The Verdict Is In: New York Likes Bikes

In the midst of the annual Bike Month celebration of bicycling in New York, bike lanes received their latest public endorsement from New Yorkers today with the release of a Quinnipiac Poll showing a strong majority continues to approve of the street improvements. According to the poll, 56% of New Yorkers say bike lanes "are good because it's greener and healthier for people to ride." This is a two-point increase in support over the last poll showing a landslide approval for bike lanes, released by Quinnipiac University in March. Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Transportation Alternatives, hailed the continued growth in support for bike lanes:

"New Yorkers like bike lanes because bike lanes are good for all New Yorkers. Separate spaces for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers keep everyone out of each other's way and out of harm's way."

The Quinnipiac Poll is the latest in a string of signals showing widespread support for bicycling in New York. A poll released in April by State Assembly Member James Brennan revealed that a majority of neighborhood residents approve of the Prospect Park West bike lane or would make it even better. This sweeping approval for bike lanes in Brooklyn came hot on the heels of the citywide Quinnipiac Poll in March showing that a strong majority thinks the new lanes are "a good thing" for New York. The previous Quinnipiac Poll also showed a slim majority in Queens disapproved of the lanes. The new poll shows 53% of Queens residents now approve of the street improvements, a strong sign of growing support.

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