MTA Launches Process to Enhance Bicycle, Micromobility Access

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair and CEO Janno Lieber announced that the MTA will create a strategic action plan to enhance bicycle, pedestrian, and micromobility access to MTA facilities and services.

In addition, the MTA has hired Sam Schwartz Engineering as a consultant to provide critical expertise and support to the creation of the plan.

"We want to improve customer access to our environmentally friendly MTA services, however they get to their train or bus,” Lieber said. “As a cyclist myself, I know that biking can be the perfect complement to mass transit. This plan improves access to our services through cycling, walking, and micromobility and will help bring riders back and reduce our carbon footprint.” 

The plan, to be released this year, will redouble the MTA’s commitment to creating equitable access to transit system and supporting sustainable transportation modes. The Authority is launching this plan in accordance with state legislation signed into law last year by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Through the strategic action plan, the MTA will:  

• Improve bicycle, pedestrian, and micromobility access to subway stations and bus stops   
• Improve access at Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad stations
• Integrate trip planning and payments with bike-sharing and other micromobility services like electric scooters
• Strengthen coordination with municipalities
• Improve pedestrian and bicycle access to and on MTA bridges 

These improvements will support the growth of sustainable transportation modes and ensure the MTA remains focused on enhancements that will enable cyclists, pedestrians, and micromobility users to better use the MTA’s transportation network. 

“I’m excited to see this major step toward the creation of our bicycle, pedestrian, and micromobility plan,” said MTA Jamie Torres-Springer, construction and development president. “At MTA Construction and Development, we are committed to enhancing mobility and accessibility throughout our system. This plan will reflect that, with real, tangible action steps to increase connections to our system and make it easier to move throughout the New York City region without ever getting in a car.”

Further improvements are planned, including a partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation to site bicycle parking near subway stations. The MTA is also planning to work with stakeholders in the commuter rail territory to implement ten pilot programs, including bicycle, pedestrian, and micromobility station access improvements.

The MTA said it is encouraging members of the public to provide comments during the development of the strategic action plan. Public comments can be submitted via the MTA web page.