WalkNYC
Wayfinding Program Overview
WalkNYC is New York City’s wayfinding system. The system is a collection of maps and signs to help you find your way around the city.
![A man carrying an orange backpack walks on a wide sidewalk, past a tall sign with two maps on it](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-photo-1.jpg)
The WalkNYC wayfinding signs are easy to use by pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders. WalkNYC maps and signs use limited text, a clear layout, and universal icons.
Most WalkNYC signs are on sidewalks, at Citi Bike stations or ferry terminals, and inside subway stations. The WalkNYC map design is also used for the NYC Bike Map and NYC & Co.’s Official Map of New York City.
Types of Wayfinding
Pedestrian Signs
- Installed on sidewalks and in plazas
- Maps provide neighborhood information, such as street names, mass transit, museums and other neighborhood amenities
- Small, medium, and large signs with maps
- Fingerpost signs point in the direction of key destinations at locations where maps are not needed
- Developed and maintained by NYC DOT
![Two people look at a map on a tall, narrow sign on a sidewalk, while yellow taxis drive by](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-pedestrian-sign-small-1.jpg)
![On a wide sidewalk, a group of people look at a tall sign maps on it](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-pedestrian-sign-medium-1.jpg)
![Outside a park on a wide sidewalk, a group of people look at a tall, wide sign with a neighborhood map](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-pedestrian-sign-medium-2.jpg)
![Directional signs are posted on the top of a narrow pole, positioned in front of a business in NYC](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-pedestrian-sign-small-2.jpg)
Bus Signs
- Installed at bus stops
- Provide maps and real time bus arrival information on digital displays
- Maps provide bus routes and local neighborhood information
- Developed and maintained by NYC DOT
![At a bus stop, people look at a tall sign with maps and a digital display of arrival times for buses](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-bus-sign.jpg)
Subway Station Neighborhood Maps
- Located inside subway stations
- Provide the same information as pedestrian maps with lighter colors for indoor viewing
- Developed by NYC DOT
- Installed and maintained by New York City Transit
![A man stands in a NYC subway station and looks at two large map posters hanging on the station wall](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-subway-station-neighborhood-map.jpg)
Citi Bike Station Maps
- Located on bike share station kiosks
- Provide a larger map area to show bike lane network and Citi Bike stations
- Developed by NYC DOT
- Installed and maintained by Citi Bike
![Citi Bike station with a solar panel and large neighborhood map is installed on a colorful street mural](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-citi-bike-station-map.jpg)
NYC Ferry Maps
- Located at NYC Ferry landings
- Provide the same information as pedestrian maps and includes NYC Ferry shuttle service information, if available
- Developed by NYC DOT
- Installed and maintained by NYC EDC
![A walkNYC sign is posted near a ferry landing](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-nyc-ferry-map-soundview.jpg)
Map Design
WalkNYC maps use easy-to-understand pictures (icons) to represent important locations on the map. Examples of these include: bathrooms, wheelchair ramps, stairs, libraries, post offices, and playgrounds. The icons help speakers of any language understand the maps.
WalkNYC maps show what you are seeing directly in front of you, and make it quick and easy to understand where you are and what is to the left, right, and behind you as well. This is called “heads-up” mapping.
- All WalkNYC maps show basic information such as:
- “You are here” icons
- Walk times
- Street names
- Major parks
- Major landmarks such as large public buildings, hospitals or museums
- Subway stops, train stations, airports, and ferry landings
- Pedestrian and bicycle routes over bridges or on greenways
WalkNYC signs usually include two maps - one that shows a smaller distance and one that shows a larger distance.
Smaller Distance WalkNYC Map
- The smaller distance WalkNYC maps show locations that you can walk to within five to seven minutes of the sign. These maps are helpful for exploring the neighborhood or finding specific locations. Besides the basic information, these maps also include:
- Building addresses
- Pathways inside parks
- Neighborhood landmarks like schools or statues
- Neighborhood amenities like post offices
- Stairs, ramps and elevators
![Colorful map of the Financial District in Lower Manhattan, shows where subway stations are located as well as other neighborhood amenities such as bike lanes, restrooms and historic landmarks](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-lm-map.jpg)
Larger Distance WalkNYC Map
- The larger distance WalkNYC maps show locations that you can walk to within 15 minutes of the sign. They are helpful for planning longer walks, bike rides, or trips using public transportation. Besides the basic information, these maps also include:
- Subway routes
- Select Bus Service (SBS) routes
- Surrounding neighborhoods
![Graphic of a map showing streets and bike lanes in Lower Manhattan. Icons and text highlight where you are standing, and what’s within a 15 minute walk](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-lm-om-map.jpg)
Sign Locations
- WalkNYC pedestrian signs are installed citywide on sidewalks and in plazas. Often located in areas that are:
- Busy pedestrian corridors
- Near subway stations and other transportation hubs
- Key decision-making points for pedestrians
- Popular destinations
- Difficult-to-navigate areas
Siting guidelines and placement details are provided in the NYC DOT Street Design Manual: WalkNYC sign specifications General guidelines for installing WalkNYC signs on sidewalks
![Four DOT crew members in bright safety jacket install a tall metal frame on a sidewalk, near the curb.](/html/dot/images/pedestrians/walknyc-locations.jpg)
Report a Problem with a Wayfinding Sign
Contact WalkNYC
If you have questions or comments about wayfinding signs, please email us at walknyc@dot.nyc.gov.