New York City’s iconic Broadway corridor is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at enhancing pedestrian and cyclist experiences. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has embarked on the ambitious ‘Broadway Vision’ project, which seeks to convert segments of the famed Great White Way into vibrant linear plazas. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Eric Adams in 2021, is an evolution of previous efforts by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Mayor Bill de Blasio to create a safer and more accessible environment along Broadway.
The recent changes to the Broadway landscape have been substantial. Over the last two years, the DOT has reimagined seven blocks, remedying a space that was once dominated by vehicular traffic, transforming it into a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. This design incorporates improved sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, and outdoor dining options. Safe streets advocates have long contended that Broadway should prioritize bikes and foot traffic, especially since it runs diagonally through Midtown, making it less essential for car traffic.
Streetsblog recently explored the extent of these changes on Broadway, observing firsthand how the project has revitalized several neighborhoods.
In the Union Square North area, the blocks between 17th Street and 19th Street have experienced a significant makeover. Last year, the DOT closed off car traffic completely between 17th and 18th Streets, repurposing what was once an underused road into an extension of Union Square. Here, the street is now exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians, featuring two-way bike lanes on one side and additional space for pedestrians filled with tables and umbrellas from local businesses.
This change has been enthusiastically received by community members. One local, Anthony, expressed his appreciation for the reimagined streetscape, highlighting the convenience it offers for quick lunches or coffee breaks.
Beyond 19th Street, cyclists share the roadway with limited vehicle traffic until they approach the Flatiron Building and Madison Square, where they redirect toward Sixth Avenue. The lower Flatiron district itself has seen little change since the DOT’s shared streets implementation in 2021 and the establishment of dedicated plazas as far back as 2008.
New plazas between 25th and 27th Streets are set to become permanent, providing expanded lounging options for pedestrians. However, as cyclists head north, they often find themselves needing to veer off Broadway due to the current layout accommodating only southbound bike traffic on that stretch.
Kurt Cavanaugh, Vice President of Planning, Streetscape & Capital Projects for the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, shares the city’s efforts to address these roadway challenges. He noted that a significant hundred and twenty-five million dollar citywide streetscape project aimed at enhancing public spaces, including those on Broadway, was announced earlier this year.
Cavanaugh also pointed out the increased usage of Citi Bikes and subway systems in the area, speaking to the positive impact of prioritizing pedestrian traffic over motor vehicles. Flatiron District businesses have echoed this sentiment, claiming an economic and cultural uplift in the neighborhood’s vibrant atmosphere.
However, challenges remain, especially around Greeley Square and Herald Square. A critical detour at 32nd Street interrupts the bike lane, posing safety risks for cyclists. With over twenty-six accidents and thirty-five injurious incidents reported since 2023, improvements are in demand. While the city has proposed preliminary designs for this area, timelines for implementation are yet to be clarified.
Northward, plans have been revealed for additional pedestrian-only spaces in Herald Plaza between 35th and 36th Streets, an area already minimally affected by vehicle traffic. Local worker Maxime Laurent welcomed the upcoming enhancements, expressing optimism for a more pleasant commuting experience for cyclists.
Meanwhile, the Garment District between 34th and 42nd Streets is set to undergo considerable changes as part of the Broadway Vision project. Construction slated for next year aims to further enhance the area between 38th and 40th Streets, moving the bike lane eastward and incorporating more greenery along the corridor.
The design changes will cut down parking options by approximately ninety percent but raise concerns about the loss of pedestrian space, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. Anne Bonacum, director of planning and development for the Garment District Alliance, affirmed the general support for enhancements to public spaces, noting the scarcity of such areas in the district.
At Times Square, the DOT plans to transform the street between 41st and 42nd Streets into a shared block, further facilitating pedestrian access to this bustling locale. However, concerns remain regarding the continuity of cycling routes in this heavily trafficked area.
Despite current projects seemingly falling short of earlier ambitions for further developments north of 50th Street, the impact of the Broadway Vision initiative has been largely positive for local businesses. With a reported forty percent increase in foot traffic in some areas and above-average storefront occupancy rates along the corridor, businesses describe an economic revival coinciding with the pedestrian-focused redesigns.
Jon Check, the vice president of operations at Pura Vida Miami, noted the extraordinary success of their location since the project’s inception, attributing this to the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Similarly, La Pecora Bianca’s management reported a significant increase in walk-in customers since the plaza was installed outside their restaurant.
Tony Valme, manager of the long-established Paragon Sports, also mentioned how the vibrant changes have shifted pedestrian behavior, encouraging visitors to linger and explore their store instead of merely passing by.
Overall, the Broadway Vision initiative is regarded as a beneficial project, fostering a positive environment for local commerce and enhancing the urban experience in one of New York City’s most famous streets. As the initiative continues to unfold, both residents and businesses alike are optimistic for the future of Broadway as it gradually becomes a model of people-first urban design.
image source from：nyc
