New Bike and Pedestrian Paths on Robert F. Kennedy, Henry Hudson and Cross Bay Bridges

Photo: Trent Reeves / MTA

Improvements are Part of MTA’s Plan to Improve Bicycle, Pedestrian and Micromobility Access

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The completion of paths for bicyclists, pedestrians and micromobility users on the Robert F. Kennedy, Henry Hudson and Cross Bay Bridges was celebrated today. The milestone comes as part of the Authority’s commitment to improving conditions for cyclists, pedestrians and micromobility users on MTA bridges, leveraging the MTA’s infrastructure assets to promote walking and cycling and enhance safety across the region.

Robert F. Kennedy Bridge

The MTA replaced pedestrian-only paths on the RFK Manhattan and Bronx spans, both connecting to Randalls Island with new bike/pedestrian paths that are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These paths, completed four months ahead of schedule and within budget, result in end-to-end ADA connectivity between Randall’s Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx. In addition, MTA built a new ADA-compliant bike/pedestrian ramp connecting the northern walkway of the Harlem River Lift Span to the future East River Greenway in East Harlem, currently under construction by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. 

In December 2023, the MTA Board approved the award of a contract that will create a new ADA compliant bike/pedestrian path to replace the current walkway across the RFK’s East River suspension and Queens approach structure. Construction is ongoing and the MTA will complete this work by the end of 2027. Once completed, there will be a continuous ADA compliant Bike-Ped path from Astoria to Randall’s Island and overall bike/ped access between the boroughs of the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan will be significantly improved.  In addition, RFK facility will have end to end ADA accessibility between the boroughs of the Bronx, Queens and Manhattan and Randall’s Island.  

Henry Hudson Bridge

The MTA widened the lower-level sidewalk and built ADA-compliant connections at both ends of the Henry Hudson Bridge, resulting in a fully accessible bike/pedestrian path across the entire bridge, and improving accessibility between Spuyten Duyvil and Inwood Hill Park at the northern end of Manhattan. The new walkway, opened in December 2024, was completed on time and within budget.

Cross Bay Bridge  

The MTA replaced a pedestrian ramp with a new fully accessible bike/pedestrian ramp on the south side of the Cross Bay Bridge. This ramp, which was completed on time and within budget, is the final link in an ADA-compliant bike/pedestrian path across the entire bridge connecting Broad Channel to the Rockaways.

Strategic Action Plan

In January 2023, the MTA released a strategic action plan to improve bicycle, pedestrian, and micromobility access across our network, including at subway and commuter rail stations, bus stops, and bridges. We will also work to integrate trip planning and payments with bike-sharing and micromobility services. This work will involve coordination with NYCDOT and regional stakeholders to improve the pedestrian and bicycle network surrounding MTA facilities.

The MTA’s investments in bike and pedestrian access on the RFK, Henry Hudson, and Cross Bay Bridges build on a growing network of safe, accessible routes being advanced across the five boroughs. 

NYCDOT has delivered or is planning critical connections to these crossings. In the Bronx and East Harlem, projects like the Willow Avenue protected bike lane, intersection upgrades near Harlem River Park, the capital project at Third Avenue and East 128th Street, and school safety improvements along Bruckner Boulevard all support safer, more direct access to the RFK Bridge. 

In Manhattan near the Henry Hudson Bridge, the Tenth Avenue section of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway—recently awarded significant federal funding—and the proposed Dyckman Street connection from Seaman Avenue to the Hudson River Greenway will strengthen access to the Henry Hudson Bridge and the broader greenway network. 

And in Queens, protected bike lanes on Crescent Street—along with concrete island upgrades as part of the Green Wave initiative—enhance connections to the RFK Bridge, while the Addabbo Bridge protected bike lane, Cross Bay Boulevard upgrades, major capital improvements in Broad Channel, and past safety work along 165th Avenue in Howard Beach improve access to the Cross Bay Bridge and surrounding neighborhoods.