New York City Will Expand Queens Bike Lanes This Fall
The city will cut vehicle lanes on Thomson Avenue to create new space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Beginning this fall, the New York City Department of Transportation will install 1.5 miles of protected bike lanes in Queens. This project will transform Thomson Avenue by reducing vehicle capacity and widening sidewalks near LaGuardia College.
Why it matters
The infrastructure changes follow a documented decrease in motor vehicle traffic on local roads since the implementation of congestion pricing in January 2025. City planners are repurposing the space to prioritize multi-modal transportation.
The plan reduces Thomson Avenue vehicle lanes from six to four, with the bridge featuring a 15-foot wide two-way protected bike lane. Additionally, parking-protected bike lanes will be added along 44th Drive.
The players
New York City Department of Transportation
This agency is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of city streets and transportation infrastructure.
LaGuardia College
This public community college serves thousands of students in Queens and acts as a primary pedestrian generator in the area.
The details
The Department of Transportation is converting a existing concrete median into a dedicated space for bike and pedestrian traffic. By narrowing the roadway, the agency aims to enhance safety and access for commuters traveling near LaGuardia College.
Timeline
Congestion pricing began in January 2025.
Traffic volume was tracked between 2024 and 2026.
The project was presented to the community board in September 2026.
Construction work begins in the fall of 2026.
Roadmap
This project represents a wider urban transition toward repurposing road space for alternative transit as traffic patterns evolve. It reflects a shift away from high-capacity car infrastructure in favor of multimodal urban planning.
Commuters and drivers should prepare for traffic flow changes on Thomson Avenue as lanes are reduced from six to four. Local cyclists will gain significantly safer passage with the introduction of a new 15-foot wide bike path on the bridge.
The takeaway
The conversion of street lanes into protected bike paths signals a lasting shift in how local officials manage post-congestion pricing roadways. Residents should monitor local traffic alerts to adjust their travel expectations once construction begins.
Further reading
For more on the city's approach to transit infrastructure, visit Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Streetsblog New York City.
Live Poll
Should city planners repurpose street space for bike lanes when traffic volume declines in your area?
