The city will receive $ 298 million to encourage bicycle use thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law.
This was announced by the Democratic senator and Senate leader, Chuck Schumer, along with bicycle activists and elected officials.
These federal funds will be used to preserve, maintain, plan and expand bicycle infrastructure throughout the city.
Among the various organizations and political and social leaders that support investment in infrastructure to increase bicycle use is the Regional Plan, which posted a message on social media about Schumer’s announcement.
“Let’s build the infrastructure we need to keep pace with New York’s bike boom! ???? Thank you @SenSchumer for encouraging state and city leaders to spend federal infrastructure money on streets that are safer for cycling. Proud to be with you this morning, “the message reads.
Let’s build the infrastructure we need to keep up with New York’s bike boom! ???? Thank you @SenSchumer for encouraging state & city leaders to spend federal infrastructure money on safer streets for cycling. Proud to stand w/you this morning! pic.twitter.com/DaqjtAm7qd
– Regional Plan (@RegionalPlan) November 23, 2021
Among those attending the event were leaders of the food delivery movement who in recent weeks have been in direct contact with the influential senator.
Schumer has promised delivery drivers that some of the delivery drivers’ needs will be included among the best bike riders in town.
“For us, the funds that have been obtained are to save lives, we work seven days in storms with snowy rains, for us it is a huge change, because it is safety for everyone,” said Manny Ramírez, from Deliveristas Unidos.
Earlier, in another event with the deliveries a few days ago, in which the senator made the complete trip on a bicycle with a ‘deliverista’ who was delivering a food order, Shumer referred to some of these improvements.
“For example, they want small kiosks, small shelters where they can rest, go to the bathroom; money from infrastructure could be used for that. We would give it to the city and pressure the city to do it, “Schumer said, as quoted by The City.
In addition to the funds guaranteed by the infrastructure package that is already law once President Biden signed it, there is the possibility that more funds will come to the city as there is another package being negotiated.
This package also includes funds for infrastructure and has already been approved by the Lower House. It remains for the Senate to approve it.
Senator Schumer also referred to Tuesday’s event in a message on social media.
“I’ve been riding my bike around New York City for a long time. And I’m very proud of the changes we’re about to make,” Shumer wrote.
“With this infrastructure bill, we are getting tens of millions in federal funding to expand our bike infrastructure!”
I have been riding my bike around New York City for a long time. And I’m so proud of the changes we’re about to make.
With this infrastructure bill, we’re getting tens of millions in federal funds to expand our biking infrastructure! #BikeBoom pic.twitter.com/GFJ5Bb78Kp
– Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) November 23, 2021
One of the local political leaders attending the event was State Senator Mike Gianares, who mentioned the work of the ‘deliveristas’ among others who have contributed to the arrival of infrastructure funds.
“The new bike lanes on the Queensboro Bridge will make crossing the East River safer and improve our city!” Gianares wrote in a post on social media.
“Funding in the Fed’s infrastructure bill would not have been possible without the work of @TransAlt @ChuckSchumer #LosDeliveristas and tireless advocates,” added the senator.
New bike lanes on the Queensboro Bridge will make crossing the East River safer and change our city for the better!
Funding in the fed infrastructure bill would not have been possible w/o the work of @TransAlt @ChuckSchumer #LosDeliveristas and tireless advocates pic.twitter.com/x8qtOxW9Vn
— Sen. Mike Gianaris (@SenGianaris) November 23, 2021
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