A Continuous Walk Around Manhattan? NYC’s New 40-Mile Greenway Expansion Could Make It Happen

Imagine biking from Staten Island to the Bronx without having to dodge traffic or walking a full loop around Manhattan’s waterfront without once stepping onto a street? That’s the bold vision behind NYC’s “Greater Greenways” plan, the city’s first master plan for its greenway network in more than 30 years. Unveiled Wednesday, August 15th by the NYC Department of Transportation and NYC Parks, the proposal promises 40 new miles of car-free paths across the five boroughs, creating a greener, safer, and more connected city for everyone. Closing the Gaps in NYC’s 500-Mile Network ------------------------------------------ NYC already boasts 506 miles of greenways, but many are disconnected, forcing cyclists and walkers into busy streets. The plan outlines six priority corridors to bridge these gaps, including: * Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway — connecting 20+ neighborhoods from Greenpoint to Sheepshead Bay * Queens Waterfront — linking Long Island City, Astoria, East Elmhurst, and College Point * Jamaica Bay Greenway — adding 28 miles along the waterfront in southern Queens * Manhattan Waterfront Greenway — completing the loop around the island * Harlem River Greenway — expanding in the Bronx from Van Cortlandt Park to Randall’s Island * Staten Island North Shore Greenway — 10 miles between the Goethals and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges Construction on some projects could start as early as 2028, but officials have yet to set a full timeline or budget. NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated: > This is about equity, climate resilience, and quality of life. Having access to greenways is not a privilege — it’s a human right. NYC Mayor Eric Adams echoed that sentiment, stating “Every neighborhood should have a front-row seat to New York’s outdoors all year long.” Why The Greater Greenways Plan Matters -------------------------------------- Greenways aren’t just scenic routes. According to the plan, they: * Provide safe, car-free connections between neighborhoods * Reduce air pollution and improve public health * Boost local economies by directing people to parks, shops, and waterfront attractions * Make the city more climate-resilient, protecting communities from flooding and extreme heat If the plan is fully realized, New Yorkers from Staten Island to the Bronx could enjoy a seamless network of paths for commuting, exercising, or simply soaking up the skyline. What’s Next for NYC’s Greenways? -------------------------------- While some of the 100+ projects identified are already underway, others remain in the planning stage. Advocates say the key will be securing funding and political will, along with keeping the public engaged. Transportation Alternatives’ Ben Furnas stated: > This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink how we move around our city. If we get it right, future New Yorkers will wonder how we ever lived without it. For now, the Greater Greenways plan is just a blueprint–but it’s certainly a bold one. But if the Greater Greenways plan succeeds, it could become one of NYC’s most iconic features. Source: https://secretnyc.co/greater-greenways-plan-nyc/