New York City Releases Major Greenway Plan, Envisioning Greater Public Access to New York City’s Parks and Waterfront

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 13, 2025 Contact: (212) 839-4850, [email protected]

New York City Releases Major Greenway Plan, Envisioning Greater Public Access to New York City's Parks and Waterfront

Detailed Multi-Agency Report, Greater Greenways, Details Past Development of Greenways and Identifies Potential Locations for Future Expansion - As Well as Other Opportunities for Integrating Greenway Projects Into Transportation Planning

Under Adams Administration, Development of New Greenways - Designated Corridors for Cycling and Walking - Has Been a Major Priority

(Source: Greater Greenways Plan)

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC Parks Commissioner Iris-Rodriguez-Rosa and EDC Chief Infrastructure Officer Josh Krauss today joined elected officials to release Greater Greenways; the New York City Greenway Plan, a detailed plan for the expansion of the growing network of greenways across New York City. Greenways are continuous, multi-use corridors designed for human-powered and electric-assist transportation and recreation. Greenways are used for both transportation and recreation, increasing public access to parks and waterfront - and have become beloved by New Yorkers. Officials made the announcement along Manhattan's East River esplanade off of Midtown - opened in 2023 by the Adams administration - where they shared the plan's vision for future greenway development, with a dedicated focus on closing the gaps in the current network and extending greenway access to communities across the city.

"Public spaces create vibrant spaces where New Yorkers can move, play, and thrive, and our administration is committed to increasing access to public spaces like parks and waterfronts for every New Yorker," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "While it may be 'We Outside Summer,' our administration is making sure every neighborhood has a front-row seat to New York's beautiful outdoors all year long for generations to come."

"There's no better, safer, greener way to get around NYC than on a bike or by foot, surrounded by trees and with views of the water," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth. "But delivering these spaces is far from simple. My deep thanks to our parks and transportation departments, as well as the Economic Development Corporation, for collaboration on our vision for continued greenway growth."

"New Yorkers love their parks and waterfront - and greenways are the way they increasingly reach and enjoy these wonderful spaces," said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. "Unfortunately, for too long, cyclists and pedestrians have mostly found greenways adjacent to the city's wealthier neighborhoods. Under Mayor Adams, we have been reimagining public space and this has begun to change, including through the development of a greenway along the Harlem River waterfront in the Bronx. Greater Greenways is a plan that gives us a clear map for the road ahead - freshly paved and fun to walk and ride!"

"Our citywide network of greenways connects New Yorkers with their neighbors and with the great outdoors, providing safe and accessible places to work up a sweat or take a stroll, and to appreciate the beauty of the five boroughs," said NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. "We're proud of our work to maintain and expand this vital public resource, and we look forward to building on these efforts with our partners throughout city government to ensure that our greenway network continues to meet New Yorkers where they are, regardless of ZIP code."

"Our greenways are not only cherished public spaces for residents and visitors, but also crucial economic drivers across the city that facilitate safer and more efficient travel corridors - establishing connections to public amenities and commerce, and protecting communities from climate change," said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. "Growing up and riding my bike in New York City in the seventies and eighties, I never could have imagined the 500 miles of greenways we enjoy today. The Greater Greenways plan maps out an even more connected, equitable, and prosperous future for our city."

"Waterfront planning is never easy, but this expansion shows that when we all work together, we can deliver for our communities, especially underserved neighborhoods that have not had as much access to all the city's greenways have to offer," said Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice Executive Director Elijah Hutchinson. "Watching this network grow means eventually seeing more of the city connected to each other, so New Yorkers from every neighborhood can get out of their polluting cars and enjoy a better quality of life by enjoying more of the city's green spaces."

The greenway plan's development was required under Local Law 115 of 2022 and is the first such plan developed in over 30 years. The law required that NYC DOT and the Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), in conjunction with other relevant city agencies and entities, develop a plan that details the development of greenways in New York City. The plan also features detailed maps that display the status and current jurisdiction of greenways across the five boroughs.

The plan is divided into two chapters:

I. Greenways of Today:

The plan's first chapter presents the state of greenways in NYC today by defining and mapping the 506 miles of existing bicycle and pedestrian corridors. The plan then examines greenways' myriad benefits, including increasing transportation options, enhancing safety, encouraging active transportation, expanding access to green space, improving air quality, supporting economic growth, and creating new connections to job hubs and commercial districts.

The plan includes detailed maps that capture the 15 current systems and multiple jurisdictions overseeing the network, as well as current closures and detours.

II. Greenways of Tomorrow:

The second chapter outlines the plan's vision and goals. The plan's five main goals for future greenways are:

1. enhancing NYC's transportation network;
2. promoting social equity and accessibility;
3. supporting health and wellness,
4. fortifying environmental resilience;
5. fostering economic growth.

The plan identifies specific gaps in the city's existing greenway network and indicates work currently being done (particularly in the Bronx and Queens) to establish new corridors as well as potential new greenways. The plan allows New Yorkers for the first time to see more than 100 planned and underway greenway capital projects - providing unprecedented transparency for the network of the future. The plan also summarizes design features that ensure the greenway network can be accessible to all users.

Greater Greenways builds upon the five outer-borough greenway planning corridors announced by Mayor Adams in 2023 and the Harlem River Greenway which began implementation in the Bronx earlier this year. Learn more about NYC's greenways at nyc.gov/greenways.

"Expanding our greenway network will not only connect more Bronxites to our parks, waterfront, and job centers, but it will also promote healthier lifestyles, improve air quality, and create safer, more sustainable transportation options for all," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "At the forefront of this plan is ensuring every community, from Hunts Point to Riverdale, can benefit from the beauty and vitality of our borough's parks and greenways. I want to thank NYC Parks, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the NYC Economic Development Corporation for their work on this initiative and for prioritizing our city`s green spaces."

"Creating a fully connected Manhattan Waterfront Greenway around the perimeter of the borough has been one of my top priorities for years. I'm glad to see that this plan lays out the steps to make that vision a reality by closing critical gaps in our waterfront greenway network," said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. "The more than 500 miles of existing greenway citywide detailed in this report are a vital component of our urban infrastructure, and I look forward to seeing the network expanded so that New Yorkers in more neighborhoods can access green space for transportation and recreation alike."

"Planning makes our city better, and I am very excited to see the release of a citywide greenway plan that expands Brooklyn's greenway connections," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. "Thank you to NYC DOT, NYC Parks, and EDC for releasing the Greater Greenways: New York City Greenway Plan which puts forth a vision to close Brooklyn's waterfront gaps and explore new means of connect existing greenways. I look forward to working together to realizing these improvements for our borough."

"Greater Greenways; the New York City Greenway Plan is a comprehensive document that expertly outlines what needs to be done to effectively expand and enhance our city's greenways," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "I am very pleased with the work currently being done in Queens to expand our borough's greenway network, and I look forward to additional work being undertaken as part of the implementation of the plan. I congratulate everyone at DOT, NYC Parks, and EDC for their great work on this plan, and I look forward to continuing to work with them and with all stakeholders in furthering our efforts to improve our city's greenway network."

"As co-prime sponsor of Local Law 115 of 2022, which required the creation of this plan, I am proud to see the city's first comprehensive greenway plan in more than 30 years come to fruition," said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "Greenways are more than pathways - they are vital connectors that open access to parks and waterfronts, promote active transportation, strengthen climate resilience, and improve quality of life. This plan will help close gaps in our greenway network and ensure that communities like Southeast Queens - too often left behind - can share in the health, environmental, and economic benefits greenways provide."

"For the first time in over 30 years, New York City has a cohesive, citywide vision for its greenway network, which centers equity, accountability, and community," said Councilmember Carlina Rivera. "With this plan, we're not just building bike paths or walking trails - we're investing in public health, climate resilience, and the daily joy of being able to move through a healthier and more connected city. I'm proud to have championed this legislation alongside dedicated transportation advocates and look forward to seeing it improve communities across the five boroughs,"

"For the families I represent, New York City greenways create safer, healthier ways to live and connect. I've spoken with parents who want their children to have safe routes from school, seniors who want walkable spaces near home, and working-class residents who need dependable routes to bike to work and maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Councilmember and Majority Leader Amanda Farías. "We want New Yorkers to be active, healthy and engaged in their communities. That's why, as the chair of the Committee on Economic Development, I saw the need to prioritize greenway infrastructure. The Harlem River Greenway is already making significant progress- I'm eager to see this momentum continue and expand across the five boroughs, because investments like these make the biggest difference in cities as busy and diverse as ours."  

"Throughout my tenure on the City Council, I have proudly supported the expansion of greenways across our city," said Councilmember Keith Powers. "Greenways connect our communities, open up our waterfronts, and provide New Yorkers with more opportunities to enjoy our great city. I applaud the efforts of the DOT, Parks, and EDC in creating a plan that brings this vision to life, and I'm excited to see these projects come to fruition as part of a greener, more connected New York City."

"Regional Plan Association (RPA) is proud to support the release of Greater Greenways: New York City Greenway Plan," said Tiffany-Ann Taylor, vice president of transportation at RPA. "For many years throughout its 100+ year history, RPA has been a meaningful and impactful advocate for sustainable and diverse transportation options like greenways. Doubling as a benefit for recreation, greenways are a great way to increase access to parks and New York City's extensive waterfront. The Greenway Plan's vision and goals are in direct alignment with that of our long-range planning document, the Fourth Regional Plan. In it, we offer specific recommendations to promote inclusive growth that would bring shared prosperity, equity, improved health and sustainability for the region."

"The release of The NYC Greenway Plan marks a transformative step toward a safer, healthier, and more connected New York City," said Ken Podziba, CEO of Bike New York. "By charting a clear course to close critical gaps in the greenway network and expand access across all five boroughs, this plan puts people-powered transportation at the forefront and ensures that New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds can ride, recreate, and thrive safely on two wheels. We applaud the administration's continued commitment to investing in underserved neighborhoods and building a truly citywide greenway system that benefits every community. We're excited to partner on the implementation of this bold vision and to help even more New Yorkers embrace cycling as a way of life."

"We are thrilled to see New York City take this major step forward with the release of the Greenway Master Plan," said Aila Soomro, deputy director for NYC Policy for the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV). "Transforming our city's patchwork of greenways into a unified, citywide network will make New York more equitable, sustainable, and connected - especially for historically underserved communities that need and deserve better access to open space and clean transportation. The New York League of Conservation Voters applauds DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, and EDC's Chief Infrastructure Officer Josh Kraus for their leadership and vision in shaping a healthier, more resilient city for all New Yorkers."

"The release of the New York City Greenway Plan is a momentous occasion for the city, and especially for any New Yorker who walks, bikes or rolls for recreation or transportation or enjoys the outdoors, fresh air, and green space," said Eric McClure, executive director, StreetsPAC. "The plan is a comprehensive look at the state of greenways today, and a crucial roadmap for the expansion and completion of a robust future greenway network. We're grateful to Council Members Carlina Rivera and Selvena Brooks-Powers for championing the legislation that led to the Greenway Plan, to NYC DOT and the Parks Department and EDC for their work in developing the plan, and to our partners in the NYC Greenways Coalition, whose advocacy was essential in bringing through Greenway Plan to fruition."

"This plan has the power to transform how all New Yorkers breathe, move, and connect," said Corey Hannigan, active transportation program manager at Tri-State Transportation Campaign. "The beautiful, tree-lined greenways on the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts are essential infrastructure for New Yorkers looking to escape the heat, noise, exhaust, and speeds of busy streets. It's high-time that families in the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island had similar access in their own neighborhoods. Expanding our city's greenway network is a crucial investment in low-income and historically marginalized communities -- especially kids and seniors - who deserve equal access to safe places to walk, bike, and simply enjoy nature."

"The release of the Greater Greenways Plan is a long-overdue and welcome step toward building a truly citywide greenway network that serves all New Yorkers," said Adam Ganser, executive director, New Yorkers for Parks. "For the first time, the plan maps agency jurisdiction across hundreds of miles of greenway corridors and makes clear where city parks and other agencies share responsibility. That kind of transparency is essential for coordinated investment, long-term planning, and equitable maintenance."

"To become a truly world-class cycling city, we need a high-quality connected bike lane network - that means filling the gaps in the existing greenways, and building more greenways across the five boroughs," said Ben Furnas, executive director, Transportation Alternatives. "That's why we're excited about the launch of the NYC Greenway Plan. This plan allows New Yorkers to see what's in progress and what's being planned, so that we can work toward the goal of everyone being able to easily get around our great city by bike."

"The Greater Greenways Plan is a pivotal step in the creation of a safe, continuous, citywide greenway network for New York City," said Sofia Barandiaran, New York & New Jersey manager, East Coast Greenway Alliance. "This network will transform lives and bring New Yorkers closer together, linking neighborhoods to each other and to long-distance corridors like the Maine-to-Florida East Coast Greenway. The East Coast Greenway Alliance applauds Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Brooks-Powers, and all the co-sponsors of Local Law 115 which catalyzed this plan, as well as the staff and advocates who have brought their passion and hard work to make it a reality. We look forward to seeing the greenway network be maintained and grow, bringing with it deep benefits to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities from across the five boroughs."

"Representing more than 45 organizations across New York City, the coalition sees a better greenway system as an important solution to so many societal needs: equity, safety, mobility, health, and climate resilience," said Hunter Armstrong, co-chair of NYC Greenways Coalition and executive director of Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. "We view the release of the Greater Greenways plan as a necessary step toward a more complete and equitable greenway network for all New Yorkers. We thank Councilmembers Carlina Rivera and Selvena Brooks-Powers for sponsoring the Greenways Plan legislation in 2022, and NYC Department of Transportation with NYC Parks and Economic Development Corporation for creating this plan. We will be working with you to make sure this and other greenway plans are implemented, and New Yorkers can soon enjoy more, greater greenways."