Mayor Eric Adams rode in on a Citi Bike on Wednesday as he announced a new pedestrian and bike path project for the Bronx.

The Harlem River Greenway project will invest more than $7 million of federal funding into the waterfront of the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx.

The project would specifically create a seven-mile greenway from Randall’s Island to VanCortlandt with the aim of creating more open space in the area.

“A seven-mile project, a multi-faceted project is going to allow the people of this community to have a pathway along the waterfront,” Adams said.

What You Need To Know

  • On Monday Adams announced the beginning of The Harlem River Greenway project, a seven-mile greenway from Randall's Island to the Bronx

  • The project will kick off with a series of community workshops, with the first one slated for April 18

  • The project is being funded by more than $7 million in federal dollars

The Harlem River Greenway project aims to bring outdoor walkways and open space to an often overlooked section of the city.

“The seven-mile connector from Van Cortlandt to Randall’s Island, a green path, a greenway in a community as you see is a problem, but he’s also trying to invest in neighborhoods that have been left behind,” Rep. Adriano Espaillat said.

Espaillat noted the need for more investment in the Bronx, which has some of the highest asthma and pollution rates in the city.

Adams’ announcement comes as the city has been slow to increase the amount of bike lanes.

Under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, an avid biker, the city passed a local law to increase the amount of bike lanes throughout the five boroughs.

Starting in 2022, the city was charged with creating 30 miles of protected bike lanes but fell short, only completing 26.

Last year, there were 17 cyclist deaths according to the city’s Department of Transportation. So far this year at least two cyclists have been killed.

“Let me be clear: any loss of life on our streets is unacceptable. That’s why DOT is committed to using every available tool to make our streets safer and end reckless driving. New York City is leading the nation as an example of how cities can use engineering, education and enforcement to reduce senseless traffic violence. And we will continue to take an equitable approach to delivering our life-saving projects across the city,” Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, said.

Transit advocates say that they are hopeful the administration will be able to meet their targets and prioritize safety into the future.

“Today’s announcement is a step towards reclaiming our waterfronts, expanding access to nature for all New Yorkers, and creating safe corridors for pedestrians and bikes. We hope to see more progress like this across our city,” Shawn Garcia, organizer for Transportation Alternatives in the Bronx and Uptown, said.

For 2023 the city has set a goal of 50 miles of protected bike lanes by the end of the year.