success of the bike lane and green wave highlights the potential for similar initiatives throughout the city.

Advocates like Ben Furnas, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, have rightly celebrated these measures, remarking, “It’s not only more pleasant but safer.” This redesign offers hope for countless lives that could be impacted by similar changes across New York City.

The lessons from Third Avenue ring loud and clear: creating safer streets through bike lanes ultimately protects all roadway users. As NYC car accident attorneys, we urge policymakers and community leaders to prioritize comparable infrastructure improvements citywide. Safer roadways are not only vital for cyclists and pedestrians; they create a healthier, more secure environment for everyone who shares our city’s streets.

Let us continue to advocate for “Safety First” and work towards a vision of New York City where safety is paramount and all users can coexist peacefully. Bike lanes are not just for cyclists; they are for the betterment of our entire community.

Picture Source: DOT