Manhattan is the safest place to bike in NYC. What about the rest of New York?
Every time you hop on a bike in NYC, you're taking your life into your hands. But what if I told you that your risk of injury or even death can vary drastically based on where you live?
This study explores biking inequality in the city that never sleeps.
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Every day in 2022, 10 cyclists were injured in NYC.
But the danger is not spread evenly across the city. When we look at the numbers by borough, we can see that some areas are far more hazardous for cyclists than others. In fact, one borough stands out as the most dangerous of all.

NYC Cycling Injuries in 2022

NYC Open Data/ Motor Vehicle Collisions - Crashes

The Shape of Biking in NYC

A 2019 study by the University of British Columbia found that bike lanes can reduce the risk of injury by up to 90%. The study analyzed data from 12 US cities and found that bike lanes had a significant impact on reducing injury rates for cyclists.
The safety of cycling infrastructure can vary significantly across the five boroughs of New York City. While some areas boast well-maintained bike lanes and protected paths, others have few dedicated cycling spaces and higher rates of accidents.

Distribution of Bike Lanes In NYC

There are three types of bike lanes: Class I, Class II, and Class III.
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3

Cycling Has Its Day

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in cycling across the city. With concerns over the safety of enclosed public transportation, many residents have turned to cycling as a means of commuting.

Means of Transportation to Work for NYC Workers 16+

(2021 American Community Survey)

This shift has not only impacted commuting patterns, but also highlighted the need for further investment in cycling infrastructure to support this growing trend.

Despite the surge in demand, investment in biking infrastructure has not been distributed equally across the five boroughs. This disparity in investment has resulted in some areas having safer and more convenient biking options than others, which can discourage cycling as a mode of transportation and put certain communities at a greater risk of accidents.

To gain insights into the cycling experience in the city, I will be analyzing data from Citibike, New York City's bike-sharing program. Citibike has been a popular transportation option for New Yorkers and visitors alike, providing a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city. With millions of trips taken every year, Citibike data provides a wealth of information on cycling patterns, usage, and rider demographics.

CitiBike Ridership Patterns in 2022

CitiBike Ridership Data
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However, as cycling in the city became more popular, the potential dangers of sharing the road with cars and other vehicles became increasingly apparent. Alongside the rise in cycling usage, the possibility of injury was a constant concern for many riders.
Adjust the slider to view cycling trips and injury frequency by severity.
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NYC Open Data/ Motor Vehicle Collisions - Crashes
The Biking Divide: Access to Safe Cycling Varies Across NYC
In NYC only 13% of streets have bike lanes and out of these, only 2% are protected.

Understanding the factors that impact biking safety in New York City is crucial for improving the biking experience for all residents.

The presence of bike lanes and other cycling infrastructure is a key factor in determining how safe and accessible biking is in different neighborhoods throughout the city. However, there are many other factors that come into play as well, such as traffic patterns, road design, and the behavior of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Interestingly, our analysis found that neighborhoods with a higher percentage of white residents and higher median household incomes tended to have more protected and safe streets for bikers. This disparity in biking safety highlights the ongoing issue of racial and economic inequality in our city's infrastructure and its impact on the biking experience for residents. Addressing these disparities requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only investing in biking infrastructure but also addressing systemic issues of inequality in our city. By prioritizing the safety and accessibility of biking for all New Yorkers, we can create a more equitable and sustainable city for generations to come.

Increasing biking safety and accessibility in New York City requires a concerted effort from policy makers, urban designers, community leaders, and residents alike. By prioritizing equitable access to safe biking infrastructure and addressing the underlying social and economic factors that impact biking safety, we can create a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable city for all. We urge city leaders to take action and make bold investments in biking infrastructure, and we encourage all residents to embrace the joys and benefits of cycling as a mode of transportation and recreation.