Why safer infrastructure matters for injury prevention and bicycle accident claims
Something quiet but powerful is happening in the Bronx. It’s not another high-rise. Not another expressway. It’s something softer, greener, and far more radical. The city is considering a 7-mile stretch of bike lanes and walking paths that will give Bronx residents something they’ve long been denied. A way to the water, thanks to a major new project called the Harlem River Greenway. It’s not just about bikes or parks. It’s about restoring a connection that never should have been lost and preventing potential bicycle accidents.
What is the Harlem River Greenway?
At its heart, the Harlem River Greenway is a long, continuous stretch of public space designed for walkers, runners, cyclists, and anyone who simply wants to sit by the water and take a moment to breathe. It will stretch from Van Cortlandt Park in the north to Randall’s Island Park in the south.
The project includes:
- 4 miles of protected bike lanes
- Dedicated pedestrian walkways
- Access to parks and the riverfront
- Future green spaces, including the Lower Concourse Park, a new 2.3-acre public space along the river between 144th and 146th Streets.
When it’s complete, this greenway will connect directly to the Empire State Trail, a massive 750-mile trail that spans from New York City to Albany, Buffalo, and even the Canadian border. That means you’ll be able to hop on a bike in the Bronx and ride all the way to Lake Ontario.
The first completed segment is already making waves. It’s a new ramp in Highbridge, connecting Depot Place and Exterior Street. It crosses over the Major Deegan Expressway and Metro-North tracks, two of the biggest barriers that have separated Bronx communities from the Harlem River for decades. This new pathway links directly to Bridge Park and Roberto Clemente State Park, and for more than a mile in each direction, it’s the only safe access point to the waterfront. It includes a barrier-protected bike lane, a pedestrian walkway, and new lighting.
A river reclaimed after decades of disconnection
The Bronx accounts for only 6% of the city’s bike lanes. Compare that to Manhattan and Queens, which together hold more than 75%. For years, residents have requested improved access to parks and bike lanes, as well as a means to access the river. They were told to wait. Now, they’re finally being heard.
This project wasn’t just dreamed up in a boardroom. It was built on the backs of Bronx residents who spent years organizing, planning, and attending community meetings. The Harlem River Working Group led the charge. Their coordinator, Chauncy Young, summed it up:
"For too long, Bronx communities have been severed from their own waterfront, a historic harm largely inflicted by the era of Robert Moses and his damaging infrastructure projects like the Major Deegan and the Cross Bronx Expressways.”
The river is a place where parents can teach their kids how to ride a bike without worrying about speeding traffic. Where teens can meet up under open skies instead of on stoops or in stairwells. Where elders can sit and watch the water, remembering a time before the highways, or dreaming of what comes next.
More segments of the greenway are already underway. The Lower Concourse Park is expected to open this year. New ramps, trails, and green spaces are being added block by block. Over time, the Bronx will become a central artery in a citywide network of active transportation and nature access.
What dangers do pedestrians and bicyclists face in the Bronx?
Walking or biking through the Bronx isn’t always simple or safe. Some of the dangers originate from outdated city design. Others are the result of years of neglect and uneven investment. Here’s what people on foot and riding bikes are up against every day:
- Dangerous road design: Many Bronx streets were built to move cars, not protect people. Wide lanes encourage speeding, while poorly marked crosswalks and limited traffic signals make intersections hazardous, especially after dark.
- Lack of protected bike lanes: The absence of protected bike lanes forces most cyclists to ride alongside cars, trucks, and buses, increasing the risk of accidents. Some are forced to take the sidewalks, which creates new safety issues for pedestrians.
- High rates of traffic violence: The Bronx consistently sees some of the highest numbers of pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths in the city. For example, Grand Concourse and Bruckner Boulevard are notorious for speeding and serious crashes.
- Aggressive and distracted drivers: From running red lights to using smartphones while driving, reckless driving is a daily reality. Delivery vans and rideshare drivers often double-park or make sudden turns, putting vulnerable road users at constant risk.
- Broken sidewalks and blocked paths: Cracked pavement, potholes, and debris in bike lanes can cause cyclists to be pushed into traffic. In winter, snow and ice are cleared from roads before walkways are cleared. Construction zones too often block sidewalks entirely, with no detours in sight.
Giampa Law fights for injured cyclists and pedestrians
If you were injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident in the Bronx, Giampa Law is ready to hold the negligent party accountable and fight for your rights. We’ve built our reputation on standing up for people who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own. Whether you were struck by a distracted driver, injured near a construction zone, or hit while riding in an unprotected lane, we're here to help you get the compensation you're entitled to under New York law.
We have a strong track record of case results, including a $1.5 million verdict in Bronx County for a client who was severely injured in a pedestrian accident. We investigate every detail of your crash, challenge unfair narratives, and pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. If the insurance companies don't play fair, we're fully prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for the compensation you deserve in front of a judge and jury.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything unless we win your case. If you’ve been injured while walking or biking in the Bronx, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll listen, guide you through your next steps, and help you take back control one step at a time.
"Today, we were victorious and won the case. Thank you very much, Giampa Law, for never leaving us helpless.” – A.D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐