Streets Week!: Mayor de Blasio Commutes to Work by Bicycle

May 11, 2021

Becomes first New York City Mayor since John Lindsay to bicycle distance from Gracie Mansion to City Hall, largely on protected lanes completed over last seven years

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today celebrated Bike-to-Work Month by commuting from Gracie Mansion to City Hall by bicycle, completing the 6-mile morning commute in about an hour. The route from the Upper East Side to lower Manhattan was largely taken along protected bike lanes completed during this administration. Mayor John Lindsay, in 1970, is believed to be the first and only other mayor to make the commute.

Last year, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) installed 28.6 new miles of protected bike lanes, the most in one year in New York City history.

“Thanks to record installations of protected bike lanes, cycling has never been safer, more accessible, or more popular in New York City,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Whether you’re a veteran cyclist, or just looking to try a greener and healthier commute, now is a great time to bike to work. The cycling boom is here to stay, and I’m proud to support it with more infrastructure than ever to keep cyclists safe.”

“We know that cycling is an affordable, carbon-neutral and healthy way to get around, and the Mayor has also shown that it is a great way to commute to work,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “With our team’s hard work on putting protected bike lanes and now new bike racks around all five boroughs, there has never been a better time to get on a bicycle.”

"It's never been a better time to hop on a bike!" said Ben Furnas, Director of the Mayor's Office for Climate and Sustainability. "Thanks to Mayor de Blasio and the Department of Transportation, New York City's protected bike lane network is growing at a record pace. As our city reopens, biking is a great way to fall in love again with all the neighborhood, sights, and sounds New York has to offer — and fight climate change with every turn of the wheel."

“Cycling can be a safe and healthy way to commute, it increases physical activity and improves our air quality by relying less on cars,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “I want to thank Mayor de Blasio and the Department of Transportation for their tireless work in creating more cycling spaces and for their partnership in helping to make our streets safe.”

"As New Yorkers return to the office, Citi Bike is ready to take them there for a fast, easy, affordable and sustainable commute, whether you want a pedal bike for exercise or the boost of an ebike to help conquer bridges and hills without breaking a sweat," said Laura Fox, General Manager of Citi Bike at Lyft. "With over 20,000 Citi Bikes now reaching from Sunset Park to the West Bronx, and a growing network of protected bike lanes under the leadership of Mayor de Blasio and DOT, we hope more people follow his lead and bike to work this month and every month."

The Mayor’s commute today via Citi Bike was almost entirely along protected on-street bicycle lanes. Since the beginning of the de Blasio administration, over 475 miles of lanes have been created, including 130 miles of protected lanes, the most by any administration in New York City history. The Mayor’s route today included new on-street protected lanes in Manhattan along Second Avenue, Chrystie Street, Park Row, and Frankfort Street.