What the Bailey Avenue Redesign Means for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety in the Bronx
Bailey Avenue has long been a danger zone for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Stretching from Van Cortlandt Park South to West 225th Street, the corridor runs through the heart of the Bronx and connects high-traffic areas with busy transit hubs. But for years, it has lacked basic safety infrastructure, making it one of the borough’s most hazardous roadways. That is finally about to change.
According to a report by The Riverdale Press, the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced that construction will begin on a major overhaul of Bailey Avenue, bringing long-needed upgrades aimed at preventing crashes and saving lives. For families in the Bronx who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries along this corridor, the changes are a welcome step toward justice and accountability.
At Giampa Law, our pedestrian accident lawyers have represented countless victims of traffic violence throughout the Bronx and New York City. We understand the devastating impact of these crashes and recognize how frequently they occur in areas where safety improvements are delayed or overlooked. This new project is a direct response to years of advocacy, data, and tragedy. It is also a reminder that when local residents demand action, change is possible.
A Dangerous Roadway with a Long History of Harm
Data published by The Riverdale Press reveals the Bailey Avenue corridor ranks in the top ten percent of the most dangerous streets in the Bronx. Between 2020 and 2024, two people were killed and 18 others suffered serious injuries along just a 1.1-mile stretch. In total, 179 people were hurt in traffic crashes during that five-year period. For a corridor this short, those numbers are staggering.
Most of the crashes have involved speeding drivers, poor visibility at intersections, and aggressive behavior in mixed-use lanes shared by parked cars and through traffic. Cyclists are especially vulnerable. Despite daily use by more than 150 riders, Bailey Avenue currently has no designated bike lanes. Cyclists are often forced to veer into fast-moving traffic or ride on sidewalks just to avoid getting hit.
Pedestrians also face enormous risk. Crosswalks at some of the corridor’s busiest intersections, including West 225th, 231st, and 238th Streets, span up to 60 feet, creating wide-open conflicts between people crossing and turning vehicles. More than 43 percent of pedestrian injuries on Bailey Avenue have occurred when drivers failed to yield to people who had the right of way.
What the Redesign Will Include
Under the DOT’s plan, Bailey Avenue will receive a full street redesign to make it safer for all users. This includes:
- Two-way protected bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic with physical barriers
- Shorter, more visible pedestrian crosswalks
- Curb extensions and pedestrian islands to reduce crossing distances
- Dedicated turn lanes to calm traffic and reduce speeding
- Upgraded bus boarding islands for Bx1 and Bx10 routes
These features are designed to reduce conflict points between vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians, and to slow drivers down as they approach key intersections. The city is also redesigning the long blocks between intersections that currently encourage speeding. By adding physical features that reshape how drivers navigate the road, the project aims to create a safer, more predictable environment for everyone.
Community Response Has Been Mixed
While many residents and transportation safety advocates have celebrated the Bailey Avenue redesign, the changes have not come without criticism. The most controversial aspect involves the removal of curbside parking to make room for protected bike lanes and pedestrian upgrades.
Roughly 46 parking spaces will be eliminated, and the mixed-use traffic and parking lane on each side of the road will be replaced by one 11-foot travel lane and one eight-foot parking lane. Some local drivers and small business owners have expressed concern that the change will make parking even more difficult in an already congested neighborhood.
Still, many believe the tradeoff is worth it. Most of the current parking lane is already used for illegal double parking, creating dangerous conditions for all road users. By reclaiming that space for infrastructure that prioritizes safety, the city hopes to reduce crashes and make Bailey Avenue more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and residents.
Why These Changes Matter for Bronx Families
For victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents, road design can mean the difference between life and death. In neighborhoods like Kingsbridge, Van Cortlandt Village, and University Heights, where Bailey Avenue serves as a key connector, safer crossings and separated bike infrastructure have been requested for years.
When a driver causes a crash on a street with poor visibility, unmarked bike lanes, or unsafe crosswalks, the legal battle becomes more challenging. Insurance companies often argue that the victim was not where they were supposed to be or that they shared blame for the crash. Upgrades like the ones coming to Bailey Avenue help eliminate those arguments. They make the rules clearer, the spaces safer, and the responsibilities easier to prove.
At Giampa Law, our accident attorneys have fought for Bronx families who were injured or lost loved ones due to reckless drivers and unsafe road design. We have seen firsthand how a lack of infrastructure creates opportunities for harm, and how hard victims must fight to be heard. This redesign is a sign that city officials are finally listening to what the community has been saying all along.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Even with these safety upgrades, accidents will still happen. And when they do, injured pedestrians, cyclists, and their families need strong legal representation. Whether the crash was caused by a driver’s failure to yield or the city’s delay in fixing a known problem, you should not have to bear the cost alone.
Our attorneys at Giampa Law thoroughly investigate every detail of your case, including whether outdated infrastructure may have contributed to your accident. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable, and in certain cases, we may pursue claims against the city or third parties responsible for road maintenance or traffic control.
Let Giampa Law Protect Your Rights After an Accident
Construction on the Bailey Avenue project is expected to wrap up by fall. Once complete, this stretch of road will look and function very differently. And for Bronx families who walk, ride, or take transit every day, that transformation cannot come soon enough. Until then, the risk remains.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash on Bailey Avenue or anywhere in the Bronx, do not wait to learn about your legal rights and options. Contact Giampa Law today for a free consultation with an attorney who understands your community and will fight to hold the right parties accountable.
Your future matters. Let us help you protect it.
"I can’t thank Zachary Giampa and his incredible team—Mel and Jenny—enough for everything they’ve done for me over the past couple of years. They recently helped me settle my personal injury case for over six figures after I had to undergo a cervical disc replacement. The insurance company tried to get me to settle for less, but Zachary fought hard and made it happen—he got me exactly what I wanted and deserved. From start to finish, Zac was professional, supportive, and always available to guide me through every step—from finding the right doctors to getting the therapy I needed. He truly had my back and made sure I was taken care of. I would absolutely recommend Zac and his team to anyone needing legal help, and he’ll be the first person I call if I ever need a lawyer again. Thank you so much!" - Jordan P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐